30 May Rachel SmithSLE Specialisms: Phonics, Reading and Computing
Rachel is an Assistant headteacher with experience of teaching across the primary phase. She currently leads on reading, phonics, computing and SEN. The a majority of her teaching experience is in EYFS and key stage 1, but she has also taught regularly in Key Stage 2. She is a Hackney Learning trust moderator for Key Stage 1 and has worked with colleagues at all levels to ensure rapid school improvement.
At her current school she has introduced a reading pathway which supports reading progression from nursery right through to challenging children who are reading at greater depth within the expected standard at the end of Year 6. With careful planning, staff have regular CPD which is tailored to their individual needs through model lessons and bespoke coaching. This ensures that staff at all levels are supported to become excellent practitioners.
She has supported new leaders in reading, phonics and computing in running joint learning walks, monitoring of books and thinking of innovative ways to adapt provision to meet the needs of all learners. She has given feedback to head teachers and governors about agreed actions that have arisen from the support.
She has delivered training sessions to Newly Qualified Teachers as part of the Hackney NQT program on using technology and social media in the classroom to raise standards in all subjects and to promote online safety. As part of the Primary Advantage Federation, she has worked with teams of teachers across the schools to embed technology into the classroom, teaching computer science and also in reading assessment.