Afreen Sonday
Fujairah ,UAE
Summary
Dedicated and reflective Elementary Teacher with experience teaching Grade R and Grade 1 across American and CAPS-aligned curricula. Skilled in Talk for Writing, curriculum planning, and differentiation to support diverse and ELL learners. Experienced in working within high-expectation school environments, engaging in weekly professional development, coaching, and observations to continuously improve practice. Committed to creating nurturing, well-managed classrooms that promote strong early literacy, numeracy, and learner independence.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Grade 1 Teacher
Diyar Private Academy Early Years & Girls Dibba
Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
2025.08 - Current
- Planned and delivered engaging Grade 1 lessons aligned with the American Curriculum, ensuring strong progression in English, Maths, and cross-curricular learning.
- Served as Grade Planner for Talk for Writing (English), leading the design, sequencing, and consistency of lessons across the grade.
- Implemented Talk for Writing strategies to develop learners’ speaking, reading, and writing skills through structured imitation, innovation, and independent application.
- Participated in weekly Elementary and whole-school professional development, applying effective teaching strategies and current best practices in the classroom.
- Engaged in weekly coaching cycles and lesson observations, reflecting on feedback to maintain high teaching standards and continuous improvement.
- Differentiated instruction to support ELL learners and varying ability levels, ensuring inclusive and accessible learning experiences.
- Used ongoing formative assessment to track learner progress and adapt instruction to meet diverse learning needs.
- Created a positive, well-managed classroom environment that promoted learner independence, collaboration, and confidence.
- Collaborated closely with grade-level teams and leadership to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment across the curriculum.
- Communicated effectively with parents and caregivers, providing clear updates on learner progress and development.
Grade R Teacher
Nigel Secondary School
Johannesburg , South Africa
2025.01 - 2025.07
- Planned and delivered age-appropriate Grade R lessons aligned with the CAPS curriculum.
- Developed engaging lesson plans by applying knowledge of educational theories and methods.
- Adjusted teaching methods according to individual student's needs, ensured inclusive learning environment.
- Created a stimulating, inclusive classroom environment that encouraged play-based learning, curiosity, and independence.
- Attended monthly departmental training and professional development workshops, implementing new strategies and policy updates in classroom practice.
Private Tuition of All Subjects for Foundation Phase
CAPE TOWN, South Africa
2023.08 - 2024.12
- Tutored Grade 1-3 students in fundamental language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, reading, speaking, listening, and writing.
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance students' language comprehension and communication abilities.
- Implemented interactive activities to foster a supportive learning environment and encourage active participation.
- Monitored and assessed student progress, providing personalized feedback and strategies for improvement.
Internship
Micklefield School
Cape Town, South Africa
2024.01 - 2024.12
- Created and delivered Grade 2 Life Skills lessons fostering student engagement and learning.
- Designed and taught Grade 3 Life Skills lessons ensuring curriculum alignment and student understanding.
- Developed comprehensive Life Skills assessments and completed detailed report comments for Grade 3 students.
- Co-taught Grade 3 Mathematics with the class teacher, focusing on assigned topics every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
- Observed and documented class teacher lessons, noting various teaching strategies and classroom management techniques throughout the year.
- Participated in weekly staff development sessions every Friday after school, contributing to continuous professional growth.
- Attended staff development courses outside of regular school hours, enhancing instructional skills and knowledge.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
Education
National Senior Certificate - Afrikaans (FAL), English (HL), Mathematics, Biology, History, Consumer Studies, Life Orientation
The Settlers High School
Cape Town 2014.01 - 2018.12
Bachelor of Education - Mathematics, Professional Ethics, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Educational Psychology, Physical Education, Educational Research, Inclusive Education, Handwriting
The IIE Varsity College
Cape Town 2020.01 - 2023.12
Diploma in English as a Foreign Language - undefined
i-to-i TEFL
2020.01 - 2020.07
Skills
- Classroom management
- Adaptability
- Communication skills
- Problem Solving
- Calm under pressure
- Adaptable teaching styles
- Classroom technology use
- Patience and resilience
NATIONALITY
South African
Beginner
English
Native
REFERENCES
- Elize, Bosman, Lecturer, 072 810 4395, The IIE Varsity College
- Siobhan, Duffy, Lecturer, 082 665 1769, The IIE Varsity College
- Jacki, Steffen, Grade 3 class teacher, 078 374 6702, Micklefield School
- Emma, Meredith, Grade 2 class teacher, 084 237 6397, Micklefield School
- Debbie, Nunneley, Grade 1 class teacher, 083 784 6037, Micklefield School
PRACTICAL TEACHING EXPERIENCE
- 2021
- 2 weeks’ observation and practice teaching at Pinelands Primary School
- 2022
- 3 weeks Observation at Hidayatul Islam (May)
- 4 weeks Practice teaching at Hidayatul Islam (August- September)
- 2023
- 4-week observation at Rustenburg Girls Junior School (May)
- 5 weeks’ practice teaching at Rustenburg Girls Junior School (August-September)
Affiliations
- Interests include outdoor activities, nature, and adventurous pursuits, as well as spending quality time with family and close friends.
Certification
United Arab Emirates- Recognition of Certificate
Attestation of Degree and Marriage Certificate
SAQA verification of Degree
SACE Registration
Timeline
Grade 1 Teacher
Diyar Private Academy Early Years & Girls Dibba
2025.08 - Current
Grade R Teacher
Nigel Secondary School
2025.01 - 2025.07
Internship
Micklefield School
2024.01 - 2024.12
Private Tuition of All Subjects for Foundation Phase
2023.08 - 2024.12
Bachelor of Education - Mathematics, Professional Ethics, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Educational Psychology, Physical Education, Educational Research, Inclusive Education, Handwriting
The IIE Varsity College
2020.01 - 2023.12
Diploma in English as a Foreign Language - undefined
i-to-i TEFL
2020.01 - 2020.07
National Senior Certificate - Afrikaans (FAL), English (HL), Mathematics, Biology, History, Consumer Studies, Life Orientation
The Settlers High School
2014.01 - 2018.12