Children's literature & reading
Haneen Al-Saffar
Dubai,
Summary
Accomplished Primary Teacher and Middle Leader with over eight years of experience across the UK and Dubai, combining strong English National Curriculum foundations with extensive IB PYP experience. Three years’ experience as Director of Learning for English, alongside previous leadership of Design & Technology and Rights Respecting Schools. A proven curriculum leader with strengths in raising standards, developing engaging learning experiences and embedding inclusive practice. Experienced across KS2/Upper Primary, with particular expertise in English, curriculum development, SEN provision and inquiry-led learning. Passionate about creating ambitious, inclusive classrooms where every child is challenged, supported and empowered to succeed.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Primary Teacher
GEMS World Academy
08.2023 - Current
- Establish positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues and school leaders.
- Planned engaging lessons using assessment data to adjust instruction and strengthen student understanding.
- Use collaborative learning, modelling, explicit instruction and positive reinforcement to support progress.
- Design presentations, visual aids and differentiated resources to enhance learning.
- Drove measurable improvements in reading attainment through data-informed teaching and targeted intervention, with 90% of pupils increasing their Accelerated Reader ZPD and the cohort’s average upper reading range rising from 4.7 to 6.1.
- Monitor attendance, punctuality, behaviour and wellbeing in line with school policies.
- Mentor and support colleagues, sharing effective classroom and behaviour-management strategies.
- Advocate for student wellbeing and refer pupils to appropriate support where required.
- Implemented data-driven teaching methods to track progress and adjust lesson plans for maximum effectiveness.
- Designed differentiated primary curriculum aligned with inquiry-based learning standards and student development goals.
- Collaborated with grade-level teams to coordinate curriculum delivery and share effective teaching strategies.
- Monitored student progress through formative assessments, maintaining accurate records and learning profiles.
- Communicated regularly with parents to discuss achievement, concerns, and individualised support plans.
- Integrated technology and interactive resources to enhance participation and reinforce core concepts.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices and offering guidance on classroom management techniques.
Director of Learning for Language (English Lead)
GEMS World Academy
07.2023 - 07.2026
- Lead English across Primary, supporting curriculum implementation from EY to Grade 5.
- Improved reading attainment through targeted, data-informed teaching, with 53% of pupils increasing their NGRT Standard Age Score between September and May and the cohort mean rising from 98.1 to 98.8.
- Led and developed English teachers through training, workshops, performance review and constructive feedback.
- Designed coaching cycles to strengthen teaching practice and classroom consistency across grade levels.
- Used attainment and assessment data to identify gaps across Primary, implementing targeted literacy strategies that strengthened pupil progress and reading outcomes.
- Led lesson observations and provided developmental feedback to strengthen teaching practice.
- Promoted a culture of reading through whole-school initiatives, book clubs and literary events.
- Collaborated with SEN leadership to tailor English provision and support inclusive practice.
- Integrated technology and interdisciplinary learning into English provision.
- Represented English in meetings with parents, senior leaders and KHDA.
- Coordinated curriculum review processes to ensure alignment, rigor, and continuity in learning pathways.
- Supported accreditation readiness by organising evidence, documentation, and continuous improvement actions.
- Implemented learning initiatives that improved teacher effectiveness and strengthened academic programs.
- Implemented a system to track employee progress in training programs, allowing for data-driven decision-making regarding future offerings.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry trends by attending conferences, workshops, and networking events.
- Enhanced employee performance by developing and implementing comprehensive learning programs.
Primary Class Teacher
Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary School
09.2018 - 07.2023
- Held additional leadership responsibilities as Design & Technology Subject Lead and Rights Respecting Schools Co-ordinator.
- Created and monitored support plans for children with SEN and deployed teaching assistants effectively.
- Delivered engaging, motivational lessons matched to pupils' interests, needs and prior attainment.
- Used assessment outcomes to adapt teaching, set future targets and develop individualised learning programmes.
- Designed effective classroom displays and working walls to support independent learning.
- Communicated pupil progress clearly and professionally with parents.
- Organised learning resources, school events, outings and enrichment activities.
- Maintained high expectations for behaviour, safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.
Primary Supply Teacher
CER
01.2018 - 09.2018
- Adapted quickly to different schools, year groups, subjects and classroom environments.
- Delivered lessons in line with the National Curriculum and school expectations.
- Managed behaviour effectively to maintain positive, safe learning environments.
- Worked closely with class teachers and school leaders to understand current learning and lesson requirements.
Grade 2 Teacher
Al Mawakeb School
08.2017 - 12.2017
- Prepared creative teaching materials and lesson plans to motivate and engage students.
- Taught subject-specific content, learning strategies and social/citizenship skills.
- Provided clear marking and constructive feedback on classwork and homework.
- Communicated student progress to parents and maintained a professional, learning-focused classroom.
Education
BA (Hons) - Primary Education with QTS
University of Sunderland
United Kingdom07-2017
Skills
- Curriculum & English Leadership
- IB PYP & Inquiry-Led Learning
- KS2 / Upper Primary Practice
- Inclusive Education & SEN
- Assessment & Data-Informed Practice
- Instructional Coaching & Mentoring
- Curriculum Design & Development
- Safeguarding & Pupil Wellbeing
- Educational Technology
- Parent & Community Engagement
- Differentiation & Targeted Intervention
- Staff Development & Collaboration
Interests
Health, fitness & wellbeing
Travel & cultural experiences
Performing arts & theatre
Creative design & digital content creation
Sport & extra-curricular activities
ADDITIONAL EXPERTISE
- Digital Learning & Educational Technology: Confidently integrates technology to enhance teaching, learning and assessment, with experience using Microsoft Teams, digital learning platforms and a range of educational technology tools.
- Inclusive Education & SEN: Experienced in supporting pupils with a range of additional learning needs, including developing individualised support plans, implementing targeted interventions and adapting provision to promote access, progress and independence.
- Leadership & Collaboration: Experienced in leading curriculum development, working collaboratively with teachers and support staff, and deploying adults strategically to maximise pupil progress and ensure individual learner needs are met.
- International SEN Experience: Worked at a specialist summer camp in the USA supporting children and young people with additional needs, developing practical experience of inclusive provision, personalised support and promoting independence.
Timeline
Primary Teacher
GEMS World Academy
08.2023 - Current
Director of Learning for Language (English Lead)
GEMS World Academy
07.2023 - 07.2026
Primary Class Teacher
Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary School
09.2018 - 07.2023
Primary Supply Teacher
CER
01.2018 - 09.2018
Grade 2 Teacher
Al Mawakeb School
08.2017 - 12.2017
BA (Hons) - Primary Education with QTS
University of Sunderland