Holly Mckenna
Dubai,UAE
Summary
I’m an educator with lots of experience working across different year groups and managing diverse classrooms. I genuinely love working with children and find it incredibly rewarding to see them grow, develop, and achieve their milestones, big or small. I focus strongly on student wellbeing and creating inclusive, supportive learning environments where every child feels valued. I enjoy adapting my teaching to suit individual learning needs, helping students build confidence and improve their academic outcomes.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Primary Teacher
Uptown International School
Dubai, UAE
2025.08 - Current
- Provided and plan support for Level one, two and three SEN students, enhancing their academic journey and meeting person targets.
- Plan clear objectives for each lesson to ensure understanding of topics covered following the IB Curriculum.
- Evaluated student academic progress using summative, AFL strategies, and formative assessment to support individual learning targets.
- Cultivated welcoming, positive classroom environment, encouraging children to express opinions, thoughts and feelings.
- Planned lessons based on students interests and curiosity.
- Managed classroom behaviour with consistent disciplinary guidelines, maintaining positive learning environment.
- Collaborated in curriculum development, keeping content relevant and engaging.
- Built strong parent-teacher relationships to better understand student needs.
Grade 3 Phase Leader
Uptown International School
Dubai
2024.08 - 2025.08
- Established high expectations for staff to cultivate a professional teaching environment.
- Implemented new curriculum guidelines, enhancing academic performance.
- Created a safe learning environment prioritising student safety and comfort.
- Fostered positive relationships with parents through regular communication and meetings.
- Devised strategic plans that significantly improved student achievement levels.
- Oversaw teaching and wellbeing of 104 students, ensuring comprehensive care.
- Maintained rigorous student safeguarding practices, optimising pupil wellbeing.
- Monitored and evaluated school performance metrics to enhance overall ratings.
Kindergarten and Grade 1 Phase Leader.
Uptown International School
Dubai
2023.08 - 2024.08
- Attended professional development sessions to stay updated with latest teaching methodologies.
- Managed parental concerns professionally whilst maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents to improve communication regarding child progress.
- Led team meetings effectively to discuss developmental concerns or improvements in teaching strategies.
- Collaborated with staff members to create engaging lesson plans, enhancing child development.
- Conducted employee training sessions ensure high quality Read, Write Ink literacy lessons.
- Created a Grade school improvement plan based on inspection report.
- Supported 7 teachers and 7 LSA's to ensure high quality teaching.
Kindergarten Phase Leader
Uptown International Schoolk
Dubai
2021.08 - 2023.08
- Developed and implemented play-based learning initiatives across classrooms.
- Trained and supported teachers to effectively integrate play into learning activities.
- Enhanced learning environments to promote high-quality educational experiences.
- Led and monitored Read Write Inc. programme for over 120 students, providing weekly staff training.
- Created a safe and engaging environment for students to thrive.
- Monitor and track students against the IB curriculum, supporting SEN, G&T and induvial student's needs.
- Assessed and promoted high-quality teaching and learning.
- Developed a change in the curriculum and supported a hybrid between IB scope and sequence and National Curriculum.
- Guided a team through inspection, resulting in improved departmental grading.
Primary Teacher
Fife Council
Fife
2020.08 - 2021.06
- Established an engaging classroom environment through interactive learning activities.
- Monitored student progress to ensure academic targets were met consistently.
- Tailored teaching methods to accommodate individual learning needs, promoting inclusivity.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design entertaining lessons aligned with Scottish Curriculum.
- Participated in school events to enhance community spirit among students and staff.
- Conducted meetings with parents to effectively support children's educational needs.
- Created a safe and supportive classroom atmosphere for optimal student engagement.
- Ensured availability of resources to assist all learners effectively.
Teaching Learning Assistant
Dundee City Council
Dundee
2018.07 - 2020.06
- Successfully implemented lesson plans in collaboration with teaching staff.
- Facilitated interactive sessions that boosted academic performance.
- Prepared educational materials tailored to individual learning needs.
- Provided one-to-one support for struggling students to enhance comprehension.
- Planned and delivered interventions for Primary 1 to Primary 7 students.
- Supported positive behaviour management strategies among students.
Youth Worker
Ormiston
Dundee
2013.03 - 2019.07
- Established strong rapport with youths through regular, open conversations.
- Coordinated educational programmes to enhance critical thinking skills.
- Designed termly plans in alignment with community interests.
- Supported children in disadvantaged areas by providing targeted resources.
- Organised agencies to deliver engaging sessions for youths.
Education
Postgraduate Degree - Primary Eduction
University Of Aberdeen
Aberdeen 2019.08 - 2020.06
Bachelor of Arts - Community Learning and Development
University of Dundee
Dundee 2015.08 - 2019.06
Skills
- Promoting inclusivity and diversity
- Students progress monitoring
- Providing constructive feedback
- Proficiency in phonics teaching
- Teaching multilingual students
- Special education integration
Timeline
Primary Teacher
Uptown International School
2025.08 - Current
Grade 3 Phase Leader
Uptown International School
2024.08 - 2025.08
Kindergarten and Grade 1 Phase Leader.
Uptown International School
2023.08 - 2024.08
Kindergarten Phase Leader
Uptown International Schoolk
2021.08 - 2023.08
Primary Teacher
Fife Council
2020.08 - 2021.06
Postgraduate Degree - Primary Eduction
University Of Aberdeen
2019.08 - 2020.06
Teaching Learning Assistant
Dundee City Council
2018.07 - 2020.06
Bachelor of Arts - Community Learning and Development
University of Dundee
2015.08 - 2019.06
Youth Worker
Ormiston
2013.03 - 2019.07