The ‘5 minutes with’ series brings you interviews with our freelance partners from all sectors of the company. This week focuses on Ann, one of our specialist mentors. We wanted to share a better look at what life is like as a support professional and the passion our freelancers bring to the team.

What is your role and how long have you been doing it?

I have been working with Clarion UK since 2016. I have a variety of roles. I am a qualified teacher of the Deaf and have been working in mainstream education since my twenties supporting Deaf students. I am also a qualified Educational Psychologist and I have also qualified as a dyslexia tutor and specialist mentor.  I have recently trained as a dyslexia assessor.

What is it like supporting students?

Working with my students is wonderful. I really believe that teaching, like nursing, is a vocation. You have really got to love your students and want the very best for them – learn to understand them and give them the time to talk and feel at ease with you as only then can you help them the most. When they know you really care about them it makes an immense difference. Many have been told throughout school that they are failures or can’t achieve anything.

My commitment is not a one-hour slot in the timetable but an ongoing relationship of constant support and care. I can honestly say that I would do anything for my students to help them succeed and be happy independent individuals.

What is your motivation?

I am still in contact with students I first supported in 2016. My sole motivation is their academic success, happiness in all areas of their life, the ability to overcome their barriers, feel worthwhile and know that they can succeed.

What is one piece of advice you would give to other support professionals?

I see my role as multi-faceted. Not just as an educational role but as a guiding and caring hand throughout the rough and tumble of life and all it throws at them. Teaching must be holistic.  You cannot support learning when students are anxious or upset and the overall welfare of my students is paramount to successful support.  They have access to me whenever they need, and I build strong relationships with them all.

If you would like to take part in our ‘5 minutes with’ series or have any questions about joining our freelance network, please get in touch with Chloe – chloe@clarion-uk.com