Cooking
Portia Madlala
Learning Support Teacher
Shanghai,China
Summary
I am a passionate and dedicated Learning Support Teacher with over six years of international experience, specializing in supporting students with diverse learning needs. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and a PGCE from the University of Cumbria, along with specialized certifications in Special Educational Needs (SEND). My teaching philosophy focuses on creating a holistic, supportive learning environment where every child is given the opportunity to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. I am committed to collaboration with colleagues and parents to promote the well-being and growth of students.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
Learning Support Teacher
Wellington College
8 2022 - Current
- Support students with diverse learning needs in Year 1 and Year 2, including planning, assessment, and record keeping
- Provide interventions for students in literacy and numeracy
- Co-teach Public Speaking CCA (2023–Present), helping students develop effective communication skills
- Lead Cold Kitchen CCA (Sep 2022–Present), an extracurricular activity focusing on cooking and life skills
- Work closely with parents and teachers to assess progress and provide targeted support
- Run morning reading and handwriting interventions for students who need additional academic support
Homeroom English Teacher
Nanjing Wits Town HighScope Kindergarten
08.2020 - 08.2022
- Taught English to young learners (Ages 3–5) in an immersive English-language environment
- Created engaging, language-rich activities to stimulate cognitive and language development
- Organized summer and winter camps, promoting language learning through fun, hands-on activities
ESL Teacher
American Eagle
10.2019 - 08.2020
- Taught English to children aged 4–12, creating interactive lessons to keep students engaged
- Led winter and summer camps and online classes
- Collaborated with colleagues to design creative activities that promoted language development
ESL Teacher
Scholastic
09.2018 - 09.2019
- Supported language development for non-native speakers by providing one-on-one tutoring sessions tailored to individual needs.
- Increased student proficiency in English by creating engaging and interactive classroom activities.
- Conducted WeChat video calls to provide feedback and support to students outside of class time
- Educated students in basics of English grammar and conversational speaking.
- Achieved higher student retention rates by developing strong rapport and maintaining open communication with both students and parents.
Education
Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) -
University of Cumbria
United Kingdom 08.2021 - 07.2022
Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Environmental Science
Rhodes University
South Africa 02.2008 - 04.2012
Skills
Student Well-Being
Differentiated Instruction
Collaboration
Organizational Skills
Phonics Instruction
Intervention
Cross-Cultural Competence
Health and Safety Regulations
Adaptive strategies
Social integration
Group and individual instruction
Excellent classroom management
References
- Wellington College, Shanghai, Giselle Slade, Head of Learning Support, +86 15001724731, giselle.slade@wellingtoncollege.cn
- Wellington College, Shanghai, Brendon Fulton, Master, +86 21 51853866, brendon.fulton@wellingtoncollege.cn
- Nanjing Wits Town HighScope Kindergarten, Nanjing, Jenny, Head of English, xuxiaoli@ambrightgroup.com
- American Eagle, Nanjing, Emily, Vice-Principal, emily.dai@eagletw.cn
- Scholastic, Xuzhou, Liz Sun, Principal, Liz_scholastic@163.com
Certifications and Courses
- Read Write Inc. Phonics Teacher Certification (Year 1-3)
- UCL Institute of Education Certifications: Dyslexia & Specific Learning Difficulties, Dyscalculia & Mathematical Learning Difficulties, Communication & Interaction: Speech, Language & Communication Needs, Social, Emotional & Mental Health Needs, Sensory & Physical Needs: Developmental Coordination Disorder
- UDL Explore Certificate — Harvard Graduate School of Education
- Whiterose Maths: Concrete, Pictorial, and Abstract Methods (CPD)
- Foundation: An Evidence-Based Approach to Great Teaching — Great Teaching Toolkit
- Safeguarding & Duty Courses (TES, 2022): Health & Safety, Child Protection, First Aid Essentials
- Pediatric First Aid Awareness Certificate (2023/2024)
- Supporting Children to Deal with Upsetting Content
- Child Protection & Safeguarding for Staff in International Schools — National College
- Curriculum Planning: English Curriculum Hub — Wellington College (2024-2025), Maths Curriculum Hub — Wellington College (2023-2024)
Interests
Hiking
Trx workouts
Spending time at the beach
Timeline
Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) -
University of Cumbria
08.2021 - 07.2022
Homeroom English Teacher
Nanjing Wits Town HighScope Kindergarten
08.2020 - 08.2022
ESL Teacher
American Eagle
10.2019 - 08.2020
ESL Teacher
Scholastic
09.2018 - 09.2019
Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Environmental Science
Rhodes University
02.2008 - 04.2012
Learning Support Teacher
Wellington College
8 2022 - Current
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