Details
Skills
Professional Skills
Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education
Classroom Management
Literacy and Phonics Instruction
Guided Reading
Numeracy and Mathematics Teaching
STEM Education
English Language Arts
Science and Social Studies Instruction
Inquiry-Based Learning
Differentiated Instruction
Play-Based Learning
Lesson and Curriculum Planning
British National Curriculum
International Primary Curriculum (IPC)
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Student Assessment and Progress Monitoring
Behaviour Management
Child Safeguarding and Protection
Student Wellbeing Support
Inclusive Education
English Language Learner (ELL) Support
Global Citizenship Education
Sustainability Education
Service Learning
Parent Communication and Partnership
Educational Leadership
Curriculum Coordination
Classroom Organisation and Learning Environment Setup
Reading Corners and Learning Centres
Student Engagement Strategies
Multicultural Classroom Experience
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Team Collaboration
Conflict Resolution
Creativity and Problem Solving
Educational Technology Integration
Virtual Learning and Online Instruction
Google Classroom and Seesaw
Interactive Smartboards and Digital Learning Tools
Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
Staff Mentoring and Professional Development
Time Management and Organisation
Student-Centred Learning
Classroom Routine Development
Child Development Knowledge
Observation and Documentation
Classroom Safety and Supervision
Positive Learning Environment Development
About
PROFESSIONAL TEACHING PORTFOLIO & BIOGRAPHY
Candidate Name: Agnes Gachagua
Target Position: Early Childhood / Elementary Teacher
Curriculum Experience: British National Curriculum and International Primary Curriculum (IPC)
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
I am an experienced and dedicated educator with nearly 30 years of continuous classroom teaching experience in both Early Years and Lower Primary education. Since 1996, I have worked within an international school setting teaching children from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds.
Over the years, I have developed strong skills in literacy instruction, phonics, numeracy, classroom organisation, behaviour management, and creating positive learning environments where children feel safe, valued, and motivated to learn. I believe that young learners thrive best in classrooms that are structured, engaging, nurturing, and well organised.
I hold a Bachelor of Philosophy in International Teacher Education, which has been evaluated for U.S. equivalency by SpanTran. My teaching experience has mainly been within the British National Curriculum and IPC framework, while also incorporating inquiry-based learning, differentiated instruction, and child-centred teaching approaches.
I am passionate about helping children build strong foundations in reading, writing, communication, confidence, and independence during their early learning years.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
International School – Nairobi, Kenya
Class Teacher (Early Years and Lower Primary)
1996 – Present
I have worked as a full-time classroom teacher for nearly three decades, teaching learners in Early Years, Kindergarten, and Lower Primary. Throughout my teaching career, I have taught children between the ages of 3 and 9 years and supported them through important developmental and academic stages.
My responsibilities include planning and delivering lessons, assessing learning progress, supporting children with different learning needs, maintaining positive classroom behaviour, and building strong partnerships with parents.
EARLY YEARS TEACHING EXPERIENCE
In the Early Years classroom, I focus on building strong foundations in communication, early literacy, numeracy, social development, creativity, and independence.
My teaching approach combines structured learning with hands-on and play-based experiences that allow children to learn confidently and naturally.
Key areas of strength include:
Teaching early reading and writing through systematic phonics instruction
Supporting language development and communication skills
Creating stimulating reading corners and interactive learning spaces
Developing early numeracy skills using practical and hands-on resources
Supporting fine motor development and handwriting readiness
Building routines that help children feel secure, confident, and independent
Encouraging positive social interaction and emotional wellbeing
I place strong emphasis on creating warm and organised classroom environments where children enjoy learning and develop confidence from an early age.
LOWER PRIMARY TEACHING EXPERIENCE
In Lower Primary, I focus on strengthening academic skills while encouraging independence, curiosity, and critical thinking.
I have experience teaching:
English Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Guided Reading and Phonics
I differentiate lessons to support learners with different abilities and learning styles. I also use continuous assessment to monitor progress and identify areas where additional support may be needed.
I enjoy creating engaging classroom environments with:
organised learning centres,
reading and literacy corners,
numeracy areas,
inquiry-based activities,
and interactive classroom displays that support independent learning.
Technology is also an important part of my teaching. I use smartboards, educational applications, Google Classroom, Seesaw, and other digital tools to enhance learning and student engagement.
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT AND LEARNING SUPPORT
I believe that effective learning takes place in classrooms where children feel safe, respected, and encouraged.
My classroom management approach is based on:
positive relationships,
clear routines and expectations,
consistency,
positive reinforcement,
and emotional support.
Over the years, I have taught children from many different cultural backgrounds as well as learners with varying educational and emotional needs. I support learners through differentiated instruction, visual support strategies, scaffolded activities, and close collaboration with parents and support staff.
I also place high importance on safeguarding, student wellbeing, and maintaining positive teacher-parent partnerships that support each child’s development both at school and at home.
PROFESSIONAL STRENGTHS
Early literacy and phonics instruction
Guided reading and reading development
Classroom organisation and learning environment setup
Positive behaviour management
Differentiated instruction
Parent communication and partnership
Inquiry-based learning
Multicultural classroom experience
Educational technology integration
Supporting transitions from Early Years to Primary
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
I believe that every child deserves to learn in an environment where they feel safe, supported, respected, and encouraged to reach their potential.
As a teacher, I aim to create classrooms that are calm, engaging, organised, and inclusive. I strive to help children develop confidence, independence, curiosity, kindness, and a genuine love for learning.
I enjoy working closely with families and colleagues to ensure that children are supported academically, socially, and emotionally throughout their learning journey.
TEACH USA GOALS
I am excited about the opportunity to teach in the United States and to contribute my international teaching experience within an American school community.
I look forward to:
sharing my experience in Early Years and Elementary education,
learning from different teaching approaches,
working collaboratively with educators from diverse backgrounds,
and supporting children in becoming confident and successful learners.
I believe my years of classroom experience, commitment to student wellbeing, and passion for education would allow me to make a positive contribution to both students and the wider school community