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About Sarah O'Connor

BaTH, PgCE, MSocSc, MBPsS RQTU 404746

Passionate About Inspiring Others

Sarah holds a Masters degree in Applied Social Psychology from City University Hong Kong, and is a qualified member of the British Psychological Society (BPS). She is registered by the BPS to perform educational assessments and has over 18 years of experience in Special Needs Education (SEN). Originally graduating from Liverpool University Sarah went on to obtain a PGCE at Exeter University’s prestigious teacher training section at St Luke’s. During her postgraduate education Sarah focused on developing her SEN expertise. After qualifying as a teacher in 2001 Sarah has worked in international schools, as both a SEN teacher, a SEN coordinator, and department head in SEN.

 

Sarah has been teaching SEN (from ages 5- 19) in Hong Kong since 2001. In 2019 Sarah and the family moved to Prague in the Czech Republic and is currently an international teacher for children requiring student support. Prior to becoming a teacher Sarah worked with Special Needs children and adults in a variety of settings, including MENCAP UK, Riding for the Disabled and adventure playgrounds throughout the UK.

 

Sarah’s role in various schools internationally encompassed teaching in primary, secondary and special schools. She has worked directly with students, with a range of SEN, from children with profound and complex needs to those with more moderate or mild or specific learning difficulties. Sarah has an in-depth understanding of how to meet the needs of all learners, including those with cognitive challenges (eg. Dyslexia, Dyscalculia), Social and Communication challenges (eg Autism, Selective mutism) physical challenges (Dyspraxia, Cerebral Palsy) or medical needs (eg Downs Syndrome, ADHD).

 

An integral part of the world today is developing globally aware an inclusive citizens, this is something Sarah is passionate about. As a lifelong learner Sarah chooses to undertake a host of professional development to stay up to date with current practices as well as accessing accredited courses.

Professional Development

Some examples of the Professional Development undertaken by Sarah in the last few years:

 

Schools tackle rising problems in student mental health (December 7th 2020)

Unprecedented times and the fragile learners (November 9th, 2020)

From Mainstream to Special Needs teaching ( October 16th 2020)

“Teens and Dyslexia” Good Schools Guide HK, 2019 P250

“Why do I need to get my child assessed?” Good Schools Guide HK 2019, p240

• Working with students who have SpLD in English Class. Presentation for Staff, PLK HKTA Yuen Primary School January 18th, 2019.

“On the Yellow Brick Road” Review: Youth Hong Kong – Dec 2018 Vol 10 No. 4

• Identifying SEN and Sensory Integration. Leapfrog Kindergarten Sai Kung, 16.11.2018.

• A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Adolescent With Dyslexia. Presentation 27.10.18 DAHK

• Inclusion - a right not a privilege. Presentation for 21C TeachMeet - 9.10.2018

“The mindfulness debate” Article for Youth Hong Kong - September 2018 Vol 10 No. 3

• How to write a S.M.A.R.T IEP. Presentation Yew Chung Primary School, 20.08.2018

“Learning Support: …struggling at school”. Playtimes Magazine May 2018 P.52 - 55.

•  Collaborate to Succeed. Presentation Poster at ASD Conference HKU July 5th 2018

• The state of Special Needs in Hong Kong Interview RTHK CIBS Program: Cultural Dimsum 5 (文化點心 5) Episode 12

Professinal Development

    Academic 

 Qualifications          &       Professional   Development

certificates
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