Career Journey – Sara Gresko

Name: Sara Gresko

Current Position: SENDCo at Bridgnorth Endowed School, Designated Teacher, member of the Senior Leadership Team, and Teacher of Science

Previous Positions: Teacher of Science

What is your current role, and what does it involve? I am the SENDCo, Designated Teacher for Children who are looked after, member of SLT and Teacher of Science. This role involves being responsible for the SEND provision across the school, coordinating and managing the learning and wellbeing of our children who are looked after, and make positive and strategic contributions to the development of the school. I still get to teach Biology too, which I love.

What has been your journey from your first role within the education sector, to your current role? I came into teaching later than others, with my previous experience revolving around working with people in disadvantaged and high-risk groups. When I joined the school in 2019 I did so as an NQT, and after just four years was given the huge opportunity to take on my current role. During those years, I worked with our previous SENDCo, built relationships with the students and my colleagues and learnt as much as I could to apply my skills and experience to the role I am now in. My Headteacher, Mr Penn, has been hugely supportive in giving me this opportunity, and providing me with the support I need to bring positive change to the school through my new position.

What do you most enjoy about your job in school? I love to have a positive impact on the experience of our learners with SEND, and see how our interventions and our fantastic teachers can make a difference to their outcomes. I am enjoying being able to empower our teachers with the knowledge that helps them to provide the best education to all of our students, and seeing the growth of our school is very exciting. I work with fantastic colleagues and in a supportive team where everyone is genuinely committed to finding the best ways around the barriers many of our students could be facing.

What does it mean to be part of The 3 – 18 Education Trust? I can ask for help, draw on expertise and use guidance which helps to develop our provision quickly. Being part of a whole team of SENDCos and Designated Teachers across the Trust has been fantastic, the support and sharing of knowledge is enormously important.