After graduating from Durham University, I initially dreamt of turning my love of writing and English into journalism, spending the first part of my career working for Sky News. The fast-paced environment certainly prepared me well for teaching, although the rewards of watching a student’s joy at finally understanding a concept, or being enthralled in a novel, is one that will always be the most special for me.

For the past twelve years I have taught English Language and Literature from Year 7 to A Level in schools in South West London and have gained significant pastoral experience in roles as Head of Year and Deputy Head of Sixth Form. These also saw me take charge of the extremely rewarding process of helping prepare students for universities - being an integral part of a student’s learning and future discovery is, I feel, one of the greatest privileges of teaching. I love to see the joy of literature and language on a daily basis: whether that is in a student eager to read the next scene in Macbeth, carefully crafting the perfect simile for their creative writing or searching for the exact words to articulate a thought - and finding it.

ABOUT MS DONNAN

Much of my childhood was spent attending international schools in Malawi and the Solomon Islands and it is wonderful to now be in Lisbon giving my two young daughters the chance to experience this wonderful city and country. I am excited to get to know Portugal and all it has to offer!