Laura Thomas
Summary
My dynamic personality allows me to be adaptive to new experiences, receptive to people and to take on new tasks. With a work experience of over nine years, I am well equipped to take on roles with proficiency. I am able to create inclusive, engaging classrooms that nurture academic excellence, communication skills, and critical thinking. Proven ability to adapt curriculum for diverse learners, lead extracurricular programs to national success, and build strong connections with students, parents, and colleagues. Passionate about integrating modern teaching tools and learner-centered strategies to prepare students for real-world challenges. I have been a teacher at Machakos Boys Secondary School which is a National School in Machakos, from 2023 to date; and Korabariet Secondary School in Chesinende, from 2018 to 2023.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher of English and Literature
Machakos Boys Secondary School
11.2023 - Current
- My job description entails planning course work and activities that would create a good environment for well rounded learning, and teach applicable knowledge.
- I have handled classrooms of up to 65 learners in a classroom and taught form one up to form four classes. The learners are between fourteen to eighteen years old.
- I have held five appointments:
- - Teacher of English and Literature. My responsibilities include assessing the students’ progress through academic assignments and brief assessments, scheduling examinations and grading: modifying teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of students, including those with learning difficulties or special needs: utilizing interactive and engaging teaching methods to foster student participation and critical thinking both academically and generally. Other duties include creating lesson plans, preparing teaching and revision materials, delivering engaging lessons aligned with the curriculum and ensuring that the syllabus is covered effectively and within the allotted timeframe.
- - Class teacher. My duties in this capacity include acting as the link between the parents and the school management; implementing disciplinary measures; teaching individual accountability and responsibilities by creating a balanced duty roaster so every learner observes cleanliness, being timely and feels included in the running of the school. Further, I organise learner motivation such as team building retreats and class parties.
- - Debate club patron. Here I am tasked with creating or maintaining connections with other debate organizations, universities, or professionals who can provide support and opportunities. I also organize events such as debates or workshops, and ensure that the club has the necessary resources to grow exponentially. In the year 2023 The Machakos School Debate Club won the Debate Circle National championship, and in 2024 the team qualified for the National Championship.
- - Guidance and counselling. I have done coursework in career, guidance and counselling to enable me to cater to the shift in societal needs and career diversifications. My duty entails equipping the students with skills that enable them to explore their full academic potential. These skills include communication, problem-solving, self analysis and critical thinking.
- - Journalism club patron. I ensure that the students have sufficient resources to nurture their journalistic endeavors, and that they finesse their investigative, writing and reporting skills
Teacher of English and Literature
Korabariet Secondary School
02.2018 - 04.2023
- My job description entailed planning course material and activities that would create a good environment for well rounded learning, and teach applicable knowledge.
- Assessing the students’ progress through homework and brief assessments, scheduling examinations and grading.
- Design and deliver dynamic lessons that align with the curriculum and foster student engagement and performance.
- Modify teaching strategies to accommodate learners with varied academic abilities and learning challenges.
- Helped create as well as learned the importance of a symbiotic learning environment within the community.
Education
Masters - Arts, Literature
The University of Nairobi
10.2025
Bachelor of Education (Arts) - English and Literature
Kenyatta University
01.2016
Skills
- Curriculum Design & Lesson Planning
- Classroom Leadership & Student Mentorship
- Inclusive Teaching for Diverse Learners
- Microsoft Teams, Labxchange, Copilot
- Debate & Journalism Coaching
- Career Guidance & Support Provision
- Strong Communication & Organization
Accomplishments
- Student Mentor - Volunteered as temporary student guidance counselor to help resolve student personal issues.
- Led class to an average [Number]% increase in math and reading standardized test scores during the [year]-[year] school year.
- Designed and conducted a well-received professional development workshop for [School Name] staff in [Month, year].
- Received commendation from [School Name] principal for successfully working with students with behavior problems.
- Interactive Learning - Introduced and encouraged debate-style classroom setting to increase student active participation and critical thinking.
- Technology Integration - Participated in technology training courses and trained colleagues in new technology concepts and practices applicable for the classroom.
Certification
- [Area of certification] Training - [Timeframe]
- [Area of certification], [Company Name] - [Timeframe]
- Certified [Job Title], [Company Name] - [Timeframe]
- Licensed [Job Title] - [Timeframe]
- [Area of expertise] License - [Timeframe]
LANGUAGES
English
- Spoken: Superior
- Written: Superior
Swahili
- Spoken: Superior
- Written: Superior
Interests
- Avid Reader
- Community Cleanup
- Blogging/Vlogging
- Supporting STEM education initiatives and mentorship programs
- Gardening
- Youth Development Programs
- Volunteering for community initiatives to give back to local communities and make a positive impact
- Getting involved in local advocacy groups to promote positive change in the community
- Tech enthusiast, passionate about exploring the latest advancements and innovations
- I enjoy sketching and drawing, which helps improve my creativity and attention to detail
- DIY and Home Improvement
- Youth mentor, providing guidance and support to empower the next generation of leaders
- Volunteering with youth sports programs as a [role]
- Participate in local theater productions, enhancing my public speaking and teamwork skills
- Mindfulness Practices
- Team Sports
- Acting and Theater
Timeline
Teacher of English and Literature
Machakos Boys Secondary School
11.2023 - Current
Teacher of English and Literature
Korabariet Secondary School
02.2018 - 04.2023
Bachelor of Education (Arts) - English and Literature
Kenyatta University
Masters - Arts, Literature
The University of Nairobi
HOBBIES
Socialising. I like interacting with people because with time I have observed that it boosts my self esteem, knowledge and growth even within my working environment., Reading. I concur with the notion that knowledge is power and what better way to acquire this than through reading! It also enhances problem solving skills.