LAURA MACFARLANE
Auckland
Summary
Experienced teaching professional transitioning from education into Learning and Development systems. Over 8 years' experience supporting early-career practitioners through structured mentoring, reflective supervision, induction and professional development. Strong capability in facilitating reflective practice, building peer learning communities, assuring professional standards and aligning individual development with organisational values. Particularly motivated to support workforce development within high-performance environments.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Physical Education, Dance and Drama Teacher
Baradene College
, Auckland
01.2023 - Current
- Delivered structured mentoring and reflective supervision to early-career and trainee practitioners, supporting professional confidence, reflective capability and performance improvement.
- Facilitated regular reflective conversations focused on strengths, development needs and action planning.
- Supported the induction of new employees by introducing organisational processes, professional expectations and available support structures.
- Helped practitioners transition successfully into new environments, roles and systems across different education contexts.
- Designed and delivered professional learning activities aligned to identified development needs and organisational priorities.
- Identified development needs through observation, dialogue and performance review, signposting individuals to appropriate development opportunities.
Physical Education Teacher
Holland Park School
, London
01.2020 - 07.2022
- Led multi-disciplinary programmes and coordinated large scale events, managing staff, schedules, and logistics.
- Supported participants development through personalised feedback and coaching, enhancing performance and engagement.
- Facilitated reflective practice among colleagues to share best practice and improve professional standards.
- Managed award programmes, supporting participants in achieving milestones and coordinating multi-day expeditions.
Primary School Teacher
Our Lady and St Joseph Catholic Primary School
, London
09.2018 - 12.2019
- Delivered structured learning programmes across multiple subjects, adapting content to individual needs and abilities.
- Designed and ran programmes, coordinating activities, resources, and participant engagement.
- Managed participant progress and engagement, providing personalised feedback and support to enhance outcomes.
- Collaborated with colleagues to align teaching and learning strategies with organisational objectives.
- Engaged with stakeholders and external partners to ensure continuity of learning and development.
- Planned and managed large scale events and enrichment programmes, ensuring safety, logistics, and effective delivery.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Primary Education With QTS
St Mary's University
Twickenham07-2018
Skills
- Practitioner Supervision & Mentoring
- Reflective Practice Facilitation
- Learning & Development Delivery
- Induction & Onboarding Support
- Professional Standards & Quality Assurance
- Peer Network & Community Building
- Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
- Strong Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Certification
- Level 1 & 2 Swim Coach
- Level 1 Lacrosse Coach
- Level 1 Hockey Coach & Umpire
- Level 1 Football Coach
- Duke of Edinburgh Bronze & Gold Award
- National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers & Coaches
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Physical Education, Dance and Drama Teacher
Baradene College
01.2023 - Current
Physical Education Teacher
Holland Park School
01.2020 - 07.2022
Primary School Teacher
Our Lady and St Joseph Catholic Primary School
09.2018 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Primary Education With QTS
St Mary's University