Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Freelance Projects
Training
AdministrativeAssistant
Kirsty Watson

Kirsty Watson

Education Specialist

Summary

As an experienced educator, instructional designer, and project manager with a background in media production, I have built a multifaceted career that spans both education and creative industries. Over the years, I have developed and delivered high-quality, engaging educational content for a wide range of audiences, from children and young people to adult learners across the globe. My work has ranged from developing entire curricula for national charities to creating digital learning solutions for modern classrooms. I hold a First-Class BA (Hons) in Education and Professional Development and a Certificate in Education (Media Specialism) with an Outstanding rating from Huddersfield University. I also possess a Level 5 TEFL certification, further showcasing my dedication to supporting language learners worldwide. My leadership and project management skills are underpinned by a Distinction in Levels 2-4 Leadership and Management from the Institute of Leadership & Management. Additionally, my technical background in media is supported by an NVQ Level 3 in Audio & Radio Production, where I gained valuable experience in multimedia production. I am particularly passionate about creating content that is not only educational but also engaging and accessible. I have used my instructional design expertise to transform complex subjects, such as animal welfare and exam preparation, into interactive and meaningful learning experiences. Working both remotely and within teams, I have collaborated with stakeholders, teachers, and volunteers to ensure that my materials meet educational standards and learning objectives. My professional training in managing challenging students and language development in children complements my experience, equipping me with strategies to enhance learning outcomes. In addition to my educational background, I bring a wealth of media skills to my roles. My training at the BBC College of Journalism, which included courses in video production, social media, and broadcast law, has allowed me to integrate media elements effectively into educational projects. From managing community radio stations to producing educational campaigns for the BBC, my ability to create compelling multimedia content has been key to my success in the education sector. My recent freelance work has allowed me to focus on writing exam papers, developing digital learning modules, and supporting teachers with online educational resources, further enhancing my ability to meet the evolving needs of today’s learners. I thrive in roles that allow me to combine my creativity with my strong organisational skills, and I am always seeking opportunities to innovate and create meaningful learning experiences.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Online English Language, Literature & ESOL Tutor

Self-Employed
09.2020 - Current
  • Delivered online English lessons to UK-based students, following the National Curriculum for English Language and Literature, and adapted content based on individual student needs.
  • Provided tailored ESOL lessons to international learners, utilising a range of teaching techniques, including the Present, Produce and Practice method, to ensure effective language acquisition.
  • Created engaging lesson plans incorporating multimedia elements, such as videos and interactive exercises, to suit different learning styles.
  • Administered assessments and provided detailed feedback on student progress, ensuring they met both academic targets and language development goals.
  • Delivered online lessons one-to-one, in group classes, and via webinars, incorporating imaginative props and games to maintain student engagement.

ESOL Exam Marker

NOCN International
01.2020 - Current
  • Worked as an ESOL exam marker, assessing examination papers and writing ESOL texts and exam questions.
  • Responsible for ensuring the quality and accuracy of exam content, adhering to ESOL standards.
  • Additionally, involved in creating reading and listening texts used in exams, ensuring they align with language proficiency requirements.

Digital Learning Developer

You Before 2 - Sex Education Charity
01.2020 - 01.2023
  • Created and developed digital learning lessons from educational resources aimed at secondary schools, using the Teachable platform.
  • Handled the digital transformation of the charity’s educational resources for online use, marketed them to schools, and provided ongoing support to teachers.
  • Collaborated closely with the charity to ensure resources were accessible and engaging for educators and students.

North & Midlands Education Officer

Cats Protection
08.2011 - 08.2020
  • Established a new education department and developed an animal welfare curriculum, including schemes of work and lesson plans for schools across the UK, with a focus on interactive and engaging content.
  • Designed educational resources that transformed complex veterinary and medical information into easily accessible materials for students and teachers.
  • Delivered the curriculum remotely, collaborating with schools and advising teachers on how to effectively integrate the materials into their lessons.
  • Managed networks of education volunteers, ensuring they understood and delivered the educational resources effectively across various schools and communities.
  • Developed a robust volunteer training process, fostering a strong community of practice amongst remote team members.
  • Analysed data from external partners, including the RSPCA, to identify key areas for educational outreach and to inform the development of new educational resources.

Freelance Media Tutor

09.2005 - 05.2020
  • Planned and delivered media lessons in line with awarding body specifications, ensuring a safe and engaging learning environment.
  • Managed classroom behaviour and assessed student progress, providing formative and summative feedback to ensure students met learning objectives.
  • Developed new teaching materials and wrote progress reports for parents.
  • Adapted teaching methods to meet the needs of a diverse range of learners with varying abilities and interests.

Freelance Media Facilitator

Arts Action York
05.2008 - 01.2014
  • Established a youth media production team in York, enabling young people to express themselves through digital media on community issues and social change.
  • Designed and delivered lessons in audio production, film, public relations, and social media, ensuring inclusivity for SEN volunteers.
  • Managed volunteers to complete media briefs from community partners, showcasing their work across multiple media platforms.
  • Provided positive learning opportunities for volunteers to develop practical, social, and personal skills, including peer-to-peer mentoring.
  • Led international exchanges, delivering workshops in filming and interview techniques to young volunteers across Europe.
  • Monitored and evaluated project outcomes, adhering to funders' requirements and meeting quarterly key performance indicators.

Action Desk Producer

BBC / CSV Yorkshire & the Humber
01.2007 - 08.2011
  • Managed learning projects across five BBC local radio stations, creating and delivering educational programmes and campaigns for the BBC and CSV Media.
  • Developed a database of cross-sector contacts to support educational campaigns, using newsworthy stories to promote key messages.
  • Worked with the Nominet Trust to recruit volunteers to deliver digital literacy programmes, supporting communities to get online.
  • Led the delivery of high-profile campaigns, including the Pension Credit on-air campaign, which involved organising conference events and coordinating input from multiple stakeholders.
  • Oversaw volunteer-led projects in the North West, maintaining partnerships with companies like Digital UK to deliver the digital switch-over campaign.
  • Collated project data to meet the European Social Fund’s funding requirements, ensuring that key performance indicators were consistently met.

Weekend Radio Show Producer

BBC Radio York
01.2007 - 08.2011
  • Produced weekend radio shows, operating studio equipment such as ISDN Codec and Mark III desk.
  • Edited packages and station sound elements using software such as Quick Edit and Cool Edit.
  • Managed content on the BBC’s online platform, writing articles and preparing multimedia content.
  • Researched and set up guests and contributors for shows, creating scripts and supporting materials for presenters and producers.

Community Arts Project Manager

Heads Together
09.2005 - 01.2007
  • Managed multiple media projects in schools and communities across Yorkshire, working closely with councils, businesses, and educators.
  • Set up and managed a Restricted Service Licence radio station, overseeing all aspects of the operation, from equipment procurement to broadcast scheduling.
  • Developed and delivered radio training workshops for volunteers and students, encouraging individuals from different backgrounds to participate.
  • Led the creation and distribution of promotional materials and developed marketing strategies to promote the radio station.
  • Secured funding by ensuring that evaluation methods reflected project outcomes and adhered to funders' specifications.

Education

TEFL Level 5 (168 hours) -

TEFL Academy

BA (Hons) - Education & Professional Development

Huddersfield University

Certificate in Education - Media Specialism

Huddersfield University

Levels 2-4 - Leadership & Management

Institute of Leadership & Management

NVQ Level 3 - Audio & Radio Production

Manchester College of Arts & Technology

5 GCSEs - including Maths & English

Upper Nidderdale High School

Skills

Instructional Design

Timeline

Online English Language, Literature & ESOL Tutor

Self-Employed
09.2020 - Current

ESOL Exam Marker

NOCN International
01.2020 - Current

Digital Learning Developer

You Before 2 - Sex Education Charity
01.2020 - 01.2023

North & Midlands Education Officer

Cats Protection
08.2011 - 08.2020

Freelance Media Facilitator

Arts Action York
05.2008 - 01.2014

Action Desk Producer

BBC / CSV Yorkshire & the Humber
01.2007 - 08.2011

Weekend Radio Show Producer

BBC Radio York
01.2007 - 08.2011

Freelance Media Tutor

09.2005 - 05.2020

Community Arts Project Manager

Heads Together
09.2005 - 01.2007

BA (Hons) - Education & Professional Development

Huddersfield University

Certificate in Education - Media Specialism

Huddersfield University

Levels 2-4 - Leadership & Management

Institute of Leadership & Management

NVQ Level 3 - Audio & Radio Production

Manchester College of Arts & Technology

5 GCSEs - including Maths & English

Upper Nidderdale High School

TEFL Level 5 (168 hours) -

TEFL Academy

Freelance Projects

  • NOCN International, Worked as an ESOL exam marker, assessing examination papers and writing ESOL texts and exam questions. Responsible for ensuring the quality and accuracy of exam content, adhering to ESOL standards. Additionally, involved in creating reading and listening texts used in exams, ensuring they align with language proficiency requirements., 2020-01-01
  • You Before 2 - Sex Education Charity, Created and developed digital learning lessons from educational resources aimed at secondary schools, using the Teachable platform. Handled the digital transformation of the charity’s educational resources for online use, marketed them to schools, and provided ongoing support to teachers. Collaborated closely with the charity to ensure resources were accessible and engaging for educators and students., 2020-01-01

Training

  • Enhanced DBS checked
  • Level 1 Safeguarding (CPS Certified)
  • Managing challenging students
  • Language Development in children
  • BBC College of Journalism, Broadcast Law, Video Production, Social Media, Studio Production, News Production and Editing Software
Kirsty WatsonEducation Specialist