Mike Baker

English Teacher

Swindon, England, United Kingdom

About

I am an English teacher and former media professional. I have an established creative aptitude, which allows me to work independently, as part of a group, or as a teamleader. I thrive under pressure and can be handed responsibility under tight time constraints, and am confident of my ability to solve problems, multi-task and lead individuals towards an aspired set of goals or outcomes.

Experience

  • Faringdon Community College (7 yrs 1 mo)
    • English Teacher
      Jul 2019 - Present · 7 yrs 1 mo

    • Deputy Subject Leader (Maternity Cover)
      Jun 2024 - Apr 2025 · 11 mos

      Maternity cover role as deputy subject leader for English. Responsible for creating KS3 knowledge-based assessments, updating and decolonising post-colonial literature unit of study and supporting department subject leader in curriculum and teaching and learning tasks.

  • Associate Teacher at Oxfordshire Teacher Training
    Jun 2018 - Jul 2019 · 1 yr 2 mos

    - Salaried Schools Direct teacher training programme, featuring placements at Faringdon Community College and King Alfred’s Academy.

  • Faringdon Community College (3 yrs 5 mos)
    • Cover Supervisor
      Sep 2017 - Jun 2018 · 10 mos

      • Reported to Cover Manager to provide cover for any necessary lessons due to staff absence. • Covered all lessons necessary, including PE, DT, Science, MFL and IT. • Displayed fantastic problem solving skills and adaptability.

    • Teaching Assistant
      Feb 2015 - Jun 2018 · 3 yrs 5 mos

      • Supported SEN 11-16 year olds in a number of lessons, largely based within the English department. • Worked with 11-16 year olds 1:1, in small groups out of lessons (intervention) and within the classroom. • Worked as both a scribe and a reader during exam season, supporting those with special requirements throughout a testing period of time. • Displayed excellent interpersonal skills and a passion for making a difference. • Possessed an ability to work flexibly, independently and closely with teachers.

  • Sports Journalist at Freelance
    Sep 2011 - Feb 2015 · 3 yrs 6 mos

    • Contributed written content towards a variety of publications, websites and blogs. • Written content has appeared in The Warrington Guardian, The Football League Paper, Shoot! Football Magazine and on the websites of Swindon Town Ladies FC and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. • Maintained a personal blog, writing opinion and feature pieces on timely sport stories. • Interviewed a host of sport stars, including Olympic Gold Medal-winning rower James Cracknell, ex-Liverpool footballer John Durnin, former Swindon and Bristol City youth footballer Josh Archer, Liverpool Ladies striker Natasha Dowie, Birmingham City Ladies player Kirsty Linnett, England Ladies manager Mark Sampson and British professional wrestlers William Regal and Jason Logan.

  • Co-Presenter at The Cat Radio
    Nov 2011 - May 2014 · 2 yrs 7 mos

    • Co-presented a weekly two-hour entertainment show, broadcast live across online platforms and digital student radio. • Roles included taking part in weekly games and discussions and producing quizzes and content ideas when necessary. • Grew in confidence on air over the course of the three years. • Also appeared on a variety of other shows, including the Campus Sports Show, where I was deployed as a regular Football and Tennis expert.