lynnclausen.com

BA, PGCE, MA (Dist)

Fellow with CLASP IWT Bard College, Institute for Writing and Thinking 2021 - 2023 (CLASP Program)

As a creative freelance practitioner, English teacher, drama specialist and writer, I appreciate the power and beauty of language while also nurturing a sense of play and adventure during the creative workshops, drama sessions and projects I deliver.

With over twenty years classroom experience as an English Teacher, Head of Drama & ITT Subject Mentor - I am qualified and hugely passionate about empowering children and adults through creativity. Having also worked with LAMDA as an examiner, I can use my training to further inform my practice as I prepare young learners for a range of exams (or rather, opportunities!) offered by LAMDA. Exam sessions are held regularly at a private centre in Powys which I run.  I tailor tuition to the learner on an individual basis, from KS2 up to A level with English Language and English Literature studies. 

By providing an encouraging, engaging format to develop confident inter-personal skills, I strongly advocate that children can become better equipped for their future (and have great fun doing it!)  I use a range of pedagogies to inform my practice:  Critical Skills, Habits of Mind and more recently with continued application, the Writing and Thinking pedagogy as taught by Bard College IWT.  My interest in how we learn, and the importance of keeping learning relevant (the 'why' part) has been a key part of my professional focus since I started teaching in 1996.  

In October 2023 I completed the prestigious two-year Bard CLASP fellows program   CLASP Fellows Program – IWT CLASP..  Leading on from my engagement with CLASP I have recently started to work with the American University in Afghanistan as an adjunct instructor About About | AUAF.  The writing and thinking IWT pedagogy continues to deepen and lift my practice day to day.  Using beautifully simple tools, the effects can be far-reaching, encouraging metacognition, problem-solving while also being creative.  Learning should be something that is both pertinent and inspiring.  CLASP Fellows Program – IWT CLASP..  Leading on from my engagement with CLASP I have recently started to work with the American University in Afghanistan as an adjunct instructor About About | AUAF .  The writing and thinking IWT pedagogy continues to deepen and lift my practice day to day.  Using beautifully simple tools, the effects can be far-reaching, encouraging metacognition, problem-solving while also being creative.  Learning should be something that is both pertinent and inspiring.  

I also work collaboratively and recent and ongoing projects with the Leads Creative Schools / ACW initiative which has taken me across Wales working with young people and fellow creative practitioners.   

I can provide creative and innovative approaches to themes and subjects to suit classes with a range of learning styles. Having spent many years working with pastoral support I offer a safe, positive learning space to explore sensitive and important issues while being able to engage with care with the challenging conversations around, for example, climate change, anti-bullying.

I have a wide range of experience as a teacher and project manager and have been directly involved with many productions, bringing theatre and drama to a wider audience, and more recently, into the community.  I set up Raven Drama in 2015 and it continues to evolve and grow almost ten years on. 

Working the way I do, with young people and across the age ranges, it really is a privilege, and I love what I do.  I look forward to hearing from you with any query you may have!