OPAL North East
Leisa Tyson
Leisa has extensive experience as a teacher, working in several outstanding North East primary schools for the last 26 years. This has provided her with an intricate knowledge of the school system. Whilst teaching, Leisa enjoyed an eclectic mix of roles. She taught all year groups and took on many responsibilities, including SENCO, Team Leader and Subject Leader. Whilst appointed as EYFS Lead, Leisa set up a Nursery in a brand-new school, developing a stimulating learning environment inside and outside the classroom.
Leisa’s passion for inclusion and supporting the most vulnerable children in her school led her to gain a PGC National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordinator. This enabled Leisa to be an advocate for the SEND children allowing her to support families and colleagues whilst liaising with outside agencies.
Knowledge and enthusiasm for ecological literacy helped Leisa achieve the coveted Eco Schools' Green Flag award, inspiring children to understand and embrace their ecological responsibilities from a young age.
In addition to teaching, Leisa’s ability to inspire and coach others led to a secondment with Stockton ICT Unit as a consultant, supporting schools across the county with school improvement to transform their ICT provision and curriculum.
With a continued desire to enhance the life chances of children, Leisa has become an OPAL Mentor in the North East of England, working alongside Ingrid Wilkinson. When she is not working, Leisa can be found exploring the beautiful countryside of Yorkshire and Cumbria with her Hungarian Vizsla dog.