Nela Barrett
Learn More About Nela Barrett
Primary teaching assistant
Nela Barrett is a Primary Teaching Assistant at Aspire International School. Born and raised in South Africa, she had lived in several countries before settling in the Algarve in 2002. Nela is a natural people person, and her international experience, combined with her easy-going and adaptable nature, allows her to connect easily with both children and adults.
She has worked across a variety of sectors, including tourism, sales, and insurance, but found her true passion in supporting children in education. Nela is particularly fond of working with pupils who have additional learning needs and takes great pride in helping every child reach their full potential. Outside of school, she enjoys keeping active, painting, and spending quality time with her grandchildren.
Nela Barrett - Favourite Quote.
Every child is gifted. They just unwrap their packages at different times.
Nela Barrett Q&A
What do you enjoy most about being a Primary Teaching Assistant?
Answer:
I enjoy working closely with students and supporting them as they build confidence in their learning. It is wonderful to see those moments when something clicks for a child and they realise they can achieve more than they thought.
How do you support students in the classroom?
Answer:
I provide individual and small group support, helping students understand tasks and encouraging them to stay focused and motivated. I aim to create a calm, reassuring presence so that every child feels comfortable asking for help when they need it.
What do you value most about working at AIS?
Answer:
I value the strong sense of teamwork and the positive relationships between staff and students. With small class sizes, we are able to give each child the attention they deserve, which makes a real difference to their learning experience.