Mark Shanahan
Mark was born and raised in Wandsworth, London and as a result of undiagnosed dyslexia was unsuccessful at school, leaving at 16 with few qualifications. However, his school experience was not all negative because, painful as it was, he came to realise that if he wanted to make his way in life, have choices and find fulfilment then he would have to work harder than his peers.
Without qualifications or connections, his early work experiences were in office and domestic removals which took him all around Europe and broadened his horizons. Next he travelled to Australia, working on fruit farms, sugar cane plantations, back-packer hostels and bars. His outgoing personality, excellent interpersonal skills and willingness to take control of situations were often recognised and he held positions of responsibility, especially where it involved face-to-face contact with clients.
Returning to the UK, Mark went into the building trade and qualified as a bricklayer. He derived great enjoyment from construction and brought an enthusiasm to his work that set him apart. He soon discovered that he was particularly effective at mentoring and teaching and started to realise that, with his life experiences and a natural tendency to easily connect with people, teaching was where he belonged.
He settled in Great Yarmouth and joined Great Yarmouth College as a Co-Educator in 2006, becoming Lead Co-Educator in 2007. Mark progressed into teaching basic skills (Maths and English) and Personal Social Development and was Course Leader for the basic construction trades course, while at the same time studying for his Certificate of Education. The effort and commitment required for this study after so many years out of formal education and the obstacles presented by his dyslexia (finally diagnosed when he was 26) meant he had to work exceptionally hard and it is testament to his determination that he successfully graduated in 2010. Mark also served as Staff Governor during this time and was committed and instrumental in improving the conditions and provision of the college.
Mark gravitated towards working with the most disadvantaged learners and soon established an excellent reputation as someone who was making a difference and was capable of keeping those learners on track who would otherwise have floundered. His incredible energy and creativity were the forces behind a wide range of projects both college and community based. He was given the space to develop innovative and effective methodologies to engage the learners and set them on their way to success. He is immensely proud to say that there are past students of his who have gone on the achieve degrees and still maintain contact with him on a regular basis. Through all this time his philosophy regarding the teaching of young people in crisis was taking shape and Horizon Community Training is the manifestation of his beliefs and the result of many years of preparation.
His commitment to the community of which he is a part is fundamental to his philosophy. His belief in giving his learners the ability to Engage, Ignite and Involve is unshakeable. His links to the wider community are extensive and it is fair to say the in the Great Yarmouth area he is well known as someone that can be trusted and depended upon to help anyone in need.