Organisation: Noosa District SHS Junior Secondary Campus 2015
Job Title: Teacher
Word Limit: 2 Pages
Location: Noosa District SHS
Key Attributes 1:
As a registered and experienced teacher, I have developed the capacity to create stimulating and challenging learning environments that engage students using a range of highly effective pedagogical skills. In an upper primary Mathematics unit on Cartesian planes, I used explicit instruction to teach students the 4 quadrants of the Cartesian plane and how to plot coordinates. Students were engaged by using a nerf gun to shoot at a Cartesian plane projected onto the whiteboard and recorded the coordinates the ‘bullets’ landed on. They were further engaged through creating art by plotting coordinates in the first quadrant and then replicating through transformations into each of the other quadrants.
The collection and collation of formative and summative assessment data forms the basis for planning teaching and learning to ensure student progress. Builyan State School’s plan identified reading as a key priority in its improvement agenda. Through NAPLAN and other diagnostic data individuals were identified who were performing significantly below year level benchmarks. These students lacked phonological awareness and decoding skills. My training as an English Teacher and my background in learning support, led to my engagement by BSS to design and implement a Reading Support program. With a set of age and interest appropriate resources, I developed a program of explicit instruction, coaching and feedback 3 mornings a week for this cohort of students. The results were significant. By third term students results across the school showed an effect size of 1.001. As the normal effect size is 0.3, results indicate that my program has been extremely effective in boosting student outcomes and thus influencing the whole school’s impressive gains.
Due to the success of this program I was engaged by the Principal to develop and implement a Whole School Spelling Program which incorporates word attack, grammar and punctuation. Using the Australian Curriculum (AC), “Words Their Way” (WTW) and the knowledge gained from developing the reading program, I developed resources for teachers and students to ensure that curriculum delivery is of a high and consistent standard across the school and differentiated to meet individual student needs. Over 2 terms, student spelling results have shown a gain across the board. Again, students identified as performing below grade level had the most significant gains. Student “A” in year 7 was assessed in term 2 as an early to middle Within Word Pattern stage speller (WTW); that is, Year 2 level on the AC English Scope and Sequence matrix. Recent testing in Term 3 has seen a significant improvement, now placing her at an early to middle Syllable & Affixes pattern stage speller (WTW); that is Year 4 on the AC English Scope and Sequence matrix.
I work to establish a positive rapport with students, ensuring they will feel safe and supported within the learning environment. Driven by the desire to make learning fun, interactive, challenging and engaging I have demonstrated the ability to plan units of work that cater for a variety of needs in a supportive, respectful environment. I encourage students to take risks and enjoy learning through implementing routines and setting clear expectations for classroom and behaviour management requirements. I challenge students to develop deep levels of thinking and support this process by providing inquiry based learning opportunities and rich assessment methods to ensure teaching and student learning are optimised.
Key Attributes 2:
Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities are an integral part of school life and are an opportunity to develop relationships with parents, families and the wider community as well as providing additional experiences for students. These activities help build team work, a sense of school pride and the opportunity to learn from experiences outside of the classroom.
In my practice so far, I have been able to contribute to a broad range of school activities including:
OPTI-Minds – organised 2 teams (science/engineering and English) and mentored students. Teams consisted of students from Prep to Year 7 so students learnt to work together as a team, encouraging each other and developing a sense of well-being in an inclusive environment. The tournament is an inclusive team challenge which aims to empower participants to think, create and communicate.
Robotics – students were introduced to authentic engineering challenges and built LEGO robots and worked in a fun and energising environment to develop their knowledge of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Drama Club – initiated, developed, managed and directed whole school play with all students involved through whole class and individual contributions.
These additional opportunities further develop student’s confidence, connectedness and intellectual qualities in a supportive environment that works with and values difference (Productive Pedagogies Reflection Tool).
My success in developing strong and productive relationships with students, parents and the broader community has developed through my involvement in a multitude of events and committees and organisations:
In the past, I have been involved in the:
P&C
Boyne Valley Progress Association
Country Women’s Association
Organising the School Fete
I ensure communication between all stakeholders is clear, allowing me to build and sustain positive and respectful working relationships. I’ve worked in conjunction with community groups to integrate specialist content into the curriculum for specific days of significance. For CWA International Day, I incorporated a country of study day where students presented posters or brochures for a statewide competition.
I am motivated to be a successful teacher through engaging with students and developing an excellent rapport; instilling in them a love of learning and being rewarded through being involved in the process of progress and finding new and creative ways to engage and motivate students.
