Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Personal Philosophy
Timeline
Generic

Dunia Bulnes

Christchurch,17A Taylors Ave

Summary

I am a fully registered teacher with a strong foundation in psychology, child development, and behaviour support. My practice is grounded in inclusive, strengths‑based approaches that reflect the principles of Te Whāriki and prioritise responsive, culturally affirming relationships that uphold the mana of every child and whānau. I work in genuine partnership with families to design meaningful learning pathways that empower each child to build confidence, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging and achievement.

Overview

2027
2027
years of professional experience

Work History

Head Teacher

BestStart
Cranford Street, Saint Albans
05.2017 - Current
  • Provide leadership by guiding curriculum planning, assessment, and intentional teaching practices aligned with Te Whāriki.
  • Lead and mentor teaching staff, offering coaching, modelling, and professional guidance to strengthen team capability and reflective practice.
  • Ensure high‑quality learning environments, including daily oversight of routines, safety, supervision, and the emotional climate of the centre.
  • Ensure compliance with regulations, including licensing criteria, health and safety requirements, and centre policies.
  • Collaborate with external agencies (e.g., early intervention, health professionals, support services) to meet the needs of children and families.
  • Lead centre initiatives and continuous improvement, contributing to strategic planning, internal evaluation, and quality assurance processes.
  • School Readiness Programme Leadership: Plan, implement, and lead a Set for School programme within the classroom, supporting children’s transition to school.
  • Model professional conduct, upholding ethical standards, cultural responsiveness, and a positive, team‑focused attitude.

Teacher

Beststart
Northwood, Christchurch
05.2016 - 05.2017
  • Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student learning experiences.
  • Implemented classroom management strategies to foster a positive learning environment.
  • Assessed student progress through regular evaluations and provided constructive feedback.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects that promote critical thinking.

Preschool Teacher

Papanui Preschool
Christchurch
07.2013 - 12.2016
  • Planning and assessment of children’s profile books
  • Guided and extended children’s learning
  • Set up the environment to facilitate children’s learning
  • Daily conversations with parents /whanau
  • Organisation of preschool events and festivities
  • Remained a positive role model in all my interactions

Preschool Teacher

Musgrave Community Kindergarten
Gold Coast, Australia
01.2011 - 01.2012
  • Created engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences for four‑ and five‑year‑old children.
  • Created and maintained stimulating learning environments designed to extend children’s interests, play, independence, and development.
  • Fostered warm, respectful, and collaborative relationships with children and whanau.

Preschool Teacher

Prebbleton Kindergarten
Christchurch
2009 - 2011
  • Offered a teaching position by the Centre Manager following a successful teaching practicum placement and working as a reliever, demonstrating strong professional capability and positive contribution to the centre.
  • Supported and extended children’s learning through engaging, responsive, and developmentally appropriate experiences within a safe and nurturing environment.
  • Built strong, collaborative relationships with children, whānau, and colleagues, fostering trust, communication, and a sense of belonging.
  • Maintained professionalism and acted as a positive role model through respectful, caring, and consistent interactions with children and adults.
  • Due to the impact of the earthquakes, I made the decision to relocate to Australia to prioritise personal safety and wellbeing.

Education

Master's in Specialist Teaching Early Intervention -

University of Canterbury
Christchurch, NZ
2026

Postgraduate Diploma - Specialist Teaching(Early Intervention)

University of Canterbury
Christchurch, NZ
2022

Graduate Diploma of Teaching -

Massey University
Palmerston North, NZ
2010

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

University of Canterbury
Christchurch, NZ
2003

Skills

  • Strong grounding in child development, psychology, and behaviour support, using evidence‑based strategies to create calm, inclusive learning environments
  • Skilled in observation, assessment, and reflective practice to identify strengths, needs, and learning goals and inform responsive teaching
  • Builds positive, collaborative relationships with children, whānau, colleagues, and external agencies to enhance learning outcomes
  • Experienced in multidisciplinary teamwork, working alongside SLTs, OTs, psychologists, and families to implement individualised support plans
  • Highly effective communicator who uses warmth, empathy, humour, and relational practice to help children feel safe and engaged
  • Demonstrates strong cultural awareness, respecting diverse identities and fostering culturally responsive practice
  • Professional, reliable, and committed, with strong integrity, initiative, and work ethic
  • Fully registered teacher dedicated to ongoing learning, reflective practice, and continuous improvement
  • Experienced in transition‑to‑school support, helping children and families navigate this milestone with confidence
  • Knowledgeable in ECE pedagogy, play‑based learning, developmental milestones, and responsive teaching
  • Skilled in play‑based approaches that promote communication, creativity, social interaction, and emotional development
  • Advocate for inclusive education, ensuring equity, belonging, and success for all learners
  • Strong organisation and documentation skills, including progress reporting and individual learning plans
  • Effective problem‑solver, identifying barriers and implementing practical, child‑centred strategies
  • Builds strong parent–teacher partnerships through open communication and shared decision‑making
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish, supporting multilingual learners and culturally responsive environments

Personal Philosophy

I believe every child is unique, capable, and has the right to learn and grow at their own pace. Honouring each child’s individuality and the mana they bring is central to my approach to teaching and early intervention.

My role as a teacher is to observe, listen, and respond thoughtfully, using each child’s strengths, interests, and developmental needs to shape personalised learning pathways. I view play as a fundamental right and a powerful driver of learning, supporting children to develop essential social, emotional, cognitive, and communication skills through meaningful, play‑based experiences.

Strong, trusting relationships with parents and whānau are at the heart of my practice. I work in genuine partnership with families, ensuring their knowledge, aspirations, and cultural values guide decision‑making and support each child’s progress.

Through responsive, child‑ and family‑focused practice, I work to ensure every child and their whānau feel supported with belonging, participation, and success.

Timeline

Head Teacher

BestStart
05.2017 - Current

Teacher

Beststart
05.2016 - 05.2017

Preschool Teacher

Papanui Preschool
07.2013 - 12.2016

Preschool Teacher

Musgrave Community Kindergarten
01.2011 - 01.2012

Preschool Teacher

Prebbleton Kindergarten
2009 - 2011

Master's in Specialist Teaching Early Intervention -

University of Canterbury

Postgraduate Diploma - Specialist Teaching(Early Intervention)

University of Canterbury

Graduate Diploma of Teaching -

Massey University

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

University of Canterbury
Dunia Bulnes