Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
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James Coughlan

James Coughlan

Auckland,AUK

Summary

I am a confident, energetic, and values-driven teacher who believes that strong relationships are the foundation of success in learning and in life. With a background in both education and high-level rugby, I bring passion, resilience, and teamwork to every environment I am part of. I love working with young people, supporting their growth not only academically but also socially, physically, and personally. My goal as a teacher is to be a positive role model inside and outside the classroom, creating inclusive, supportive spaces where students feel inspired to reach their full potential. I am committed to continuous learning, professional growth, and contributing to the wider school community with integrity, empathy, and enthusiasm.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Teacher Trainee

Mount Albert Grammar School
01.2025 - Current
  • Planned and taught high-quality lessons that were engaging, well-structured, and responsive to student needs.
  • Built a strong classroom presence with effective behaviour management and the ability to create a positive, inclusive learning environment.
  • Differentiated teaching to support a wide range of abilities, ensuring all students were challenged and able to progress.
  • Used assessment and feedback effectively to inform planning, monitor achievement, and support student growth.
  • Demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and initiative in all aspects of teaching, including co-curricular contributions and pastoral support.
  • Collaborated closely with experienced teachers and mentors, reflecting on practice and rapidly improving through feedback.
  • Integrated technology and innovative strategies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
  • Recognised for strong rapport with students, colleagues, and families, underpinned by excellent communication and cultural responsiveness.

Support Teacher/Rugby academy Teacher

One Tree Hill College
07.2022 - Current
  • Incorporated exciting and engaging activities to achieve student participation and hands-on learning.
  • Planned and implemented integrated lessons to meet national standards.
  • Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
  • Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
  • Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom.

Retail Assistant

Glengarry Wines
03.2021 - 06.2022
  • Checked pricing, scanned items, applied discounts, and printed receipts to ring up customers.
  • Coordinated restocking of sales floor with current merchandise and accurate signage for current promotions.
  • Balanced and organized cash register by handling cash, counting change, and storing coupons.
  • Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.
  • Worked closely with shift manager to solve problems and handle customer concerns.
  • Greeted customers, helped locate merchandise, and suggested suitable options.
  • Answered customer questions about products and services, helped locate merchandise, and promoted key items.
  • Actively engaged customers to provide general assistance and information on store merchandise.

Swimming Instructor

Swimtastic
03.2020 - 07.2020
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through the development of innovative solutions.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.

Education

Post Graduate Diploma of Teaching - High School Teaching

The Teachers Institute
Auckland
12-2025

Bachelor of Arts - Criminology, Geography

University of Auckland
11.2024

NCEA - Excellence endorsements

Sacred Heart College
12.2020

Skills

  • Build strong, genuine relationships that create trust, respect, and positive learning environments
  • Confident communicator who connects naturally with people and inspires young learners
  • Passionate about education and motivated to see students grow not only academically but personally
  • Energetic, outdoors-oriented, and sporty — bringing enthusiasm, teamwork, and resilience into the classroom and beyond
  • Love of learning and self-improvement, always seeking new teaching strategies and professional growth opportunities
  • Strong classroom presence with the ability to maintain high expectations and a supportive atmosphere
  • Adaptable, approachable, and proactive in responding to student needs and challenges
  • Collaborative team player who contributes positively to staff culture and school-wide initiatives
  • Reliable, hardworking, and committed to making a meaningful impact as an educator

Accomplishments

Rugby Achievements


  • Played 1st XV Rugby at Sacred Heart College.
  • Represented Auckland U16 (captain) and Auckland U19 rugby teams.
  • Selected for the New Zealand Barbarians representative side.
  • Currently playing my third year of Premier Rugby with College Rifles Rugby Club in Auckland, New Zealand.

Timeline

Teacher Trainee

Mount Albert Grammar School
01.2025 - Current

Support Teacher/Rugby academy Teacher

One Tree Hill College
07.2022 - Current

Retail Assistant

Glengarry Wines
03.2021 - 06.2022

Swimming Instructor

Swimtastic
03.2020 - 07.2020

Bachelor of Arts - Criminology, Geography

University of Auckland

NCEA - Excellence endorsements

Sacred Heart College

Post Graduate Diploma of Teaching - High School Teaching

The Teachers Institute

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