Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Professionalcontributions
References
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic
James Westgate

James Westgate

Cromwell,OTA

Summary

As an experienced educator with 13 years of secondary school teaching, including four years as Head of the English Department at a large school on the Kapiti Coast, I am enthusiastic about applying for the permanent English Teaching Position at Cromwell College. My dedication to teaching is evident in my ability to nurture students’ literacy skills and guide Year 13 scholarship students towards academic excellence.

My strengths lie in fostering strong, positive, and professional relationships with both staff and students, driven by a genuine desire to help students achieve their best possible learning outcomes. My tenure as Head of the English Department has equipped me with robust leadership skills, enhancing my capacity to devise constructive educational strategies and manage departmental operations effectively.

In addition to my secondary teaching experience, I have owned and managed Willows Early Learning Centre for the past two years. This role has provided me with valuable insights into effective school administration and staff leadership. I have demonstrated a proven ability to manage day-to-day operations, foster positive relationships with students, parents, and faculty, and develop a curriculum that meets diverse learning needs.

I am known for my strengths in curriculum development, conflict resolution, and performance evaluation. My efforts have consistently led to improved student success rates and the creation of an inclusive learning environment. I am eager to bring my expertise, passion, and commitment to Cromwell College, contributing to the school's continued success and helping students reach their full potential.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Owner/Manager

Willows Early Learning Centre
Cromwell, Otago
07.2022 - Current
  • Developed and implemented strategic plans
  • Developed and executed the annual plan
  • Managed financial operations including payroll processing, GST transactions, and account payables.
  • Prepared annual budget
  • Ensuring compliance with warrant of fitness requirements.
  • Implemented and maintained a comprehensive risk management register to monitor and mitigate potential risks.
  • Approved employment of teaching staff
  • Effectively administered employment agreements while ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
  • Implemented effective disciplinary procedures to ensure workplace compliance and maintain a positive work environment.
  • Privacy Officer
  • Complaints Officer
  • Employee Relations Manager
  • Conducted yearly evaluation of center curriculum and philosophy
  • Directed and enhanced internal evaluation procedures
  • MoE Liaison Officer
  • Curriculum and Learning Advisor

HOD English

Kāpiti College
Raumati Beach, Paraparaumu
01.2019 - 07.2022
  • Supervised and managed the staff of the English Department.
  • Implemented new Literacy Corequisites and conducted comprehensive professional development for all staff
  • Oversaw the development and administration of all English programs and examinations
  • Managed the moderation process to ensure consistency and quality of assessments
  • Led and facilitated department meetings, promoting collaboration and strategic planning
  • Presented departmental progress and initiatives to the Board of Trustees
  • Designed and implemented a progressive learning framework to enhance student outcomes.
  • Conducted performance appraisals, providing constructive feedback and support for professional growth

Assistant HOD English/Year 9 Dean

King’s High School
South Dunedin, Dunedin
01.2015 - 12.2018
  • Developed and implemented new Year 9 and Year 10 Junior programs, enhancing curriculum relevance and engagement.
  • Facilitated a workshop at “Big Day Out” focused on engaging students through creative writing techniques.
  • Conducted a Teacher Only Day workshop dedicated to improving essay writing skills among staff.
  • Led department workshops aimed at achieving Excellence in Level 2 and Level 3 English.
  • Oversaw and organised moderation for Junior assessments, ensuring consistency and fairness.

Resource Management:

  • Created comprehensive Junior Examination and Common Assessment Tasks to standardize evaluations.
  • Developed detailed English schemes and course resources, supporting effective teaching and learning.

Staff & Student Management:

  • Conducted performance appraisals for department members, providing feedback and fostering professional growth.
  • Managed Year 9 student behavioral issues, implementing strategies to promote a positive learning environment.

Assistant HOD/English Teacher/Year 12 Dean

Paraparaumu College
Paraparumu , Paraparaumu
01.2011 - 12.2014

Assistant HOD; Year 12 Dean; Assistant Teacher of English

Professional Leadership:

  • Contributed to the professional development team focused on strategies for engaging boys in learning
  • Assisted in the implementation of Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) initiatives

Resource Management:

  • Developed resources and tasks for English courses, enhancing curriculum delivery and student engagement

Staff & Student Management:

  • Served as Year 12 Dean, providing guidance and support to students
  • Held regular department and Liaison Teacher meetings, fostering collaboration and communication
  • Organized and conducted regular assemblies to address student and staff matters.
  • Assisted in coordinating prize-giving ceremonies, recognizing student achievements

4o

Education

Graduate Diploma of Teaching - Early Childhood Education

New Zealand Tertiary College
01.2023

Diploma of Teaching - English, Classical Studies and Social Studies

Otago University
01.2010

Bachelor of Arts - English and Classical Studies

Otago University
01.2009

Skills

  • Leadership
  • Curriculum Management
  • Planning & Organisation
  • Communication
  • Administrative Oversight
  • Budget Administration
  • Relationship Building
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Strategic Planning
  • Profit and loss analysis
  • Hiring and staffing
  • Financial Planning
  • Employee Development
  • Staff hiring
  • Financial Management
  • Staff Management

Professionalcontributions

  • Willows Early Learning Centre, Owner/Manager, HOD English; Pastoral-Dean of all levels; staff professional learning-workshops; staff appraisal and development; classroom teacher years 9-13.
  • Kāpiti College, HOD English, Staffing; Implemented new Literacy Corequisites, including fullstaff PD; Oversaw all English programmes; Managed moderation; Led department meetings; Presented to Board of Trustees; Designed and implemented progressive learning framework; Appraisal
  • King’s High School, Assistant HOD English; Year 9 Dean; TIC Level 3 English, Implemented new Year 9 and Year 10 Junior programme; Held a workshop at 'Big Day Out' on engaging students through creative writing; Held a workshop on Teacher only day with a focus on improving essay writing, using Ian Hunter’s resources; Held department workshops focusing on Excellence at level 2 and 3; Oversaw and organised Junior moderation; Resource Management; Created Junior Examination and Common Assessment Tasks; Developed English scheme and course resources; Staff & Student Management; Conducted appraisals with department members; Managed Year 9 student behavioural issues
  • Paraparaumu College, Assistant HOD; Year 12 Dean; Assistant teacher of English, Part of professional development team looking at engaging boys; Helped Implement PB4L; Resource Management; Developed resources and tasks for English courses; Staff & Student Management; Year 12 Dean; Held regular department meetings; Held regular assemblies; Helped coordinate prize giving

References

  • Mr. Dan Reddiex, Principal, Dilworth School, 027 233 3551
  • Mr. Tony Kane, Principal, Kāpiti College, 0212160094
  • Mr. Andy Pook, Deputy Principal, Kāpiti College, 0273316184
  • Mr. Gregor Fountain, Principal, Wellington College, g.fountain@wc.school.nz, 0212010446

Affiliations

  • Kickboxing Gym Owner and Coach (Kāpiti Coast, 3 years)

Trained multiple New Zealand Champions
Helped students improve fitness and build confidence
Developed coaching skills that strongly transfer into classroom teaching

  • Postgraduate Studies

Completed Postgraduate Diploma in Early Childcare Education with Distinction while managing Willows Early Learning Centre.

Timeline

Owner/Manager

Willows Early Learning Centre
07.2022 - Current

HOD English

Kāpiti College
01.2019 - 07.2022

Assistant HOD English/Year 9 Dean

King’s High School
01.2015 - 12.2018

Assistant HOD/English Teacher/Year 12 Dean

Paraparaumu College
01.2011 - 12.2014

Graduate Diploma of Teaching - Early Childhood Education

New Zealand Tertiary College

Diploma of Teaching - English, Classical Studies and Social Studies

Otago University

Bachelor of Arts - English and Classical Studies

Otago University
James Westgate