Jamie Bretz
Pukekohe
Summary
Educational professional with proven track record in delivering quality teaching experiences across multiple classrooms. Adept at managing classroom dynamics and fostering relationships. Highly collaborative and results-orientated, ensuring seamless integration into any educational team while maintaining flexibility to adapt to changing classroom needs.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Y0-8 Casual Relief Teacher
Paerata School, Valley School
07.2019 - Current
- Integrated technology to support interactive learning experiences for students, including Google Classroom tools, robotics and coding kits, and educational websites..
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with staff and students to foster a supportive learning environment.
- Employed positive reinforcement techniques to motivate students and enhance classroom behaviour.
- Created engaging lesson materials that aligned with curriculum objectives and student interests.
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay current on educational trends and improve instructional methodologies, like the Wilkie Way Math PD, Pause Breathe Smile, Structured Literacy and Akina Te Reo sessions .
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
Year 4 and 5 Classroom Teacher
Cornwall Park District School
01.2009 - 10.2012
- Identified individual and collective learning needs and delivered instruction designed to capture students' interest and maximize individual learning.
- Communicated regularly with caregivers through e-mail, phone, newsletters and encouraged participation in classroom and at-home learning activities.
- Created a collaborative learning environment and built an atmosphere of respect and rapport.
- Incorporated relevant technology to support student learning, including interactive whiteboards and educational websites.
- Built and maintained class web page and worked with students to regularly share their understanding in digital Learning Journals.
- Organised year level experiences, like Camp and field trips, and choreographed portions of annual Y5 dance performance.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and supporting their professional development.
- Facilitated peer assessment activities, like writing buddies, allowing students to engage in constructive feedback and self-reflection.
- Led and participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and refining instructional techniques accordingly.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication through weekly class meetings.
- Served as a team leader, coordinating efforts among faculty members to achieve shared goals related to curriculum and instruction improvement.
- Implemented reading and writing workshops to increase student literacy and support school reading programs.
2nd Grade Teacher
Payne Elementary School
08.2000 - 06.2008
- Developed standards-based curriculum that included student-centered math and a differentiated literacy program to engage diverse groups of learners.
- Involved parents and caregivers in the classroom by hosting Math/Literacy/ Science Family Nights and creating weekly parent-run learning centers.
- Implemented positive discipline approach to classroom management and incorporated Kagan cooperative learning strategies.
- Involved in recreating grade level reports for the School District and changed the structure of parent-teacher meetings by introducing student-led conferences.
- Led collaborative planning sessions with colleagues to align curriculum and share best practices.
- Directed annual 2nd grade play and created a school-wide Young Author's Fair to showcase student writing.
- Established before and after school tutor groups for at-risk students.
- Encouraged student leadership by assigning roles and responsibilities within group projects.
- Designed thematic units that connected various subjects, promoting interdisciplinary learning.
- Prepared and administered grade-specific tests and examinations regulated by the school district to monitor students' growth and to report progress to parents.
- Attended students' concerts, sporting events and performances to offer support and encourage extracurricular activities.
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
San Jose State University
San Jose, California USA01-2008
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, Indiana USA01-1998
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education
University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, Indiana USA01-1998
Skills
- Managing classroom dynamics
- Creative problem solving
- Engaging lesson plans and resources
- Relationship building
- Mathematical concepts and Literacy strategies
- Conflict resolution
- Cooperative learning strategies (Kagan)
- Co-teaching and Co-planning
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Adaptability and flexibility
Important Information
- I have been in NZ since 2008 and have Permanent Residency.
- I previously held a Full Practising Certificate in NZ, and currently hold a Subject-to-Confirmation Certificate.
- Teacher Registration No 311726
Certification
- Certified Reading Recovery Teacher, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana USA, 1999
- National Board Certification - Early Childhood Generalist, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, Arlington, Virginia USA, 2005
Timeline
Y0-8 Casual Relief Teacher
Paerata School, Valley School
07.2019 - Current
Year 4 and 5 Classroom Teacher
Cornwall Park District School
01.2009 - 10.2012
2nd Grade Teacher
Payne Elementary School
08.2000 - 06.2008
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
San Jose State University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Southern Indiana
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education
University of Southern Indiana