Karen Ann Bessone
Red Beach,AUK
Summary
Experienced and passionate educator with a Bachelor of Education degree, specializing in English Language Studies and Psychology. I have over five years of teaching experience, with expertise in structured literacy, sports coaching, and student well-being. Committed to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment that prioritizes student achievement and holistic development.
Passionate Teacher with experience developing and implementing diverse curriculums covering wide range of subjects. Highly skilled at motivating students through positive encouragement and reinforcement of concepts via interactive classroom instruction and observation. Successful in helping students develop strong literacy, numeracy, social and learning skills.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Year 1 Teacher
Orewa Primary School
01.2022 - Current
- Develop and deliver engaging lessons aligned with the New Zealand curriculum
- Foster a supportive classroom environment for diverse learners
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
Baby Sleep Consultant and Mentor
Baby Sleep Consultant New Zealand
04.2018 - 01.2022
- Provide individualized support for families to improve children’s sleep
- Mentor aspiring consultants, sharing best practices in child development
New Entrant Teacher
Orewa Primary School
10.2021 - 12.2021
- Supported foundational literacy, numeracy, and social skills for new entrants
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
Relief Teacher
Kindercare Learning Centre
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Delivered lessons across multiple year levels, tailoring content to student needs
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
- Enhanced classroom management by implementing positive reinforcement strategies and maintaining clear expectations for behavior.
Teacher Aide / In-Class Tutor
Bishop Mackenzie International School
04.2015 - 12.2015
- Supported a student with learning difficulties, developing tailored academic strategies
- Collaborated with colleagues to integrate cross-disciplinary lessons, enriching students' educational experience.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
Physical Education Teacher
Bishop Mackenzie International School
06.2012 - 06.2014
- Implemented PE programs, fostering physical and mental resilience
- Organized annual field days and sports tournaments, promoting physical activity and healthy competition among students.
- Taught physical education classes covering exercise strategies, sports, and safety.
- Encouraged students to set and achieve fitness goals to develop sense of accomplishment.
- Organized and led sports teams teaching benefits of sportsmanship.
Sports Director
African Bible College
04.2011 - 06.2012
- Managed the school’s sports calendar and organized major events
- Elevated athletic program performance by implementing comprehensive training and practice schedules.
- Improved team cohesion and morale with regular team-building exercises and open communication channels.
- Coordinated logistics for team travel arrangements, including transportation, accommodations, meals, and itineraries during competitions or tournaments.
- Oversaw facility maintenance efforts to guarantee safe playing conditions for all participants in our athletic programs.
Education
Bachelor of Education - English Language Studies, Psychology
University of South Africa
South Africa07.2018
Skills
- Effective communication
- Relationship-building
- Classroom management
- Individualised learning plans
- Structured literacy strategies
- Numeracy strategies
- Mentoring
- Coaching
- Promoting mindfulness
- Student well-being
- Team collaboration
- Positive behaviour management
- Relationship building
- Critical thinking
- Lesson planning
- Motivating students
- Student engagement
- Behavior management
- Parent-teacher communication
- Positive role model and mentor
- Growth mindset
- Collaborative learning
- Curriculum implementation
Professional Development
- Better Start Literacy Approach, 07/01/23, Enhanced phonics and literacy teaching strategies.
- Liz Kane Structured Literacy Training, 01/01/24, Completed six modules on the science of reading and implementing structured literacy techniques.
- Maths Professional Development, 2023, Innovative numeracy strategies with Dr. Jo Knox (03/01/23 & 05/01/23).
- Pause Breathe Smile PLD, 05/01/23, Mindfulness techniques for promoting focus and well-being.
- Easy Peasy Health & PE PLD, 06/01/24, Integrating physical activity into the curriculum.
- Incredible Years Teachers Program, 02/01/24 - 06/30/24, Positive behaviour management and relationship building.
Additional Qualifications
- Child First Aid Refresher, Red Cross, 10/01/24
- Certificate in Sport Coaching Science, Exercise Teachers Academy, 01/01/06
- PADI Open Water Scuba & First Aid Instructor, Certified
References
- Ashleigh Valentine
- Julie McClellan
- Lauren Van Noordwyk
Personal Information
- Place of Birth: Limpopo
- Date of Birth: 06/15/88
- Nationality: South African
- Visa Status: Citizen
Timeline
Year 1 Teacher
Orewa Primary School
01.2022 - Current
New Entrant Teacher
Orewa Primary School
10.2021 - 12.2021
Baby Sleep Consultant and Mentor
Baby Sleep Consultant New Zealand
04.2018 - 01.2022
Relief Teacher
Kindercare Learning Centre
01.2016 - 01.2017
Teacher Aide / In-Class Tutor
Bishop Mackenzie International School
04.2015 - 12.2015
Physical Education Teacher
Bishop Mackenzie International School
06.2012 - 06.2014
Sports Director
African Bible College
04.2011 - 06.2012
Bachelor of Education - English Language Studies, Psychology
University of South Africa
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