Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Kate O'Donnell

Porirua,Wellington

Summary

Dynamic educator with a proven track record, enhancing student literacy and fostering inclusive learning environments. Skilled in learning intervention and motivating students, I've successfully implemented differentiated instruction strategies, significantly boosting student confidence and progress.

Hard working professional with proven expertise in analysing barriers to learning and thinking critically to develop and implement personalized solutions. A naturally curious and strategic thinker, skilled in fostering collaborative solutions and adapting to changing needs, ensuring effective team dynamics and student success.

Strong background in challenging curriculum development to create objective, inclusive education practices. Reliable and results-driven, consistently delivering positive outcomes in diverse educational settings. An excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills across a range of cultural environments.

Resilient professional with track record of juggling competing priorities under pressure to enhance student outcomes. Known for fostering collaborative environments and consistently meeting demanding goals. Adaptable, persuasive team player with skills in attention to detail and student assessment.

Diligent teacher committed to fostering supportive and inclusive learning environment. Provided tailored educational plans and facilitated student development through innovative teaching methods. Demonstrated strong classroom management and effective interpersonal and communication skills in a variety of situations.

Resilient Teacher familiar with challenges who remains positive under times of stress or conflict. Works well with colleagues from varied backgrounds and experiences.

Empathetic and accommodating with a learning mindset. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional academic achievement.

Overview

36
36
years of professional experience

Work History

Resource Teacher: Literacy

Ministry Of Education
05.2016 - Current
  • Facilitated differentiated instruction by providing a variety of resources tailored to meet each student''s unique needs and abilities.
  • Provided support for struggling students through targeted one-on-one instruction, improving overall class performance.
  • Assessed student progress regularly using formative assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed for optimal learning outcomes.
  • Increased student understanding by utilizing various teaching methods and adapting to individual learning styles.
  • Contributed to the improvement of school-wide curriculum by participating in professional development opportunities and sharing best practices with colleagues.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units, promoting a well-rounded education for all students.
  • Served as a mentor for new teachers on staff, offering guidance on effective teaching practices and classroom management techniques.
  • Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.

Reading Recovery Teacher

Ministry of Education
01.2010 - 05.2016
  • Increased student literacy by implementing Reading Recovery strategies and individualized instruction plans.
  • Collaborated with classroom teachers to ensure continuity of instruction and reinforcement of literacy skills across all subjects.
  • Reduced the achievement gap for struggling readers by providing intensive one-on-one support and targeted interventions.

Classroom Teacher

Ministry Of Education
01.2002 - 12.2009
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, ensuring all students were able to access the curriculum and make progress in their learning.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and refining instructional techniques accordingly.
  • Established clear expectations for behaviour and classroom management, creating a respectful and productive learning atmosphere.
  • Boosted student confidence through consistent encouragement and positive reinforcement, fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Developed strong relationships with parents through regular communication, promoting involvement in their child''s education.
  • Assessed student progress using various assessment tools, adjusting instruction as needed to address identified areas of need.
  • Planned lessons, activities and trips to cover all required course material.
  • Served as a team leader for grade-level initiatives, coordinating efforts among faculty members to achieve shared goals related to curriculum and instruction improvement.
  • Participated in professional development workshops to stay current with educational best practices.

Literacy Specialist

Old Mixon Primary School
09.1999 - 09.2001
  • Enhanced student learning by collaborating with teachers to develop differentiated instruction strategies.
  • Implemented research-based approaches such as guided reading groups to deliver differentiated instruction tailored to individual learner needs.
  • Provided targeted professional development opportunities for teachers on literacy instruction techniques and strategies.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of literacy programs through ongoing data analysis, making adjustments as needed to maximize results.
  • Improved literacy rates by implementing targeted reading interventions and assessments for struggling students.

Classroom Teacher

Wildridings Primary School
09.1998 - 09.1999
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, ensuring all students were able to access the curriculum and make progress in their learning.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and refining instructional techniques accordingly.

Classroom Teacher

Birch Hill Primary School
09.1997 - 09.1998
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, ensuring all students were able to access the curriculum and make progress in their learning.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and refining instructional techniques accordingly.
  • Established clear expectations for behaviour and classroom management, creating a respectful and productive learning atmosphere.


Classroom Teacher

Westgate Hill Primary School
09.1991 - 09.1997
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, ensuring all students were able to access the curriculum and make progress in their learning.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and refining instructional techniques accordingly.
  • Established clear expectations for behaviour and classroom management, creating a respectful and productive learning atmosphere.
  • Boosted student confidence through consistent encouragement and positive reinforcement, fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and adapting to individual learning styles.
  • Developed strong relationships with parents through regular communication, promoting involvement in their child''s education.
  • Assessed student progress using various assessment tools, adjusting instruction as needed to address identified areas of need.
  • Championed inclusive practices within the classroom setting by accommodating diverse needs of students with special education plans or language barriers, enabling them to succeed alongside peers in mainstream classrooms.

Accelerated Management Trainee

HSBC Bank
09.1989 - 09.1991
  • Improved management skills by participating in rigorous training programs and workshops.
  • Assisted supervisors in setting clear goals, establishing priorities, and monitoring progress to ensure successful completion of tasks.
  • Gained knowledge of company policies, protocols and processes.
  • Acted with integrity, honesty, and knowledge to promote culture of company.

Education

Master of Arts - Education Practice

University of Auckland
Auckland, NZ
10-2020

Bachelor of Arts - Education

University of North London
London, UK
09-1990

Skills

  • Performance Measurement
  • Learning intervention
  • Progress monitoring
  • Advocacy and Motivation
  • Team collaboration
  • Relationship building

Languages

Maori
Elementary
Welsh
Limited Working

Interests

  • Golf
  • Walking the dogs
  • Growing fruit and vegetables - home garden
  • Travel

Timeline

Resource Teacher: Literacy

Ministry Of Education
05.2016 - Current

Reading Recovery Teacher

Ministry of Education
01.2010 - 05.2016

Classroom Teacher

Ministry Of Education
01.2002 - 12.2009

Literacy Specialist

Old Mixon Primary School
09.1999 - 09.2001

Classroom Teacher

Wildridings Primary School
09.1998 - 09.1999

Classroom Teacher

Birch Hill Primary School
09.1997 - 09.1998

Classroom Teacher

Westgate Hill Primary School
09.1991 - 09.1997

Accelerated Management Trainee

HSBC Bank
09.1989 - 09.1991

Master of Arts - Education Practice

University of Auckland

Bachelor of Arts - Education

University of North London
Kate O'Donnell