Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Professional Development
Personal Information
Timeline
Generic

Katherine Kruger

Auckland,AUK

Summary

I am an experienced primary educator with 18 years of teaching across a range of year levels. I bring a calm, consistent presence to the classroom and a genuine heart for students. My teaching approach is structured yet responsive, allowing me to meet learners where they are and adapt in real time. I regularly engage in professional development to stay current with changes in education and to refine my practice to better support all learners. I have a strong understanding of curriculum design, differentiation, and assessment, and I enjoy working collaboratively with families and staff to foster student growth. I am passionate about creating classroom environments where students feel safe, challenged, and valued.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Year 6 Teacher

Gulf Harbour School
01.2025 - Current

• Collaborate with the teaching team in weekly planning meetings to design lessons using Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) to ensure clear, structured learning for all students
• Deliver lessons through EDI, focusing on clear, step-by-step instruction, guided practice, and independent application to support student understanding and retention
• Use assessment tools such as DIBELS, E-asTTle, and Code, to monitor student progress, inform teaching decisions, and tailor interventions to individual learning needs
• Teach Mathematics using the Numicon approach, incorporating visual and hands-on resources to strengthen conceptual understanding and cater to different learning levels
• Set individual learning goals with students to track progress, motivate achievement, and provide clear next steps in their learning journey
• Use the HERO reporting system to document student progress, capture learning stories, and provide regular updates to families on academic development
• Build and maintain positive, respectful relationships with students, whānau, and colleagues to foster a supportive, culturally responsive classroom environment
• Participate in ongoing professional development to refine teaching practices, share strategies, and contribute to school-wide goals for improved student outcomes
• Provide targeted support for Tier 1 and Tier 2 students through differentiated instruction and interventions, ensuring all learners are supported to reach their potential
• Regularly communicate with families to share updates on progress, discuss challenges, and collaborate on strategies to support learning at home

Y6 Teacher ( Head of Learning 2023 - 2024)

KingsWay School
01.2019 - 12.2024
  • Participate in ongoing character development that reflect and uphold the values and vision of KingsWay School
  • Collaborate with the Year 6 team to develop termly and weekly lesson plans
  • Foster positive relationships with team members, students, and their whānau
  • Attend weekly Head of Learning and Professional Development meetings to enhance teaching practice
  • Monitor and report on the academic progress and achievement of the Year 6 cohort
  • Communicate with and respond to parents via email throughout the year, as needed
  • Organise, attend, and supervise school events and outings, including the Year 6 Camp
  • Provide a caring, inclusive, and safe learning environment for all students
  • Offer pastoral care and restorative support for students within the Year 6 cohort
  • Accelerate the progress of at-risk learners through action plans, targeted mini-lessons, and differentiated workshops
  • Provide peer mentoring, coaching, and support through team planning meetings, lesson observations, and appraisal feedback
  • Promote leadership development within the team through collaboration, mentoring conversations, and effective delegation
  • Ensure assessment tools (PATs, E-asTTle, GLoSS, IKAN, Probe, and Code) are administered and moderated to inform teaching and learning
  • Design and deliver engaging, relevant learning programmes that address diverse learning needs and identify next steps across all curriculum areas
  • Differentiate instruction in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics to cater to a range of student abilities
  • Establish clear learning intentions, success criteria, goals, and next steps with students
  • Collaborate with colleagues to drive improved student outcomes and maintain high standards of learning

Y5 Teacher

Murrays Bay School
05.2017 - 12.2018
  • Empower every learner to achieve their highest potential through high-quality teaching
  • Establish a welcoming, caring, and innovative learning environment that values respect and dignity for all
  • Cultivate positive and collaborative relationships with teachers, learners, and their families
  • Design lesson plans encompassing Literacy, Numeracy, and Practical Learning
  • Conduct continuous assessment of learners' progress
  • Engage in ongoing inquiry and reflection to enhance teaching practices
  • Differentiate instruction in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics to accommodate diverse learning levels

Y5 Teacher

Summit College Preparatory School
05.2013 - 03.2017
  • Implement diverse teaching methods including hands-on activities, discussions, and tailored individual exercises
  • Held responsibility for teaching Literacy, Numeracy, Life Skills, and Afrikaans from 2014 to 2015
  • Integrate higher-order thinking skills into lessons using a variety of strategies to foster student engagement
  • Utilise various technological tools and platforms effectively in lesson delivery
  • Collaborate effectively with colleagues, parents, and students to support learning objectives
  • Maintain a disciplined classroom environment conducive to learning
  • Conduct continuous assessments and prepare comprehensive reports on student progress
  • Organise and coordinate Grade 4 tours and outings
  • Lead and coordinate Grade 4 concerts
  • Organise and coach co-curricular activities such as swimming and softball
  • Edit report comments for grades 4 and 5 students
  • Provide additional English classes twice weekly to enhance learning outcomes
  • Deliver personalised reading therapy using the Phono-Graphix methodology

Y3/4 Teacher

Sagewood School
01.2011 - 04.2013
  • Responsible for daily classroom instruction of 30 pupils with diverse abilities
  • Integrate technology effectively into lesson plans to enhance learning outcomes
  • Conduct ongoing assessments to monitor student progress and adjust teaching strategies
  • Develop detailed curriculum plans and administer formal assessments across all subjects, including Literacy, Numeracy, and Life Skills
  • Contribute to the redesign of the mathematics curriculum in 2012, aligning it with Singapore Maths standards
  • Manage stock control and maintain records of reading materials
  • Participate actively as a member of the staff functions committee, coordinating events such as birthdays, baby showers, and end-of-year functions
  • Maintain day-to-day classroom behaviour and management to create a conducive learning environment
  • Co-manage and organise the school cross-country team

Kindergarten Teaching Assistant

Christ Church Preparatory School
01.2009 - 12.2010
  • Working with students in small groups or individually
  • Preparing materials and equipment for lessons
  • Planning and teaching of lessons
  • Planning of end year concerts, including all administration, costumes, and stage equipment
  • Continuous assessment of learners
  • Volunteer teaching at Nokuphila School (This is a school built by Christ Church that provides free education to learners)
  • Assisting in swimming, athletics, netball, and cross - country

Intern Teacher

Christ Church Preparatory School
01.2007 - 12.2008
  • Understanding of foundation phase teaching methodology and curriculum
  • Effective classroom management and collaboration with colleagues and parents
  • Integration of Biblical Studies into different Learning Areas
  • Teaching Bible as an individual subject

Corporate Travel Agent

Harvey World of travel
01.2005 - 12.2006

Education

High School -

Lyttelton Manor High School
12.2002

Certificate in Phono-Graphix reading therapy - undefined

12.2016

B.Ed Foundation Phase - English and Business Management

UNISA
12.2011

Diploma in Travel and Tourism - undefined

12.2004

Skills

  • Relational and caring – Foster strong, trusting relationships with students
  • Christ-centered – Teach with compassion, integrity, and faith-based values
  • Organised and detail-oriented
  • Punctual and reliable
  • Adaptable and flexible
  • Proficient in Google Classroom
  • Expertise in phonics instruction
  • Effective technology integration in the classroom
  • Strong knowledge of curriculum planning, assessment and reporting
  • Confident in communicating with parents
  • Committed to continuous professional learning
  • Emotionally aware and patient - able to work well across different teams

Professional Development

  • MOE Structured Literacy PLD – Science of Reading, Cognitive Load Theory, and Explicit Teaching (Liz Cane)
  • The Code – Structured Literacy approach (Liz Cane)
  • Explicit Direct Instruction – Joe Ybarra
  • Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) – Developing a powerful writing programme (Jo Bevens)
  • DIBELS Assessment Tool - ( Jo Bevens, Liz Cane)
  • Mathematics PD – With Marie Hirst, aligned to the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh
  • Numicon Training – Margi Leech
  • Singapore Maths – Conceptual and visual learning approach
  • A Problem-Solving Approach to Mathematics – Applied problem-solving strategies
  • Maths Programmes – Mathletics, Maths Buddy
  • Reading & Writing Strategies – Sheena Cameron
  • IYT (Incredible Years Teacher Programme) – Fostering positive relationships with students and whānau
  • Co-Teaching and Collaboration in an Innovative Learning Environment (ILE)
  • First Aid Certified
  • Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel
  • Google Workspace (Docs, Slides, Drive, etc.)


Personal Information

Availability: Available from Term 4 this year

Timeline

Year 6 Teacher

Gulf Harbour School
01.2025 - Current

Y6 Teacher ( Head of Learning 2023 - 2024)

KingsWay School
01.2019 - 12.2024

Y5 Teacher

Murrays Bay School
05.2017 - 12.2018

Y5 Teacher

Summit College Preparatory School
05.2013 - 03.2017

Y3/4 Teacher

Sagewood School
01.2011 - 04.2013

Kindergarten Teaching Assistant

Christ Church Preparatory School
01.2009 - 12.2010

Intern Teacher

Christ Church Preparatory School
01.2007 - 12.2008

Corporate Travel Agent

Harvey World of travel
01.2005 - 12.2006

Certificate in Phono-Graphix reading therapy - undefined

B.Ed Foundation Phase - English and Business Management

UNISA

Diploma in Travel and Tourism - undefined

High School -

Lyttelton Manor High School
Katherine Kruger