Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Referees
Referees
Generic

Megan Coombes

Queenstown,Jacks Point

Summary

My career over the years has been as a Social Worker, Teacher, SENCO, and RTLB. All of my positions have allowed me to work with tamariki with neuro-diversity and behavioural needs. I have a strong sense of fairness for all tamariki to have the opportunities and resources to reach their full potential.

I am passionate about making a difference for all children and have continued to upskill my education and network support to ensure this happens. I love the challenge of new opportunities to continue to grow my skills and knowledge to support the tamariki I am working with.

I love teaching and being in the classroom with tamariki, creating strong relationships to ensure they can learn. My work as an RTLB has continued to give me a culturally responsive lens to my practice with ongoing professional development with te reo and tikanga. I have had the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in many areas such as; play-based learning, dyslexia, structured literacy, universal design for learning, autism, and ADHD to list a few.

Overview

34
34
years of professional experience

Work History

Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour

RTLB Tauranga Moana
01.2016 - 01.2024
  • Gathered data to support the needs of tamariki, teachers and schools
  • Worked with teachers on strategies and resources to support tamariki with learning and behaviour issues
  • Worked with schools on system-based interventions to support tamariki with neuro-diversity
  • Facilitated differentiated instruction by providing a variety of resources tailored to meet each student''s unique needs and abilities.
  • Applied proven strategies to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills.
  • Facilitated whole school Professional Development on wellbeing and neuro-diversity
  • Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualised educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
  • Supported tamariki with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all tamariki.

Classroom Teacher/Special Needs Coordinator

Omokoroa No 1 School
01.1999 - 01.2016
  • Worked with tamariki years 0 -7
  • Special Needs Coordinator for 10 years
  • Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and refining instructional techniques accordingly.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.

Teacher

Otumoetai Primary School
01.1997 - 01.1999
  • Completed teaching registration
  • Taught Year 1/2

Social Worker: IHC & Oranga Tamariki

IHC & Oranga Tamariki
01.1990 - 01.1999
  • IHC: Worked with young people with disabilities to integrate into the community from institutions.
  • Oranga Tamariki: Foster Care Team & Risk Assessment Team

Education

Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching - Learning And Behaviour

Massey University
Auckland, NZ
03.2018

Diploma of Teaching - Teaching

University of Waikato
Hamilton, NZ
04.1998

Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work

Massey University
Palmerston North, NZ
05.1989

Skills

  • Current knowledge and experience in working with tamariki with special needs
  • Current experience with implementing programmes for tamariki with special needs, ensuring that the knowledge and understanding of the school curriculum is up to date
  • Current experience and knowledge of using different teaching methods and learning styles to best meet the needs of the tamariki
  • Experience and ability to work closely with tamariki, staff, and whanau
  • Experience and knowledge of assistive technology to support tamariki's learning and communication
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with all tamariki and whanau
  • Experience and knowledge to deal with tamariki behaviour from evidence-based approaches
  • Current first aid skills and knowledge of how to carry out safety and emergency procedures
  • Experience and passion to upskill and support staff and tamariki with complex needs
  • Experience and knowledge to practice from a culturally appropriate lens
  • Motivated, enthusiastic, and committed team player
  • Effective listening skills to ensure tamariki, whanau, and teachers are heard
  • Well-organised with planning, resources, and timing

Timeline

Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour

RTLB Tauranga Moana
01.2016 - 01.2024

Classroom Teacher/Special Needs Coordinator

Omokoroa No 1 School
01.1999 - 01.2016

Teacher

Otumoetai Primary School
01.1997 - 01.1999

Social Worker: IHC & Oranga Tamariki

IHC & Oranga Tamariki
01.1990 - 01.1999

Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching - Learning And Behaviour

Massey University

Diploma of Teaching - Teaching

University of Waikato

Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work

Massey University

Referees

  • Marie Peterson: RTLB Tauranga Moana Cluster Manager

Contact details: marie.p@takp.school.nz

021 725 690

  • Paula West: SENCO Papamoa College

Contact details: pwest@papamoacollege.school.nz

07 542 0676

Written Referees

  • Maryanna Casey: Practice Leader RTLB Tauranga Moana
  • Elaine Ford: Practice Leader RTLB Tauranga Moana
  • John Barthow: Deputy Principal Omokoroa No.1 School
  • Angela Britain: Speech Language Therapist / Sarah McGregor Occupational Therapist
  • Sue Morgan-French: Classroom teacher and colleague

Referees

  • Marie Peterson: RTLB Tauranga Moana Cluster Manager

Contact details: marie.p@takp.school.nz   

021 725 690

  • Paula West: SENCO Papamoa College

Contact details: pwest@papamoacollege.school.nz

07 542 0676


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