Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Training
Timeline
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Mya West

Mya West

Taupō

Summary

As a dedicated and passionate educator committed to excellence in teaching and learning, I prioritise building strong, inclusive, and respectful relationships with students, whānau, and colleagues. I recognise that trust and connection are the foundation of meaningful education and make these a priority in my classroom practice. I actively seek feedback and continually refine my practice through professional development. I take full ownership of my responsibilities, consistently upholding high standards of professionalism and integrity. With a positive and optimistic outlook, I thrive in collaborative, engaging environments where curiosity, connection, and a sense of fun are valued.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Classroom Teacher

Hilltop School Taupō
01.2024 - Current
  • In charge of admin for the Year 7 & 8 Student Leadership Programme — a values-based bronze/silver/gold nomination system recognising students for consistently demonstrating school values, culminating in formal leadership roles in school events and initiatives.
  • Completed Liz Kane Structured Literacy PLD, implementing The Code to explicitly teach phoneme–grapheme correspondences, syllable types, and morphology, resulting in measurable improvements in students’ retention of spelling patterns and application in independent writing.
  • Applied strategies from Science of Learning PLD, integrating explicit instruction, daily reviews, and regular checks for understanding — increasing engagement and strengthening comprehension.
  • Designed & delivered whole-class reading lessons using the Mary Brown reading model (Track With Me, Read With Me, Ruler Read, Buddy Read, targeted vocabulary), integrating content with writing lessons.
  • Implemented paired reading fluency techniques and structured reading groups to improve decoding, fluency, and comprehension.
  • Given opportunities to take lead in literacy planning for the teaching team, creating shared units and instructional sequences for reading and writing.
  • Developed tailored literacy and numeracy resources aligned to student needs and curriculum expectations.
  • Participated in DMIC (Developing Mathematical Inquiry Communities) PLD, implementing collaborative mathematical discourse, mixed-ability grouping, and discovery-based problem solving to deepen mathematical thinking and promote equitable participation.
  • Used Writer’s Toolbox and Writer’s Scorecard to deliver structured writing instruction and assessment.
  • Facilitated team assemblies and supported student-led class assemblies to build confidence and oral language skills.
  • Produced mid-year and end-of-year reports across all curriculum areas, outlining achievement, progress, and next steps.
  • Integrated OCHRE resources and created explicit teaching slides and daily reviews, enhancing knowledge retention and concept recall.
  • Supported learners with diverse needs, including neurodivergent students, through differentiated instruction, relationship-building, and collaboration with support staff and whānau.
  • Planned & attended a three-night school camp, supporting student wellbeing and participation.
  • Maintained consistent, relationship-based behaviour management with clear expectations.
  • Communicated regularly with whānau regarding achievement and wellbeing.
  • Contributed to an inclusive, positive classroom culture where all learners feel valued and supported.
  • Engaged in ongoing professional learning to stay current with evidence-based best practice.
  • Planned & attended a three-night school camp, supporting student wellbeing and participation, and facilitating activities such as Surf Life Saving education sessions, surfing lessons, and water safety workshops with local lifeguards.
  • Organised and supported students in delivering a successful school production item, including costume management and performance preparation.

Relief Teacher

Hilltop School Taupō
09.2023 - 12.2023
  • Experienced in working with students from Year 2 through to Year 8, including teaching in composite classrooms and providing targeted support across a wide range of age groups. Skilled in tailoring content, behaviour management approaches, and engagement strategies to suit different stages of development.
  • Cultivated strong, positive relationships with colleagues and learners to enhance collaboration.
  • Encouraged positive behaviour in classrooms, fostering an effective learning environment.
  • Maintained flexibility and adaptability across all year groups within the school community.
  • Utilised quick thinking to sustain a positive and productive atmosphere for learners.
  • Collaborated effectively with colleagues to achieve shared educational goals.

Teacher Aide

Taupō Primary School
05.2023 - 09.2023
  • Provided one-on-one and small group support to high-needs students, promoting engagement and emotional regulation.
  • Implemented individual education plans (IEPs) to ensure curriculum access for diverse learners.
  • Collaborated with classroom teachers and specialists to create inclusive learning environments.
  • Adapted learning tasks to meet individual student needs, fostering independence and motivation.
  • Encouraged social skills development through targeted self-management strategies.
  • Utilised de-escalation techniques to manage challenging behaviours effectively.
  • Strengthened communication skills while advocating for neurodiversity awareness and student-centred support.

Preschool Teacher in Training

BestStart Te Heu Heu
03.2022 - 05.2023
  • Fostered a positive classroom environment for diverse learners through engaging activities.
  • Communicated student progress to parents and guardians, enhancing collaboration.
  • Facilitated interactive sessions to develop social skills and teamwork among children.
  • Monitored student behavior, addressing issues promptly and effectively.
  • Promoted emotional regulation and positive behaviour with calm, supportive guidance.
  • Engaged children in developmentally appropriate play-based learning activities.
  • Built trusting relationships with children and their whānau for enhanced support.
  • Collaborated with the teaching team to maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment.

After School Care Assistant/School Holiday Programme

Kelly Club Taupō
05.2021 - 03.2022
  • Supervised student activities to ensure safety and engagement during programmes.
  • Implemented behaviour management strategies to foster positive interactions among students.
  • Assisted in planning educational and recreational activities for diverse groups.
  • Monitored individual student needs, providing targeted support as necessary.
  • Collaborated with team members to cultivate a positive environment for learning.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organisation of spaces for both learning and play.
  • Coordinated logistics for events, ensuring smooth execution and active participation.
  • Communicated effectively with parents regarding student progress and daily events.

Education

Bachelor of Teaching - Primary

The University of Waikato
Hamilton, NZ
01.2023

Skills

  • Lesson planning and assessment
  • Classroom management
  • Student engagement strategies
  • Collaborative teaching techniques
  • Relationship building
  • Adaptability and problem-solving
  • Team collaboration
  • Leadership and initiative
  • Positive behaviour management
  • Structured Literacy experience
  • Science of learning experience
  • Student-centred learning
  • Lesson planning
  • Digital Tools Proficiency (Google workspace, Hero, Etap)

Training

  • Structured Literacy (Liz Kane) – 2025: Implementing evidence-based literacy practices across reading and writing programs.
  • Incredible Years Teacher – Classroom Management Program – 2024: Strengthening teacher-student relationships, positive behaviour strategies, and resilience building.
  • Trauma-Informed Practice Program – 2024: Developing safe, inclusive environments for students impacted by adversity.
  • AI in the Classroom Program – 2025: Exploring the use of artificial intelligence tools to enhance engagement and teaching efficiency.
  • Fatality Prevention Program – 2025: Promoting health, safety, and risk-management strategies in a school setting, specifically for Education Outside the Classroom experiences.

Timeline

Classroom Teacher

Hilltop School Taupō
01.2024 - Current

Relief Teacher

Hilltop School Taupō
09.2023 - 12.2023

Teacher Aide

Taupō Primary School
05.2023 - 09.2023

Preschool Teacher in Training

BestStart Te Heu Heu
03.2022 - 05.2023

After School Care Assistant/School Holiday Programme

Kelly Club Taupō
05.2021 - 03.2022

Bachelor of Teaching - Primary

The University of Waikato

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Mya West