Salote Nita Falesiu
Auckland,Hillpark
Summary
Proven leader in educational innovation at McAuley High School, adept in academic administration and curriculum development. Excelled in fostering department communication, academic leadership, pastoral care and significantly enhancing student learning outcomes. Strength in pastoral care amongst students and cohort. Skilled in organizational development and teamwork, my strategic initiatives propelled departmental and pastoral care success and student achievement.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Dean
McAuley High School
01.2021 - Current
- Facilitated data-driven decision making by utilizing assessment tools to evaluate the effectiveness of students learning progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Established collaborations with other Year level Deans and form teachers to provide support for students at risk and cohort.
- Managed budgetary responsibilities effectively, ensuring proper allocation of funds to support essential operations and growth opportunities.
- Implemented initiatives to drive curriculum quality and target learning outcomes.
- Promoted a culture of excellence within the department through regular recognition of outstanding achievements by faculty members.
- Recruited, hired and trained academic faculty and staff members.
- Launched new academic programs that addressed emerging trends and market demands, ensuring continued relevance for graduates entering the workforce.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary events such as conferences or guest lectures that showcased the expertise of both internal and external scholars.
- Assisted in development and implementation of faculty development plans.
- Cultivated engaged student population with successful orientation programs.
- Devised programs to promote diversity and inclusion among staff, faculty and students.
- Developed and implemented student success initiatives to recognize and encourage achievement.
- Coordinated and supervised academic advising activities.
Head of Performing Arts Department
McAuley High School
07.2018 - Current
- Lead a department through current NZQA changes.
- Led a department through the series of piloting the subjects Dance and Drama in 2022-2023.
- Design the departments curriculum programme and ensure it is updated and relevant to learners each year.w
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Director of GenX Unleashed
Kalia Trust
01.2015 - 12.2019
- Developed comprehensive artistic vision, collaborating with staff and stakeholders on strategic planning for the performing arts program.
- Developed a pipeline for future talent by establishing internships and apprenticeship programs that provided hands-on experience in various aspects of the performing arts field.
- Facilitated collaboration between different departments within the organization, fostering a unified approach to achieving artistic goals.
- Directed multiple productions each season, delivering captivating experiences that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Dance and Drama Teacher
McAuley High School
02.2016 - 07.2018
- Implemented effective classroom management techniques to provide safe, calm learning environment.
- Planned lessons to reflect group and individual student needs utilizing creative instruction.
- Encouraged students to perform well and learn from failure.
- Exposed students to diverse content to build perspective in drama pedagogy.
- Modeled creative acting styles and techniques encompassing varied history genres and performance techniques.
- Facilitated learning with aids, technology and equipment to stimulate higher-level thinking.
- Enhanced academic programs with innovative methodologies and collaboration.
- Evaluated student assignments and projects with corrective comments to guide future growth.
- Cultivated a lifelong appreciation for the arts among students, instilling values of creativity, expression, and critical thinking through dynamic instruction.
- Established a safe and inclusive learning environment where students felt comfortable expressing their emotions and ideas.
- Mentored aspiring actors, providing guidance on audition preparation and acting techniques for various roles.
- Enhanced student creativity by incorporating improvisation techniques and role-playing activities in lessons.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create interdisciplinary lessons that connected drama concepts to other subjects.
- Organized school-wide drama productions, managing auditions, rehearsals, and technical aspects for successful performances.
- Developed strong relationships with parents, fostering open communication to support student growth and progress.
- Provided individualized instruction for struggling students with personalized lesson plans and additional resources tailored to their needs.
- Fostered love for art and learning to inspire students to pursue passions and interests.
- Incorporated student interests and experiences to make learning relevant and meaningful.
- Managed classroom behavior to establish and maintain clear classroom behavior and discipline expectations.
- Used technology in classrooms to integrate technology and multimedia tools into art lessons and enhance student learning.
- Attended concerts and performances to support students and arts community.
- Evaluated and graded students' class work, performances, projects, assignments and papers.
- Scheduled shows and performances in accordance with school calendar.
- Provided extra help and support to offer additional support to struggling students and encourage success in art subjects.
- Collaborated with community arts organizations to bring real-world experiences into classrooms and provide students with opportunities for learning and growth.
- Attended department meetings and collaborated with other fine arts teachers.
- Held afterschool meetings and rehearsals in preparation for shows.
Dance Instructor
All Nation Sports
01.2013 - 12.2015
- Planned routines for recitals and performances.
- Fostered a supportive learning environment by promoting positive reinforcement and constructive feedback.
- Created healthy and safe learning environment for all students by implementing class rules and promoting mutual respect and gentle discipline.
- Worked in team-based environment to uphold quality and continuity of service to clients.
- Utilized different styles of teaching to accommodate students of all capabilities.
- Developed personalized lesson plans to cater to individual student needs, resulting in improved dance skills.
- Communicated with students and parents in person, via email, and by phone to resolve issues and answer questions.
- Planned, prepared, and delivered lesson plans introducing students to dance techniques and ballet positions.
- Implemented injury prevention strategies during warm-ups and cool-downs, ensuring safe practice for all participants.
- Offered one-on-one instruction to students by appointment.
Professional Dancer
Black Grace Dance Company
01.2011 - 07.2013
- Participated in rigorous dance training sessions to improve technique, flexibility, and strength for optimal performance outcomes.
- Enhanced audience engagement by incorporating unique choreography and dynamic movements in performances.
- Adapted quickly to changes in choreography or casting requirements while maintaining composure under pressure during live performances.
- Performed in various dance styles, including ballet, contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop, showcasing versatility as a professional dancer.
- Established lasting connections with fellow dancers, choreographers, and industry professionals, contributing to a supportive network within the competitive field of performing arts.
- Performed at high-profile events such as festivals, award shows, and fundraisers, representing organizations with professionalism and talent.
- Developed a strong stage presence through consistent practice and dedication, resulting in exceptional performance quality.
- Collaborated with fellow dancers and choreographers to create visually stunning performances that captivated audiences.
- Picked up choreography moves easily and immediately incorporated changes in choreography or new moves by staying flexible.
YMCA Dance Instructor
YMCA Mt Albert
02.2008 - 11.2010
- Planned routines for recitals and performances.
- Fostered a supportive learning environment by promoting positive reinforcement and constructive feedback.
- Created healthy and safe learning environment for all students by implementing class rules and promoting mutual respect and gentle discipline.
- Worked in team-based environment to uphold quality and continuity of service to clients.
- Utilized different styles of teaching to accommodate students of all capabilities.
- Planned, prepared, and delivered lesson plans introducing students to dance techniques and ballet positions.
- Implemented injury prevention strategies during warm-ups and cool-downs, ensuring safe practice for all participants.
- Developed personalized lesson plans to cater to individual student needs, resulting in improved dance skills.
- Communicated with students and parents in person, via email, and by phone to resolve issues and answer questions.
- Offered one-on-one instruction to students by appointment.
- Enhanced student performance by incorporating diverse dance styles and techniques in lessons.
- Promoted inclusivity by adapting lessons for individuals with varying physical abilities or limitations without sacrificing rigor or quality of instruction.
- Increased student retention rate with engaging choreography that challenged their abilities while maintaining enjoyment.
- Provided feedback, guidance and support to students on participation and performance.
- Conducted classes and workshops for students on special topics of interest.
Education
Masters in Secondary School Leadership - Education
Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington, NZPost Graduate in Secondary Teaching -
University of Auckland
Auckland, NZ05.2016
Honors in Dance Studies -
University of Auckland
Auckland, NZ05.2015
Bachelor of Dance Studies - Dance
University of Auckland
Auckland, NZ05.2014
NZQA Level 2 -
Kelston Girls High School
Auckland, NZ12.2007
Skills
- Organizational Development
- Academic administration knowledge
- Faculty communication
- Academic goal advisement
- Academic Leadership
- Disciplinary action
- Faculty Development
- Student Guidance
- Planning and coordination
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Excellent Communication
- Organizational Skills
- Active Listening
- Effective Communication
- Decision-Making
- Relationship Building
- Team building
- Analytical Thinking
- Curriculum Development
Hobbies
Love spending time with my family.
Love fitness and working out.
Timeline
Dean
McAuley High School
01.2021 - Current
Head of Performing Arts Department
McAuley High School
07.2018 - Current
Dance and Drama Teacher
McAuley High School
02.2016 - 07.2018
Director of GenX Unleashed
Kalia Trust
01.2015 - 12.2019
Dance Instructor
All Nation Sports
01.2013 - 12.2015
Professional Dancer
Black Grace Dance Company
01.2011 - 07.2013
YMCA Dance Instructor
YMCA Mt Albert
02.2008 - 11.2010
Masters in Secondary School Leadership - Education
Victoria University of Wellington
Post Graduate in Secondary Teaching -
University of Auckland
Honors in Dance Studies -
University of Auckland
Bachelor of Dance Studies - Dance
University of Auckland
NZQA Level 2 -
Kelston Girls High School
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