Vanessa Shanks
Early Childhood / Primary Teacher
Summary
The foundation of my teaching practice is to build positive and respectful relationships with both whānau and children in order to contribute to an effective learning community where I can make a difference. I encourage children to develop their independence, support their wellbeing and life-long love of learning.
Working cooperatively together with my colleagues while sharing knowledge and skills is vital and helps to establish a strong team with a shared vision and collective responsibility for tamariki.
I am passionate about making learning fun and exciting and love to think of new, creative and challenging ideas to make the centre an interesting place to be. I strive to bring to children's early years a connection with nature, hands on knowledge about sustainable practices and Te Ao Māori values. This holistic approach supports children to become active citizens of change - they are our future!
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Early Childhood Teacher
Montessori Blenheim
01.2020 - Current
- Guided children aged between 3 and 6 in all areas of Te Whāriki and the Montessori Curriculum including Practical Life, Sensorial, Culture, Mathematics and Literacy.
- Held a strong focus on supporting the wellbeing of children, their sense of belonging and building independence.
- Organized and led activities to promote physical, mental and social development.
- Planned, implemented, evaluated and recorded individual learning cycles
- Often managed teaching team when Team Manager was absent
- Contributed to group planning and evaluations
- Supported training teacher with assignments
- Contributed to EnviroSchools
Casual Relief Teacher
Happy Hearts Nursery - Bournemouth, UK
07.2022 - 12.2022
- Worked alongside permanent teachers to care for children and infants aged 6 months to 5 years
- Meal preparation
- Supported wellbeing of neurologically diverse children
Primary School Teacher
Riverlands School
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Teaching year 2 children
- Full NZ curriculum
- Gained experience with children with diverse needs such as ASD
Student Teacher
Hobsonville Point Primary School
07.2018 - 11.2018
- Teaching year 4 & 5 children
- Innovative Learning Environment (80+ learners in a space with 3/4 teachers)
- Team teaching experience
Student Teacher
Belmont Primary School
02.2018 - 07.2018
- Taught year 3 children
- Worked alongside Associate teacher
- Worked closely with a child with diverse needs (Cerebral Palsy)
Personal Assistant
Youi Insurance NZ
06.2014 - 12.2017
- Admin based role supporting the Head of Sales and Head of Retention
- Event planning
- Incentive program coordinator
- Supported HR and recruitment department
Vineyard Worker
Konrad Wines
- Casual summer job over various dates in between study
- Leaf picking
- Wire lifting
- Planting
Nannying/ Babysitting
Various Employees
- Cared for children from ages 1-11 years
- School collection and drop offs
- Overnight care
- Dinner preparation etc.
Education
Master of Teaching And Learning (Primary) -
Auckland University of Technology
Auckland, NZ11.2018
Bachelor of Design Innovation - Design
Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington, NZ12.2013
NCEA Level 1,2,3 -
St Margaret's Collage
Christchurch, NZ12.2010
Skills
- Care of children's wellbeing
- Toileting and toilet training
- Responsible and reliable
- Eager to learn and grow
- Receptive to feedback
- Strong work ethic
- Thorough with attention to detail
- Clear communicator
- First aid
- Teamwork
- Professional
Certification
- Incredible Beginnings Program (2023/2024)
- Te Reo Maori Language Course at REAP House
- First aid Course - St Johns
- Outward Bound Classic Course
- Victoria University Excellence Scholarship
Interests
- Outdoors (hiking, sailing, fishing and skiing)
- Visual art
- Animal care
- Travel
Referees
Available on request
Timeline
Casual Relief Teacher
Happy Hearts Nursery - Bournemouth, UK
07.2022 - 12.2022
Early Childhood Teacher
Montessori Blenheim
01.2020 - Current
Primary School Teacher
Riverlands School
01.2019 - 12.2019
Student Teacher
Hobsonville Point Primary School
07.2018 - 11.2018
Student Teacher
Belmont Primary School
02.2018 - 07.2018
Personal Assistant
Youi Insurance NZ
06.2014 - 12.2017
Vineyard Worker
Konrad Wines
Nannying/ Babysitting
Various Employees
Master of Teaching And Learning (Primary) -
Auckland University of Technology
Bachelor of Design Innovation - Design
Victoria University of Wellington
NCEA Level 1,2,3 -
St Margaret's Collage
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