Yan (Tracy) Zou
Auckland,New Zealand
Summary
Dedicated educator with extensive experience in promoting positive educational outcomes for young children. Proven ability to collaborate with families and academic staff to enhance learning environments. Expertise in engaging diverse age groups and developmental levels to foster academic growth.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Qualified ECE Teacher
BestStart Albany
Albany, Auckland
03.2024 - Current
- Developed school readiness programs aligned with Te Whariki and NZ Curriculum.
- Created individual learning plans and evaluations to track children's development effectively.
- Integrated STEAM projects that fostered curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity among children.
- Maintained strong relationships with children, colleagues, and whanau to enhance community engagement.
- Collaborated with colleagues to optimize classroom routines and improve overall learning structure.
- Designed and implemented cultural events celebrating children's diversity, promoting belonging in the learning community.
Acting Head Teacher
BestStart Albany
Albany, Auckland
11.2024 - 04.2025
- Collaborated with families, teaching team, and external specialists to enhance educational outcomes.
- Mentored and inspired the teaching team to create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment.
- Oversaw curriculum planning, implementation, and evaluation to address holistic needs of all tamariki.
Qualified ECE Teacher
Reach Forward Early Learning Centre
Albany, Auckland
09.2021 - 03.2024
- Promoted holistic development addressing diverse learning needs of children and implemented differentiated instruction from speech therapists to assist students with language difficulties.
- Supported children transitioning to primary school through targeted literacy and numeracy activities.
- Developed learning plans, evaluations, and learning stories to track progress.
- Fostered positive relationships among whanau, colleagues, and tamariki to enhance community involvement.
Class Teacher
Causeway Bay Victoria International Kindergarten
, Hong Kong
10.2013 - 10.2019
- Supported children with special behavioral, social, and developmental needs, including speech delay and Autism.
- Evaluated children's progress, maintained records, and curated educational portfolios.
- Collaborated on annual IB Primary Years Programme exhibition to showcase student learning.
- Established engaging learning environments through interactive activities.
- Instructed Chinese language and culture for both native and non-native speakers.
K2 Grade Coordinator
Causeway Bay Victoria International Kindergarten
, Hong Kong
08.2016 - 07.2018
- Guided K2 teachers in creating International Baccalaureate Programme of Inquiry.
- Facilitated collaboration between school management and teaching teams.
- Conducted weekly meetings with K2 teachers to enhance instructional strategies.
- Contributed to design and review of curriculum booklet for educational alignment.
Education
Graduate Diploma in Teaching -
New Zealand Tertiary College
Auckland, NZ01-2021
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (ECE) -
The Education University of Hong Kong
HongKong01-2016
Master of Arts in Chinese Studies (Language Education) -
The Hong Kong Institute of Education
HongKong01-2013
Bachelor of Primary School Education -
Nanjing Normal University Taizhou College
China01-2011
Skills
- Structured Literacy & Numeracy
- Inquiry & STEAM Learning
- Collaboration & Teamwork
- Supporting Transition to School
- Culturally Responsive Practice
- Community & Family Engagement
- Curriculum development
- Inclusive education
Personality Attributes
- Patient, empathetic, and open-minded
- Collaborative and proactive team member
- Reflective practitioner committed to continuous growth
Core Teaching Competencies
- Structured Literacy & Numeracy: Strong experience embedding phonics-based literacy and foundational maths in playful, meaningful contexts.
- Inquiry & STEAM Learning: Skilled at integrating hands-on science, technology, art, and environmental projects into daily learning.
- Collaboration & Teamwork: Proven ability to co-plan and co-teach in flexible learning environments that promote shared responsibility and creativity.
- Transition to School: Deep understanding of the skills and dispositions children need for successful entry into primary learning.
- Culturally Responsive Practice: Commitment to bicultural values and inclusive practices that celebrate diversity and Te Ao Māori.
- Community & Family Engagement: Building strong partnerships with whānau, to ensure every child's learning is supported at home and school.
Language
English
Full Professional
Mandarin
Native/ Bilingual
Cantonese
Full Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Acting Head Teacher
BestStart Albany
11.2024 - 04.2025
Qualified ECE Teacher
BestStart Albany
03.2024 - Current
Qualified ECE Teacher
Reach Forward Early Learning Centre
09.2021 - 03.2024
K2 Grade Coordinator
Causeway Bay Victoria International Kindergarten
08.2016 - 07.2018
Class Teacher
Causeway Bay Victoria International Kindergarten
10.2013 - 10.2019
Graduate Diploma in Teaching -
New Zealand Tertiary College
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (ECE) -
The Education University of Hong Kong
Master of Arts in Chinese Studies (Language Education) -
The Hong Kong Institute of Education
Bachelor of Primary School Education -
Nanjing Normal University Taizhou College