Specialising in primary literacy and numeracy, building confidence, strengthening understanding and supporting individual learning needs. About Me
Over 30 Years in Education | Educational Leadership | Literacy and Numeracy
I believe that all people are lifelong learners, and that no two children learn in exactly the same way. Every child brings their own strengths, challenges, interests and experiences to learning, and I believe that education should build confidence, encourage curiosity and provide opportunities for every child to experience success. I began my career with the NSW Department of Education in 1992 and have worked in public education for more than 34 years, including over 25 years in executive positions. While much of my earlier career was based in schools and classrooms, my professional experience has since extended well beyond the classroom. Over the past decade, I have had opportunities to contribute to broader educational initiatives and work collaboratively with educators and schools across NSW. This experience has provided me with an extensive understanding of teaching, learning, curriculum, educational improvement and the importance of recognising and responding to individual learning needs. Throughout my career, I have continued to undertake professional learning, explore different teaching approaches and develop my understanding of how children learn. I believe that remaining informed about educational research and effective teaching practices is an important part of being an educator. Qualifications and Professional Learning
I hold the following qualifications:
Diploma of Teaching
Bachelor of Education
GERRIC Mini Certificate of Gifted Education (Mini-COGE) – University of New South Wales
My additional professional learning and experience includes:
Literacy
Initialit
Focus on Reading – Phases 1 and 2
Get Reading Right
Master of Written English
Reading Eggs – Levels 1 and 2
Reading comprehension and literacy development
Phonemic awareness, phonics and early literacy
Vocabulary, spelling, grammar and written expression
Supporting students with literacy difficulties and diverse learning needs
Numeracy
Back to Front Maths – professional learning and school-based implementation
21st Century Visual Numeracy
Mathematics K–10 – programming, key concepts and mathematical reasoning
Syllabus PLUS K–6 Mathematics
Mathletics – Levels 1 and 2
Mathematical reasoning and problem-solving
Developing conceptual understanding
Identifying and addressing mathematical misconceptions
Using visual and practical approaches to mathematics learning
Teaching, Learning and Student Support
Gifted education and differentiated teaching
Supporting high-potential and gifted students
Supporting students with additional learning needs
Sensory Processing
Disability Standards for Education
Curriculum planning and implementation
PLAN and PLAN2
Assessment in 21st Century Classrooms
Collaboration in the Digital Classroom
Student wellbeing and inclusive education
My professional learning extends across many other areas of education, reflecting my commitment to maintaining and developing my knowledge throughout my career. Specialist Experience in Literacy and Numeracy
My experience in literacy and numeracy extends beyond delivering classroom lessons. Throughout my career, I have developed a detailed understanding of how students acquire knowledge, interpret information, develop concepts and apply their learning. I have a particular interest in understanding why students experience difficulty with certain concepts, rather than simply identifying whether an answer is right or wrong. In literacy, this includes understanding how children develop reading and comprehension skills, how language and vocabulary influence understanding, and how students progress from foundational skills to more complex reading and writing tasks. In numeracy, my experience includes exploring how children develop mathematical understanding, identifying misconceptions, using different representations to explain concepts and helping students make connections between mathematical ideas. I recognise that a student may be able to follow a procedure without fully understanding the concept behind it. For this reason, I place importance on developing reasoning, encouraging students to explain their thinking and helping them understand how and why, rather than simply memorising answers. My broader educational experience has also provided opportunities to work collaboratively with educators in different school environments, strengthening my understanding of the varied approaches required to support student learning. My Approach to Tuition
I believe that effective tuition begins with understanding the individual child. Some students need additional support to develop foundational literacy and numeracy skills. Others need opportunities to consolidate their learning, build confidence or extend their understanding through more challenging activities. My approach focuses on:
Recognising each child's strengths and learning needs. Identifying gaps in understanding and addressing misconceptions. Developing reasoning, problem-solving and independent thinking. Using a variety of approaches to make learning meaningful and accessible. Providing appropriate support, consolidation and extension. Encouraging confidence, curiosity and a positive attitude towards learning. Recognising progress and celebrating individual achievements. I believe that children need to feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes and trying different approaches. Learning should be challenging when appropriate, but it should also be encouraging and rewarding. My aim is not simply to help students complete schoolwork. It is to develop understanding, strengthen essential skills and help children become more confident and independent learners. Tuition Services
Primary Literacy and Numeracy
Tuition is designed to support students through:
Literacy development, including reading, comprehension, spelling and writing. Numeracy development, including number skills, mathematical concepts, reasoning and problem-solving. Consolidation of classroom learning. Support for students experiencing learning difficulties. Enrichment and extension for students requiring additional challenge. Development of confidence, independence and positive learning habits. Tuition focuses on developing literacy and numeracy knowledge, understanding and skills. Preparation or coaching for NAPLAN, selective school entry, Opportunity Class placement or other standardised assessments is not offered. CURRENT QUALIFICATIONS AND RECENT TRAINING
* Diploma of Teaching
* Bachelor of Education
* GERRIC's Mini Certificate of Gifted Education (Mini-COGE) UNSW
* 21st Century Visual Numeracy
* Adobe Connect training
* Zoom training
* Initialit certified
* A process for programming a unit of learning: Mathematics K-10
* Child Protection Update - annually
* Work Health and Safety
* Sensory Processing
* Epilepsy Essentials and Emergency Medication for Seizures - Midazolam
* Selection Panel Procedures for School Teachers
* Selection Panel Procedures for Conveners
* Disability Standards for Education
* Helping Students with Special Needs
* NAPLAN Persuasive Writing Marking Certificate
* New Phase 1 - Focus on Reading 3-6
* New Phase 2 - Focus on Reading 3-6
* Master of Written English
* Mathletics - Level 1 Certification
* Mathletics - Level 2 Certification
* Reading Eggs - Level 1 Certification
* Reading Eggs - Level 2 Certification
* OASIS stocktake certification
* First Aid Certificate - annually
* PLAN and PLAN2
* Syllabus PLUS K-6 Maths: Key concepts a language focus
* Syllabus PLUS K-6 Maths: Key concepts within the syllabus
* Syllabus PLUS K-6 Maths: Making connections Part A and B
* Syllabus PLUS K-6 Maths: Working Mathematically- Reasoning
* The Future of Education - Dr Mark Treadwell
* Get Reading Right
* Collaboration in the Digital Classroom. (15 hrs)
* Assessment in 21st Century Classrooms. (15 hrs)
* Preparing and responding to bushfires preparation
* Resolving Health and Safety issues in the workplace certification
* e-Emergency care (APTSs)
* Emergency Management Planning
* School Communities Working Together Certification
* WHS Induction for Employees Certification
* Anaphylaxis e-learning (APTSs)
* Attainment of Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
