Amanda Henderson
Mount Kembla,NSW
Summary
Passionate educator with extensive experience at the NSW Department of Education, excelling in inclusive education and student well-being. Proven ability to implement Individual Learning Plans and foster a positive learning environment. Skilled in differentiated instruction and effective communication, enhancing student engagement and success. Recognised for building trust and rapport with diverse learners and colleagues. Capable educator with several years of experience in professional roles. Excellent classroom management, lecturing and behavior enhancement skills. Collaborative in working with teachers, administrators and specialists to support all student needs.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Rel. Head Teacher Wellbeing and Learning Support
NSW Department of Education (Figtree High School)
Figtree, 2525
08.2024 - Current
- Directed strategic development and implementation of inclusive education initiatives.
- Ensured students with disabilities received tailored support to enhance learning outcomes.
- Cultivated a positive and safe environment to promote student wellbeing.
- Facilitated professional learning for staff on inclusive education and wellbeing needs of students.
- Organised and supervised year group camps to foster teamwork, resilience and collaboration.
- Collaborate with parents, carers, and external professionals to support student learning and wellbeing.
- Coordinate the planning and resourcing for students requiring additional support, including the development of Individual Learning Plans (ILPs).
Science Teacher
NSW Department of Education (Figtree High School)
Figtree, NSW
01.2015 - Current
- Designed engaging lesson plans to facilitate student learning in science concepts.
- Developed and implemented assessments to evaluate student understanding and progress.
- Utilized technology to enhance teaching methods and student interaction in the classroom.
- Established classroom rules and procedures to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Communicated regularly with parents about student performance and classroom activities.
- Supported diverse learners by adapting lessons to meet individual student needs.
- Participated in professional development workshops to improve instructional strategies and skills.
- Created a classroom environment that encourages curiosity and critical thinking.
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional strategies to promote learning in students of differing skill levels.
- Organised and supervised excursions to science museums and local environmental centers
Rel. Head Teacher Teaching and Learning
NSW Department of Education
Figtree, NSW
08.2022 - 09.2022
- Coordinated staff training sessions to enhance teaching strategies and classroom management.
- Supervised teaching staff, providing mentorship and guidance for professional growth.
Science Teacher
NSW Department of Education (James Busby High School)
Busby, NSW
01.2007 - 12.2014
- Designed interactive lesson plans that facilitated deep learning in science.
- Implemented assessments to gauge student understanding and track progress.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through technology integration in teaching methods.
- Maintained a positive learning environment by establishing clear rules and expectations.
- Supported diverse learners by customising lessons to address unique needs.
- Conducted research on innovative strategies for teaching science effectively.
Science Teacher
NSW Department of Education (Bankstown Senior College)
Bankstown, NSW
01.2006 - 12.2006
- Designed engaging lesson plans to facilitate student learning in science concepts.
- Developed and implemented assessments to evaluate student understanding and progress.
- Collaborated with IEC teachers to support transition of EAL/D students.
- Utilised technology to enhance teaching methods and student interaction in the classroom.
- Established classroom rules and procedures to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Participated in professional development workshops to improve instructional strategies and skills.
- Supported diverse learners by adapting lessons to meet individual student needs.
Science Teacher
NSW Department of Education (FISC)
Port Kembla, NSW
07.2005 - 12.2005
- Designed engaging lesson plans to facilitate student learning in science concepts.
- Developed and implemented assessments to evaluate student understanding and progress.
- Established classroom rules and procedures to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Supported diverse learners by adapting lessons to meet individual student needs.
Education
Graduate Certificate - Physics Teaching
University of Canberra
Canberra, ACT12-2006
Bachelor of Science - Marine Science
University of Sydney
Sydney, NSW12-2004
Graduate Diploma - Education
University of Wollongong
Wollongong, NSW12-2004
Ce - Accidental Counsellor
Human Connections
Skills
- Inclusive education
- Ability to build trust and rapport with students, especially those experiencing challenges, student engagement
- Effective classroom management and relationship building
- Mentorship and coaching PeX students
- Student wellbeing
- Strong subject knowledge across core science areas (biology, chemistry, physics, earth, and environmental science)
- Differentiated instruction to meet diverse student learning needs, including EAL/D students, and students with disabilities
- Clear and confident oral and written communication, especially when explaining complex concepts
- Awareness of child protection, inclusive education, and Aboriginal education frameworks
- Conflict resolution, restorative practices, and active listening
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Rel. Head Teacher Wellbeing and Learning Support
NSW Department of Education (Figtree High School)
08.2024 - Current
Rel. Head Teacher Teaching and Learning
NSW Department of Education
08.2022 - 09.2022
Science Teacher
NSW Department of Education (Figtree High School)
01.2015 - Current
Science Teacher
NSW Department of Education (James Busby High School)
01.2007 - 12.2014
Science Teacher
NSW Department of Education (Bankstown Senior College)
01.2006 - 12.2006
Science Teacher
NSW Department of Education (FISC)
07.2005 - 12.2005
Graduate Certificate - Physics Teaching
University of Canberra
Bachelor of Science - Marine Science
University of Sydney
Graduate Diploma - Education
University of Wollongong
Ce - Accidental Counsellor
Human Connections