Anja Van Der Westhuizen
Wellard,WA
Summary
A dedicated and compassionate educator with over 15 years of experience in teaching and educational support, specialising in neurodiverse students and EAL/D learners. Currently working as a Responsive Education Coordinator for Years 7-12, I advocate for trauma-informed practices and equitable support for students with diverse learning needs. My career spans primary and secondary education, with expertise in creating inclusive learning environments and personalised interventions. Having worked in both South Africa and Australia, I bring a global perspective to education and am committed to fostering a nurturing, adaptable space for every student to thrive.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Responsive Education Coordinator (Secondary0
The King's College
01.2023 - Current
- Assist with all administration duties and report to the Director of Responsive Education.
- Work with students, teachers, and families to ensure optimal learning environment and positive culture for responding to diverse learners.
- Test and assess newly enrolled secondary students to support data-informed practice and communicate this information to all significant parties.
- Provide coaching to mainstream teachers whose students with additional needs require reasonable adjustments.
- Support teachers with 3-wave differentiation mapping.
- Maintain the Responsive education shared library, including administration duties related to documented plans for students with diverse learning needs.
- Coordinate exam/assessment disability adjustments in consultation with the Deputy Principal of Learning and Teaching.
- Lead Apple assistive technologies to support access to curriculum for students with imputed/diagnosed disabilities.
- Support Director of Responsive Education with Disability Funding application (State and NCCD)
- Conduct conferences with parents and students to review progress, adjust Documented plans and review disability adjustments.
- Develop individualised education plans for diverse learners, ensuring personalised support for each student's needs.
- Increase teacher collaboration by creating professional development workshops focused on sharing best practices.
- Coordinate Corrective Reading initiative in years 7-9.
- Diagnostically test incoming Year 7s, to be sorted into Literacy groupings for the following year.
- Resourcing, organisation and coaching of Literacy materials, focusing on Corrective Reading in lower years.
- Scope and sequencing of Literacy curriculum across Year 7 & 8.
- Lesson observation of teachers operating Direct Instruction programs, with feedback and ongoing coaching.
- Liaising with teachers to better understand data implications for teaching.
- Communication to parents regarding Literacy improvements, concerns and changing of streams.
- Teacher of Literacy and/or Corrective Reading.
- Be a Performance Appraisal Coach that includes lesson observations and feedback regarding literacy strategies.
- Oversee the internal moderation of alternative pathways such as SCSA-endorsed ASDAN ‘Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network’ projects and portfolios.
- Complete external moderation of ASDAN Portfolios towards alternative pathways WACE certification.
Responsive Education Teacher (Secondary)
The King's College
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Create a nurturing and ordered learning environment which aligns with Responsive Education pedagogy and maintain Lighthouse Studio learning zones and booking system.
- Assist the Head of Responsive Education with testing of newly enrolled students.
- Implement effective learning and teaching strategies aligned with best practice Cognitive and Reading Science pedagogy.
- Run Corrective reading and literacy/EAL/D intervention.
- Action disability adjustments and support delivery of documented plans.
- Support OLNA and NAPLAN intervention.
- Support subject teachers in creating ‘Lighthouse Toolkits’ and resources to support modified and differentiated curriculum to meet specific learning needs.
- Support pastoral care and well-being initiatives in the Lighthouse Studio. Teach as required
- Lead and design ASDAN learning journeys in collaboration with students, relevant subject teachers and ASDAN education assistants.
- Document and record students' learning and ASDAN projects
- Create and maintain a Responsive Education shared library.
Primary Classroom Teacher
The King's College
01.2019 - 12.2022
- delivered inclusive and differentiated instruction for a diverse student body, including neurodiverse and EALD learners.
- Designed engaging lessons aligned with the Australian curriculum, utilizing various teaching strategies to support all students' success.
- Conducted regular assessments and provided timely feedback to guide student progress.
- Collaborated with parents, specialists, and colleagues to address individual learning needs effectively.
- Committed to creating a positive, trauma-informed classroom environment that promoted student engagement and success.
Generalist Primary Teachr
The King's College
02.2018 - 12.2018
- Delivered differentiated instruction tailored to the developmental needs of students across Pre-Primary, Year 1, Year 4, and Year 5.
- Designed engaging lesson plans aligned with the curriculum, focusing on literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning.
- Assessed student progress regularly and adapted teaching methods to meet individual needs.
- Created a supportive and inclusive classroom environment to foster student well-being and success.
- Collaborated with colleagues, parents, and specialists to support the overall development of students.
- Ensured continuity and growth in students’ learning throughout their educational journey.
Relief Teacher
The King's College
08.2017 - 12.2017
- Followed classroom plans left by the class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
- Repeatedly requested as a substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Provided classroom instruction and support one day a week for Kindy and Pre-Primary students.
- Fostered a nurturing and engaging learning environment that encouraged play-based learning.
- Supported the development of early literacy, numeracy, social, and emotional skills.
- Maintained classroom routines and ensured student safety at all times.
- Collaborated with other staff to ensure continuity in learning and care.
- Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and strong communication skills to support students' early development.
Primary Classroom Teacher (Quailified)
Burgersfort Primary
01.2012 - 12.2016
- Taught in an English-medium classroom, delivering high-quality education from 2006 to 2017.
- Designed and implemented lesson plans aligned with the curriculum to promote critical thinking, literacy, and numeracy.
- Assessed student performance regularly and provided personalized feedback to support growth.
- Engaged with parents to discuss student progress and foster strong home-school partnerships.
- Contributed to the school community through involvement in extra-curricular activities.
- Created a positive and supportive classroom environment to encourage student well-being and academic growth.
Primary Classroom Teacher (In Service Training)
Burgersfort Primary
01.2007 - 12.2012
- Planned and delivered lessons aligned with the curriculum, focusing on reading, writing, and math skills.
- Created a positive and structured classroom environment to support student learning and development.
- Regularly assessed student progress and provided individual support where necessary.
- Collaborated with experienced teachers and mentors to improve teaching practices.
- Applied new teaching strategies learned through ongoing professional development.
- Adapted lessons and classroom activities to engage students and ensure academic growth.
Education
Bachelor of Education - Intermediate And Senior Phase
University of South Africa
South Africa05.2012
Skills
- Systematic disability funding management
- EAL/D Progress Mapping
- Alternative SCSA pathways; ASDAN, ABLE WA
- Neuro-affirming adjustments and positive behaviour support
- SEQTA student tracking
- Student Diversity data collection and analysis
- Instructional Coaching
- Berry Street – Trauma Informed Practices
- Reading Profiling (K-12)
Accomplishments
- Supported in designing and implementing of Responsive Education model utilising a multi-tiered system of support linked to funding.
- Supported in designing, opening and maintaining of flexible learning space, ‘The Lighthouse Studio’.
- Co-wrote an article called “Lighting Up Literacy in Secondary Schools’ explaining our school’s journey in implementing MTSS in secondary space for the ‘Lifting Literacy’ newsletter by Independent Schools Tasmania (IST) 2024.
- Supported in establishing a pilot ‘Satellite’ pathway for Year 7-8 students requiring extensive and substantial adjustments and personalised learning.
Certification
- Sounds-Write-4 day course in phonics
- Sounds-Write for Years 3 to 6
- Talk for Writing
- Walker Learning - YEARS 3 to 6
- Making it a success-Teaching and Behaviour Support Strategies For Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Managing Challenging Behaviours-Sue Larky
- Berry Street Trauma-Informed Practices
- ADHD WA Conference
- DSF Conference
- Inclusive Education Masterclass
- NCCD for school leaders e-learn
- Youth Mental Health First Aider
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Afrikaans
Native or Bilingual
Reference
Melissa Galindo-Director of Responsive Education
0438942981
Cristina Andreone- School Psychologist
0421644527
Timeline
Responsive Education Coordinator (Secondary0
The King's College
01.2023 - Current
Responsive Education Teacher (Secondary)
The King's College
01.2022 - 12.2022
Primary Classroom Teacher
The King's College
01.2019 - 12.2022
Generalist Primary Teachr
The King's College
02.2018 - 12.2018
Relief Teacher
The King's College
08.2017 - 12.2017
Primary Classroom Teacher (Quailified)
Burgersfort Primary
01.2012 - 12.2016
Primary Classroom Teacher (In Service Training)
Burgersfort Primary
01.2007 - 12.2012
Bachelor of Education - Intermediate And Senior Phase
University of South Africa
- Sounds-Write-4 day course in phonics
- Sounds-Write for Years 3 to 6
- Talk for Writing
- Walker Learning - YEARS 3 to 6
- Making it a success-Teaching and Behaviour Support Strategies For Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Managing Challenging Behaviours-Sue Larky
- Berry Street Trauma-Informed Practices
- ADHD WA Conference
- DSF Conference
- Inclusive Education Masterclass
- NCCD for school leaders e-learn
- Youth Mental Health First Aider
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