Courtney Dewhurst
Palm Beach
Summary
Skilled in providing diverse learning co-ordination to classroom environments, enhancing student behaviour through positive approaches by targeting the development of skills required to address the primary function of a maladaptive behaviour. Extensive knowledge regarding the communication, sensory and behavioural needs of children with additional support requirements. Develops positive relationships with teaching teams, allied health professional, families and young people. Driven to continue to develop professionally and continue to apply my passion to the area of inclusive education, alongside my goal to continue to advocate for creative approaches towards true inclusive practices that best support individual students.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Diverse Learning Teacher
John Paul College
07.2023 - Current
- Created and managed SSPs and PLPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Delivered effective and differentiated small group instruction to range of students, both identified and at risk.
- Analysed data to identify at risk students, liased with teachers to assess need and met with families and allied health to aid in providing appropriate supports
- Delivered support to teachers one to one, developed teacher capacity, attended lined up planning to provide differentiated support for planning and worked closely with teachers to assist them in managing their caseload of students identified or at risk.
- Undertaken meetings diplomatically to engage parents in the learning journey of their child. Ensured clear understanding of student development while maintaining positive partnerships with families
- Provided support at school based events and developed resources to support students with diverse learning needs.
Teacher
The Sycamore School
01.2022 - Current
- Reviewed curriculum and devised alternate approaches to presenting lessons to increase student understanding.
- Created and implemented individual support plans and strategies aligned to curriculum outcomes
- Trained teaching staff and families on individual strategies to promote student wellbeing and learning in line with their individual educational adjustment plans
- Established positive relationships with young people, families and professional stakeholders to provide responsive, respectful and appropriate learning opportunities
- Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
Primary Teacher
OneSchool Global
04.2020 - 12.2021
- Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
- Designed engaging and personalized instruction to nurture and empower students, resulting in positive learning outcomes and student goal achievement.
- Developed innovative and diverse methods for teaching children aged 8 to 12 using technology integration and experimental learning.
- Collaborated with peers on student success while participating on multidisciplinary team to promote students' well-being.
- Created and led numerous field trips and hands-on activities to foster creativity.
- Coached students on physical and emotional safety as part of health curriculum.
- Developed problem-solving and critical-thinking skills by presenting challenges to boost self-esteem and performance.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers and administrative staff.
- Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
Teacher
AEIOU Foundation
01.2015 - 04.2020
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Instructed students in core academic areas and specialized reading groups.
- Completed intensive leadership training and provided training to colleagues on applied behavior analysis.
Teacher Aid/Peer Tutor
AEIOU Foundation/Australian Catholic Universtity
01.2011 - 12.2014
- Worked with students in classrooms or home environments to provide educational support.
- Supported teacher instruction, thoroughly discussing concepts and designing custom practice questions.
- Used positive reinforcement, repetition and review to help students master challenging material.
- Kept records of student progress for teachers and parents and made notes on details such as behavior, grades, comprehension and personal growth.
- Aligned instructional approaches with development levels of students to enhance individual learning.
Education
Graduate Diploma Psychology
Monash University
Melbourne, VIC12.2023
Bachelor of Education (Primary & Early Childhood)
Australian Catholic University
Brisbane, QLD12.2014
Skills
- Writing and implementation of education adjustment plans for students with diverse learning needs across a current caseload of 18 classrooms
- Positive behaviour support plan development, implementation and review
- Proficient in emergent curriculum approaches and theories including the MaqLit programs and a wide range of assessment tools
- Strong collaboration within interdisciplinary teams, extensive experience working closely with allied health
- Tracking NCCD documentation, undertaking the review processes and ensuring teacher planning includes supports for students at risk
- Interpersonal relationship building with families and key stakeholders
- Developing classroom teacher capacity with coaching, classroom support and professional development
- Data tracking to capture students support requirements and progress, maintenance of data wall to encourage professional reflective practice with classroom teachers
Accomplishments
- Spearheaded Educational Leaders conference presentation focused on Early Career Educator Engagement with digital tools in conjunction with Early Childhood Australia, Qld.
- Facilitated professional development events for early career educations, with profits going towards supporting Early Childhood Australia.
Certification
- Digital Tools in the Primary Classroom Workshop (2 day)
- Self-Directed Learning Professional Workshop (2 day)
- Early Childhood Australia Qld Branch Associate membership
- Management of Actual and Potential Aggression Training
- Picture Exchange Communication Systems Training
- Keyword Sign Training
- Disability Services Certification – Level 3
- Business Certification – Level 2
- Senior First Aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation Certification
- Cognitive Behaviour Intervention Training
- Social Skills Training
- Differential Reinforcement Training
- Functions of Behaviour Training
Affiliations
- Rebecca McAllister-Vale, John Paul College, 0413 023 485
- Emma Harrison, Sheldon College, 0484 330 418
- Additional references supplied upon interview
Timeline
Diverse Learning Teacher
John Paul College
07.2023 - Current
Teacher
The Sycamore School
01.2022 - Current
Primary Teacher
OneSchool Global
04.2020 - 12.2021
Teacher
AEIOU Foundation
01.2015 - 04.2020
Teacher Aid/Peer Tutor
AEIOU Foundation/Australian Catholic Universtity
01.2011 - 12.2014
Graduate Diploma Psychology
Monash University
Bachelor of Education (Primary & Early Childhood)
Australian Catholic University
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