Dani Spooner
Gold Coast,QLD
Summary
Passionate, dedicated and experienced education professional with a strong background at Goodstart Early Learning, specializing in differentiated instruction and early childhood development. Proven track record in enhancing student outcomes through innovative lesson planning and effective parent-teacher communication. Committed to fostering a collaborative environment that promotes play-based learning and supports diverse learning needs.
In this role I have worked with children with a range of educational and additional needs including English as a second language, Autism, ADHD, ODD and Gifted children. I am committed to achieving the best outcome for children and families in my care and have gone above and beyond to achieve these goals. I have been an Assistant Director for 3 years and Lead Teacher in my current role for 10 years. In this time we have undergone Assessment and Rating twice, with the most recent time achieving exceeding in all 7 areas of the National Quality Framework. I have a growth mindset and have been able to create, implement and support new initiatives
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director
Goodstart Early Learning
07.2023 - Current
- Developed and implemented educational programs to enhance child development outcomes.
- Led staff training initiatives to improve pedagogical practices and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Collaborated with families to support children's learning journeys and address individual needs.
- Streamlined operational processes, increasing efficiency in daily center management tasks.
- Facilitated regular team meetings to foster communication and promote a positive workplace culture.
- Monitored program effectiveness through assessments, ensuring alignment with best practices in early childhood education.
- Oversaw the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding process for new educators to maintain a high-quality teaching staff.
- Implemented effective conflict resolution strategies for resolving issues among faculty members or between students.
- Conducted regular safety drills to ensure preparedness in case of emergency situations at school premises.
- Fostered a positive school culture by promoting open communication among staff members and celebrating successes together as a team.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners to enhance educational opportunities for students.
- Planned and executed successful special events, such as college fairs, open houses, and parent-teacher conferences.
- Ensured compliance with state education standards by regularly reviewing curriculum materials and teaching practices.
- Implemented comprehensive risk management framework, minimizing potential disruptions to business operations.
Kindergarten Teacher
Goodstart Early Learning
01.2014 - Current
- Designed and implemented engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment promoting social, emotional, and cognitive development.
- Collaborated with parents to support children's learning and address developmental needs.
- Assessed student progress through observations and tailored activities for individual growth.
- Mentored new teachers in classroom management techniques and curriculum delivery methods.
- Developed inclusive educational activities that encouraged participation from all students.
- Led initiatives to integrate technology into the classroom enhancing interactive learning experiences.
- Coordinated community engagement events to strengthen school-family partnerships and support student outcomes.
- Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of all students.
- Responsible for allocation and consolidation of 3 streams of funding.
- Planned, managed and executed excursions to extend children's learning.
Kindergarten Teacher
Goodstart Early Learning
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines.
- Promoted learning through play with engaging activities, games and lessons.
- Promoted a positive learning environment with the use of collaborative group work and hands-on activities.
- Delivered lesson plans, implemented school curriculum and used data to create, monitor, and establish personalized learning plan for each student.
- Improved student reading skills by implementing phonics-based instruction and guided reading activities.
- Developed strong relationships with families to address any concerns or issues impacting student success.
- Recognized children's physical, emotional and social needs for personalized support.
Learn to Swim Teacher
Coopers Swim School
05.2003 - 01.2012
- Developed individualized lesson plans to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Instructed students in water safety techniques, ensuring a secure learning environment.
- Monitored student progress and provided constructive feedback to enhance skills.
- Collaborated with parents to discuss student performance and promote engagement in swimming activities.
- Trained junior instructors on effective teaching methodologies and safety protocols.
- Streamlined class scheduling processes to optimize instructor availability and student enrollment capacity.
- Promoted a fun learning environment by incorporating engaging games and activities into swimming lessons.
- Coordinated private lessons upon request, offering flexible scheduling options to accommodate busy family lifestyles.
Education
Graduate Diploma - Education (Early Years)
QUT
Brisbane, QLD07-2010
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Luton University
Bedfordshire, UK06-1996
Skills
- Differentiated instruction, learning plans and goals
- Parent-teacher communication
- Strong connection and involvement with stakeholders
- Planning, implementing and evaluating learning experiences aligned to the correct framworks (QKLG, EYLF, NQF, 3-5 guide)
- Early childhood development
- Classroom management
- Behavior management
- Early reading
- Educational games
- Special needs support
- Strong work ethic and dependable
- Collaborative and Team-oriented
- Play-based learning
- Bush kindy/Nature play leader trained
- Documentation - summative assessments, observations, reflections, transition statements
Accomplishments
Lead Kindergarten Teacher for 10 years
Top 3 Finalist in Teacher of the Year - Goodstart National Awards 2024
Helped lead team through Assessment and Rating to achieve Exceeding Standard in all 7 Quality Areas (2025)
Full Registration QCT
Timeline
Assistant Director
Goodstart Early Learning
07.2023 - Current
Kindergarten Teacher
Goodstart Early Learning
01.2014 - Current
Kindergarten Teacher
Goodstart Early Learning
01.2012 - 01.2014
Learn to Swim Teacher
Coopers Swim School
05.2003 - 01.2012
Graduate Diploma - Education (Early Years)
QUT
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Luton University