Debbie-ann Cartwright
Sheldon,Australia
Summary
Dynamic professional with a proven track record at Queensland Pathways State College, enhancing student achievement and wellbeing. Expert in resource management and fostering school-community relations. Achieved significant improvements in student engagement through innovative strategies and cultural sensitivity. Skilled in leading change and developing others, committed to creating inclusive educational environments.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
TEACHER AIDE
Queensland Pathways State College
Coorparoo, Australia
05.2018 - Current
- Monitored student attendance, produced absence reports, and liaised with parents/carers to verify absences
- Developed relationships with families to encourage continuous student attendance and addressed barriers to school attendance
- Provided administrative support, including managing variations to student timetables, school-based apprenticeships, work experience, off-campus activities, and first aid
- Increased awareness of student issues through attendance monitoring and provided information to assist teachers in managing non-attendance
- Created inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students
- Catered to diverse student needs, including mental health concerns, difficult home lives, homelessness, poverty, social isolation, youth justice involvement, previous drug addictions, medical conditions, behavioral challenges, exclusions from mainstream schooling, and low literacy/numeracy skills
- Contributed to curriculum planning and delivery under teacher direction
- Provided encouragement and positive reinforcement for students
- Focused on student-centered learning, wellbeing, and vocational development
- Identified, developed, and facilitated pathways to post-school education, training, or employment
- Managed student records, including attendance tracking, grades, transcripts, and test scores
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, teachers, and other school staff members
- Supported classroom instruction by preparing instructional materials, setting up audio-visual equipment, and proctoring exams
- Monitored student behavior to ensure adherence to school rules and regulations
- Assisted with extracurricular activities such as field trips and sporting events
- Provided administrative support for educational activities, such as scheduling meetings and organizing student information
- Developed strategies to manage classroom behavior, promote a positive learning environment, and ensure student safety
- Motivated and engaged students, fostering academic and personal growth
- Identified student needs and collaborated with staff to address challenges
- Fostered open communication between teachers, students, and parents
- Participated in professional development to enhance skills and knowledge
- Promoted critical thinking to help students develop problem-solving skills
- Built a positive rapport with students to encourage them to take risks in their learning
STUDENT SUPPORT OFFICER
Queensland Pathways State College
Coorparoo, Australia
01.2021 - 11.2021
- Monitored student attendance, achievement, and behavior; assessed the effectiveness of student support programs with campus teams and line manager
- Provided high-level customer service, administrative, and academic support to improve student performance
- Liaised with campus teams and consulted with student support staff about individual student needs
- Assisted in developing and implementing strategies to improve attendance, achievement, and behavior
- Co-delivered positive student support programs with staff to foster engagement and well-being
- Provided students and families with appropriate information and resources based on their concerns
- Conducted home visits to support student engagement and well-being
- Utilized existing partnerships to address social supports for students and their families
- Provided statistical and summative reports to track interventions and their efficacy
- Assessed strategic issues and provided advisory input on emerging issues and risks, using collaborative problem-solving and data-driven decision-making
- Managed a demanding work schedule with flexibility and resilience, ensuring high performance in customer support and service duties
- Counseled students on educational issues, such as course selection, class scheduling, school adjustment, truancy, study habits, and career planning
- Prepared students for future educational experiences by encouraging exploration of learning opportunities and perseverance with challenging tasks
- Instructed individuals in career development techniques, including job search strategies, resume writing, and interview skills
- Provided information to teachers and staff involved in helping students and graduates pursue employment opportunities
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks while remaining adaptable and flexible
REGIONAL GROUP MANAGER
The Just Group Pty Ltd
, Australia
01.2004 - 11.2011
- Delivered store operating profit budgets
- Led a team of 25 Just Jeans store managers across regional and CBD areas in NT, Northern NSW, and QLD
- Recruited and developed managers and staff, ensuring the right fit for each team
- Managed team performance through KPIs and conducted regular performance reviews
- Ensured visual merchandising standards were met
- Worked with Loss Prevention to control shrinkage
- Controlled and monitored store expenses within budgets
- Analyzed data to identify opportunities and trends
- Ensured correct interpretation of Just Jeans' values through store and staff presentation
- Resolved conflicts using effective interpersonal skills and mediation techniques
- Maintained frequent interaction with senior management to measure goal achievement and identify areas for improvement
- Mentored and coached team members to help them reach their professional goals
- Oversaw personnel to maintain adequate staffing and minimize overtime
- Reviewed monthly financial results with partners to identify opportunities to improve profitability
- Tracked project timelines, budgets, resources, and deliverables to ensure goals were met according to schedule
- Established effective communication channels among all stakeholders to ensure accurate information sharing
- Developed clear expectations for team members and held them accountable, providing guidance and support as needed
Education
Certificate IV - Education Support
Australian College
01-2021
SA Certificate of Education -
Mount Gambier High School
South AustraliaSkills
- Student achievement and wellbeing
- Resource management
- School and Community Relations
- Organisational Alignment
- Developing self and others
- Leading improvement, innovation, and change
- Engaging and working with the community
- Working with children in a developmental setting
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Family and Student-Centered Approach
Attributes
- Effective communication, interpersonal and liaison skills.
- Well-developed problem solving, analytical, conflict resolution and decision-making abilities.
- Collaborative team member with strong sense of accountability, initiative and flexibility.
- Solid organisational, planning and time management skills.
- Personable, respectful, positive and focused on customer satisfaction.
- Sensitivity to and awareness of various cultural norms.
- Highly proactive and champions the need for innovation and improvements.
- Self-aware and seeks out opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Highly efficient & organised with exceptional attention to detail.
- Exemplary work ethic; highly reliable, diligent, consistent, disciplined, determined, resilient and adaptable.
Licences and Permits
- Working with Children Clearance (Blue Card)
- Current Queensland Drivers Licence
- National Police History Certificate
- RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol)
Certification
- First Aid
- HLTAID001
- HLTAID002
- HLTAID003
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Anaphylaxis Training
Asthma Training
Student Protection Training
Volunteer Work
- Lifeline Crisis Support Phone Counsellor - 12 mths
- Redland Animal Shelter - Animal care volunteer - 2 yrs
Accomplishments
2022 Highly Commended Queensland Award - Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards
Awarded for :
- Outstanding contribution to Student learning and wellbeing
- Collaboration with Teachers and Colleagues
- Improving practice through Professional Development and Training
2023 Award Nominee - Australian Teacher Aide Awards
Nominated for:
- Student Learning and Wellbeing
- Collaboration
- Improving Professional practice
References
- Kylie Spann, HOD – Queensland Pathways State College, 0424 833 262, kspan12@eq.edu.au
- Bonnie Mckay, Deputy Principal – Collingwood Park Secondary School, Department of Education, bmcka24@eq.edu.au
Timeline
STUDENT SUPPORT OFFICER
Queensland Pathways State College
01.2021 - 11.2021
TEACHER AIDE
Queensland Pathways State College
05.2018 - Current
REGIONAL GROUP MANAGER
The Just Group Pty Ltd
01.2004 - 11.2011
- First Aid
- HLTAID001
- HLTAID002
- HLTAID003
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Anaphylaxis Training
Asthma Training
Student Protection Training
Certificate IV - Education Support
Australian College
SA Certificate of Education -
Mount Gambier High School
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