ELISE JENKINS
Clifton Springs,Victoria
Summary
A collaborative and evidence-informed Learning Specialist with over 15 years of experience in primary education. Passionate about improving student outcomes through evidence-based curriculum and instruction, professional learning, and capacity building. Recognised for leading school-wide improvement in literacy through structured approaches to teaching reading and writing, supporting teachers to embed explicit, consistent, and data-driven practices. Committed to creating a culture of collaboration, trust, and high expectations that supports both student achievement and staff wellbeing.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Learning Specialist
Clifton Springs Primary School
06.2024 - Current
- Lead curriculum and instructional improvement across Grades 3–6 through evidence-based Structured Literacy practices.
- Guided the transition from Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop to Structured Literacy aligned with the Science of Reading and FISO 2.0.
- Introduced and embedded the Acadience (DIBELS) assessment platform to build staff confidence in data analysis and inform targeted instruction.
- Designed and delivered professional learning on the Reading and Writing Rope, explicit teaching, and the use of assessment data to track progress.
- Coached teachers through modelling, feedback, and reflection to strengthen consistency and precision in reading instruction.
- Collaborated with the learning specialist team to develop structured novel studies and one-page reference guides to support evidence-based practice.
- Contributed to measurable literacy improvement, with DIBELS data showing students meeting or exceeding benchmark rising from 15% to 35% and those requiring intensive support decreasing from 43% to 23% within 12 months.
- Supported alignment between curriculum, wellbeing, and assessment priorities within the AIP.
Classroom Teacher & Tutor Learning Initiative Coordinator
Bellaire Primary School
01.2010 - 01.2023
- Coordinated the Tutor Learning Initiative (2021, 2023) to deliver targeted support, improving literacy outcomes for priority students.
- Led and modelled evidence-based reading and spelling instruction through THRASS, SMART Spelling, and Writer’s Workshop.
- Mentored pre-service and early-career teachers to strengthen practice and confidence.
- Contributed to whole-school planning, data analysis, and strategic curriculum design.
- Middle Learning Unit Leader 2014-2016
Classroom Teacher
Hawthorn West Primary School
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Delivered differentiated literacy, numeracy, and inquiry-based programs across Years 1–6.
- Implemented the Kath Murdoch Inquiry Model to support student engagement and deeper understanding.
Education
Bachelor of Education (P–10) - Teaching
Federation University
University Of Ballarat01.2006
Bachelor of Human Movement - undefined
Federation University
01.2003
Skills
- Evidence-based curriculum and instructional leadership
- Coaching and mentoring for teacher capacity building
- Structured Literacy and Science of Reading practices
- Data-informed decision-making (Acadience, DIBELS, PAT, formative assessment)
- Literacy intervention and differentiation strategies
- High-Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) and Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM 20)
- Professional Learning Community (PLC) facilitation and collaborative planning
- Curriculum alignment with the Victorian Curriculum 20 and AIP priorities
- Strategic implementation of whole-school improvement initiatives
- Building collective efficacy through trust, feedback, and shared practice
- Leading professional learning and continuous improvement cycles
- Student-centred approach to curriculum design and wellbeing integration
- Positive staff culture, collaboration, and relational leadership
Certification
- Learning Specialist, Clifton Springs Primary School (2024–Present)
- Middle Years Curriculum Leader, Bellaire Primary School (2014–2015)
- Tutor Learning Initiative Leader, Bellaire Primary School (2021 & 2023)
- DIBELS/Acadience Reading Training (2023)
- Structured Literacy and Science of Reading PD (2023–2024)
- Spelling Mastery & SMART Spelling (2021)
- THRASS Literacy Accreditation (2010–present)
Timeline
Learning Specialist
Clifton Springs Primary School
06.2024 - Current
Classroom Teacher & Tutor Learning Initiative Coordinator
Bellaire Primary School
01.2010 - 01.2023
Classroom Teacher
Hawthorn West Primary School
01.2007 - 01.2010
Bachelor of Human Movement - undefined
Federation University
Bachelor of Education (P–10) - Teaching
Federation University