Emma Gerrand
Tennant Creek,NT
Summary
Dedicated educator with a focus on curriculum innovation and high-quality educational experiences in specialised environments. Demonstrated success in mentoring diverse learners and facilitating their engagement with the curriculum through active committee involvement. Committed to establishing safe, equitable classrooms that uphold high standards for student achievement. Proficient in collaborating with educators and community members to support students with diverse needs and backgrounds.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Acting Senior Teacher for Inclusion
Tennant Creek Primary School
Tennant Creek, NT
07.2025 - Current
- Collaborated with teachers to integrate supportive strategies in classrooms.
- Implemented school-wide behaviour management techniques to foster positive learning environments.
- Mentored staff to better support diverse learners in their classrooms.
- Facilitated communication among students, parents, and educational staff.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted interventions as necessary.
- Engaged community resources to enhance support services for students.
- Organised and participated in EAP meetings, providing input on goals and services for students with additional needs.
- Led data collection for NCCD to assess student adjustments and requirements.
- Co-organised the annual school concert, engaging community organisations and delivering a major community-wide celebration.
Special Education Teacher
Tennant Creek Primary School
Tennant Creek, NT
04.2024 - Current
- Delivered inclusive, culturally respectful education to a class comprised entirely of First Nation Aboriginal Australian students.
- Designed and implemented highly differentiated learning plans aligned with six levels of the Australian Curriculum.
- Developed and reviewed Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Education Adjustment Plans (EAPs) in collaboration with families and allied health professionals.
- Supported students with hygiene and personal care needs, including changing and toileting, while fostering independence and dignity.
- Adapted curriculum materials and utilised assistive technologies to support diverse learning needs and styles.
- Created a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment tailored to students with complex emotional, behavioural, and academic needs.
- Led behaviour management strategies that promoted positive behavioural outcomes and student engagement.
- Coordinated the organisation and execution of the school’s annual concert, showcasing student talents and celebrating community.
- Facilitated the Student School Council, empowering students of all backgrounds and abilities to voice their opinions and contribute to school decisions.
- Maintained strong, collaborative relationships with parents, carers, and external professionals to support holistic student development.
- Provided coaching and support to colleagues in managing classroom behaviour and fostering inclusive practices.
- Actively contributed to whole-school initiatives as a member of the School Wide Positive Behaviour Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) team and school council.
- Engaged in ongoing professional development to enhance teaching strategies, particularly in special and inclusive education.
Special Education Teacher
Tennant Creek High School
Tennant Creek, NT
01.2023 - 04.2024
- Created tailored education plans addressing diverse learning needs of students.
- Fostered positive classroom environments promoting inclusivity and respect among students.
- Delivered inclusive, culturally respectful and high level education to a class comprised of 90% First Nation Australian students.
- Engaged in regular communication with parents to discuss student growth and behavior.
- Implemented assistive technology to support enhanced learning experiences for all students.
- Acquired Braille skills to instruct a visually impaired student effectively.
- Actively advocated for the needs of students with disabilities in multiple contexts.
- Promoted empathy in mainstream students, enhancing their confidence and self-esteem.
- Established strong rapport with students and guardians through proactive communication.
- Assisted students with personal hygiene needs, including changing, toileting support, and promoting independence in self-care routines.
Special Education Teacher
Malkara School
Canberra, ACT
01.2018 - 12.2022
- Identified learning needs of students with disabilities and implemented targeted, evidence-based interventions.
- Addressed student behavioural issues in alignment with school-wide expectations and codes of conduct.
- Collaborated with external agencies to deliver cohesive support for students and families.
- Designed and delivered a highly differentiated learning plan for 8 students across 6 curriculum stages and levels.
- Employed innovative, student-centred teaching strategies to motivate and engage learners.
- Developed units that maximized the use of available technology and learning resources.
- Provided one-on-one academic support for students performing below expected achievement levels.
- Maintained professional and productive relationships with parents and caregivers, including proactive communication and reporting on student progress.
- Served as Cultural Integrity Leader, promoting culturally responsive and respectful practices school-wide.
- Acted as Staff Representative on the School Board, contributing to decision-making and governance.
- Served as Vice President of the Malkara Education Union Sector, advocating for staff and supporting school initiatives.
- Active member of the Malkara Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Team, supporting school-wide behaviour frameworks.
- Led the Wellbeing and Social Club Committee, fostering a positive and supportive staff culture.
- Organised and led school excursions, and coordinated the Inclusion Program with local primary schools.
Inclusion Support
Merimbula Primary School
Merimbula
04.2022 - 06.2022
- Short-term professional learning opportunity to support rural classroom teachers with inclusion in mainstream classes.
- Supported Kindergarten to Yr 6 classroooms.
- Provided relief support where needed.
Yr 7/8 Special Education Teacher
Mackay District Special School
Mackay , QLD
01.2020 - 07.2020
- Developed and implemented differentiated learning plans for Year 7/8 classroom with five students having severe cognitive impairments.
- Facilitated inclusion activities to foster social skills among students.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities.
- Employed innovative teaching strategies to motivate individualized, student-centered learning.
- Designed units to leverage technology and resources effectively.
- Provided one-on-one instruction for students performing below academic standards.
- Organised school's participation in annual Shakespeare Festival.
Learning Support Assistant
Holy Trinity Early Learning Centre
Canberra, ACT
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Assisted educators in planning and implementing learning activities for 0-5yr old children.
- Supported children with diverse needs during daily classroom routines.
- Prepared educational materials and resources for classroom use.
- Engaged children in play-based learning to enhance development skills.
- Maintained a safe and welcoming environment for all students.
- Assisted students with special needs in the classroom setting.
After School Care Program Coordinator
YMCA
Canberra, ACT
03.2014 - 12.2016
- Coordinated program schedules and logistics for multiple afterschool care centers.
- Managed communication between team members and external partners to ensure alignment.
- Developed inclusive afterschool care program for K-6 students, addressing diverse needs.
- Provided healthy afternoon tea, fostering a supportive environment and facilitating homework support groups.
- Trained and monitored up to 6 Support Workers at each afterschool care center.
PE Instructor and Boarding House Assistant
Frewen College
Northiam, UK
01.2013 - 12.2013
- Enhanced support for Physical Education program tailored to Yr 6-12 students with autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia.
Education
Bachelor of Education - Primary
University of Canberra
Canberra, ACT12-2017
Skills
- Creating effective individualised education plans
- Behaviour management support
- Data-driven decision making
- Curriculum adaptation
- Parent communication
- Collaborative teamwork
- Inclusive lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Professional development participation
- Community engagement
- Assistive technology integration
- Classroom behaviour management
- Team collaboration
- Relationship building
- Personal hygiene support
- Augmentative communication
- De-escalation techniques
- Verbal and nonverbal communication
Certification
- First Aid/Anaphylactic Training
- South Australia's Keeping Safe: Children's Protective Behaviours Curriculum
- Bronze Medallion and Resuscitation
- Understanding and Responding to FASD Training
- We Al-Li: Indigenous Approach to Trauma Informed Care and Practise
- Trust Trauma-Informed Training
- Key Word Sign
- Cultural Integrity Training
- Midazolam Distribution
- Epilepsy Awareness Training
Accomplishments
- The Barkly Inclusive Educator of the Year 2024
Affiliations
Team Sports – Playing AFL, soccer, netball and basketball, building teamwork, resilience and leadership skills.
Volunteer Work – I regularly volunteer at community events and the local nursing home, demonstrating empathy and a strong sense of community.
Outdoors & Fitness – I enjoy hiking, swimming and running, maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle and a love for nature.
Creative Pursuits – I enjoy engaging in creative projects that foster imagination and problem-solving skills.
Timeline
Acting Senior Teacher for Inclusion
Tennant Creek Primary School
07.2025 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Tennant Creek Primary School
04.2024 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Tennant Creek High School
01.2023 - 04.2024
Inclusion Support
Merimbula Primary School
04.2022 - 06.2022
Yr 7/8 Special Education Teacher
Mackay District Special School
01.2020 - 07.2020
Special Education Teacher
Malkara School
01.2018 - 12.2022
Learning Support Assistant
Holy Trinity Early Learning Centre
01.2017 - 12.2017
After School Care Program Coordinator
YMCA
03.2014 - 12.2016
PE Instructor and Boarding House Assistant
Frewen College
01.2013 - 12.2013
Bachelor of Education - Primary
University of Canberra
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