- Music
- Crafting and DIY Projects
- Team Sports
- Mindfulness Practices
- Dancing
- Gym Workouts
Gina Halkerston
Education
Brisbane,QLD
Summary
Dynamic inclusion teacher with a proven track record at Blair State School, excelling in strategic planning and curriculum differentiation. Adept at fostering inclusive environments and enhancing student wellbeing through effective communication and collaborative planning. Successfully implemented data-informed interventions, significantly improving literacy and numeracy outcomes for diverse learners. Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills, bringing a positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth. Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results, ready to tackle new challenges and advance organisational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm. Pursuing a full-time role that presents professional challenges and leverages interpersonal skills, effective time management, and problem-solving expertise.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Inclusion Teacher
Blair State School
01.2022 - Current
- Collaborate with teachers and aides on curriculum delivery, behaviour support, and classroom management strategies.
- Lead the Year 3/4 cohort in planning, differentiation, and case management of students requiring complex support.
- Assist with cohort timetabling, and alignment of interventions and supports.
- Apart of the SSS Team (Student Support Services Team), and student council.
- Coordinate and deliver data-informed interventions for students with literacy and numeracy gaps.
- Liaise with parents, support staff, and external agencies to develop and implement ILPs and PLPs.
- Contribute to school leadership through strategic planning meetings and cohort coordination.
- Engaged in ongoing collaboration with specialists from related disciplines such as speech and language pathologists and occupational therapists.
- Formed deep relationships with parents and students by engaging groups through conferences, emails, texts and phone calls.
- Facilitated professional development workshops on inclusion strategies for staff.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted interventions based on specific learning goals.
- Collaborated with teachers to integrate inclusive practices into classroom activities.
- Developed individualised education plans to support diverse learner needs.
- Advocated for resources and support services to enhance student participation and engagement.
- Implemented assessment tools to evaluate effectiveness of inclusion programs.
- Mentored new teachers in best practices for inclusive education methodologies.
- Implemented effective behaviour management plans, resulting in fewer disruptions and increased focus on learning tasks.
- Strengthened relationships with parents, students, and colleagues by maintaining open communication channels and participating in school events.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance data, informing instructional decisions based on measurable evidence of progress toward goals.
- Supported struggling students with targeted interventions, leading to higher levels of academic achievement.
- Increased student understanding by utilising differentiated instruction techniques and incorporating diverse learning materials.
- Developed cross-curricular connections within lesson planning to reinforce key concepts across multiple disciplines simultaneously.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers entering the profession or transitioning into inclusive teaching roles; shared resources, strategies, and insights gleaned from personal experience.
- Enhanced classroom management strategies for a more positive and productive learning environment.
- Encouraged peer collaboration through cooperative group activities that fostered teamwork skills while enhancing overall comprehension of subject matter.
Special Education Lead Teacher & Year 6
Westside Christian College
01.2020 - Current
- Developed and reviewed IEPs and led case conferences with parents and specialists.
- Provided curriculum access across five year levels, adapting programs to support full engagement.
- Led professional conversations and collaborated with school leadership on inclusion planning.
- Collaborated with other school staff to ensure that all students have access to a safe and supportive learning environment.
- Assisted in developing evaluation tools such as rubrics or checklists for assessing student work.
- Mentored and trained new teachers on instructional strategies and classroom management techniques.
- Developed assessment tools to evaluate student progress and inform instructional adjustments.
- Collaborated with parents and faculty to address student needs and enhance educational outcomes.
- Led professional development workshops focused on innovative teaching practices and technology integration.
- Analysed student performance data to drive curriculum improvements and support differentiated learning approaches.
- Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.
- Implemented assessment tools that monitored student progress throughout the year, allowing for targeted interventions when needed to close achievement gaps.
- Guided student teachers and teaching aides in classroom management, leading by example and thoroughly answering questions.
- Designed lesson plans for teaching staff and worked closely with administration for compliance with state curricula.
- Mentored new teachers on best practices for classroom management and instructional techniques, contributing to their professional growth and effectiveness in the classroom.
- Designed and executed project-based learning experiences, promoting teamwork, problem-solving skills, and real-world connections for students.
- Assisted in coordinating school-wide events such as science fairs and literacy nights, enhancing community involvement and support for education initiatives.
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
STLaN and Year 1 Teacher
Bundamba SS
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Worked with the Head of Curriculum to align assessment, learning goals, and success criteria.
- Led small-group data-driven interventions and supported cluster moderation.
- Contributed to planning days and supported teachers with differentiation and adjustments.
Relief & SEP Teacher
Bundamba State School
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Created an environment of active engagement of learning by implementing a range of teaching strategies that met the needs of all students.
- Actively pursued the improvement of teaching by accessing professional development, self-reflection of teaching practices, implementing up to date pedagogy and curriculum resources.
Mortgage Advisor
Westpac
01.2004 - 12.2017
- Established key procedures for teams preparing documentation, models, and presentations.
- Met with clients to generate new business and negotiate contracts.
- Advised clients on mortgage, educational and personal loans.
- Cultivated and strengthened relationships with new and existing clients.
- Marketed business to increase customer base and grow revenue.
- Worked with clients to assess and meet short and long-term financial goal.
- Gathered data and built financial models around key metrics.
Family Day Care Provider
YMCA
01.2013 - 12.2016
- Incorporated the EYLF (Early Years Learning Framework) into daily planning, to extend and enrich children’s learning, provide opportunities for children to develop a foundation for learning and for children to become successful learners.
- Managed individual student’s progress and learning on a daily basis, as well as assist and incorporate a behaviour management system.
- Liaised with parents, grandparents and carers on a daily/weekly basis.
- Organised weekly excursions and incursions, which were linked to my EYLF planning outcomes.
Education
Master in Leadership -
04.2025
Aspiring Principal Program -
01.2025
Master of Special & Inclusive Education -
01.2019
Certificate III - Early Childhood Education & Diploma
01.2013
Graduate Diploma of Learning & Teaching (Primary) -
01.2012
Financial Planning Practice -
01.2008
B. Soc. Science Honours - Marketing
01.2003
Bachelor of Social Sciences Degree - Economics and Marketing
01.2002
Small School Principal Progran
10-2025
Skills
- Guiding professional development
- Effective case management strategies
- Data-informed decision making
- Effective team leadership
- Parent and community engagement
- Student wellbeing support
- Behaviour management strategies
- Team collaboration skills
- Experience in educational program design
- Social skills training programs
- Collaborative teaching
- Assistive technology
- Crisis prevention and intervention
- Scheduling proficiency
- Community resource referrals
- IEP implementation
Accomplishments
- Collaborating with the Leadership team in the development of the absenteeism project.
- Supervised team of Teacher Aides, co-ordinated timetables and breaks.
- Overhauled ineffective processes and designed behaviour modification plans which successfully reduced suspension and detentions by 10%.
- Improved student literacy and fluency testing scores to attain district, state, and federal standards.
- Integrated technology i.e. speech to text, into daily classroom instruction which allowed students greater access to information and reduced teaching staffs administrative functions by 25%.
- Currently Enlisting parents, community, and P&C committee, to support fundraising initiatives to sponsor Ipads for our students.
Interests
Timeline
Inclusion Teacher - Blair State School
01.2022 - Current
Special Education Lead Teacher & Year 6 - Westside Christian College
01.2020 - Current
STLaN and Year 1 Teacher - Bundamba SS
01.2019 - 12.2019
Relief & SEP Teacher - Bundamba State School
01.2018 - 12.2018
Family Day Care Provider - YMCA
01.2013 - 12.2016
Mortgage Advisor - Westpac
01.2004 - 12.2017
Queensland Education - Aspiring Principal Program,
University of Newcastle - Master of Special & Inclusive Education,
- Certificate III, Early Childhood Education & Diploma
University of Southern Queensland - Graduate Diploma of Learning & Teaching (Primary),
The Institute of Finance & Insurance - Financial Planning Practice,
University of Natal - B. Soc. Science Honours, Marketing
- Bachelor of Social Sciences Degree, Economics and Marketing
UTS - Master in Leadership,
Queensland Education - , Small School Principal Progran
Education
true
References
- Lesley Golan, Principal, Blair State School, 0428 132 686, lgoll2@eq.edu.au
- Ms Chelsea Schneider, Inclusion Teacher Blair State School, 0448 877 327, cschn45@eq.edu.au
- Mrs Lisa Partridge, Head of Special Education Services, Goodna State School, 0405038018, lpart@eq.edu.au
Similar Profiles
Julie FowlerJulie Fowler
Business Manager - Acting at Blair State Primary SchoolBusiness Manager - Acting at Blair State Primary School
SOMRITA GHATAKSOMRITA GHATAK
Credit Analyst (Retail & MSME) at State Bank Of India, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar IslandsCredit Analyst (Retail & MSME) at State Bank Of India, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
DARYA TOOLSIEDARYA TOOLSIE
Teacher's Aid - Blair Leaders Intern for Students at Montgomery Blair High School (Bliss Tutor)Teacher's Aid - Blair Leaders Intern for Students at Montgomery Blair High School (Bliss Tutor)
Seb LewSeb Lew
Senior Consultant, Advisory Services at KPMG AustraliaSenior Consultant, Advisory Services at KPMG Australia
Samuel CharlesSamuel Charles
Apprentice Barber at Modish BarbersApprentice Barber at Modish Barbers