Gita Mathias
Kellyville,NSW
Summary
Motivated, passionate, and dedicated educator with over 40 years of experience as an inclusive education teacher, leader, and facilitator of student learning, behavior, and wellbeing. Proven track record in creating engaging and inclusive learning environments that foster academic growth and personal development. Skilled in designing and implementing differentiated instruction to meet diverse student needs. Adept at building strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to promote a collaborative and supportive learning community. Committed to continuous professional development and staying abreast of current educational trends and best practices.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Learning Partner: Learner Diversity
Catholic Schools
01.2021 - Current
- Provide subject matter expertise to support school leaders and teachers in building differentiated learning cultures and adjusting teaching programs for diverse learners across CSBB schools
- Collaborate with Wellbeing team members to support school leaders and teachers in the application and implementation of wellbeing related whole school frameworks such as School-wide Positive Behaviour for Learning and Be You.
- Collaborate with Wellbeing for Learning Partner to provide targeted professional learning and coaching to contribute to building the capacity of school staff in supporting and managing student behaviour and wellbeing
- Assist in case management of students with complex behaviour that can pose significant risk to ensure engagement with learning.
- Collaborate with school leaders, diversity, and wellbeing personnel to ensure high-quality teaching, student engagement, and learning
- Provide leadership on differentiated learning, teaching quality, and engagement strategies, addressing learner diversity and disability
- Facilitate the delivery of professional learning modules and workshops on disabilities, enhancing teachers’ ability to support students under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992)
- Engage in strategic initiatives aligned with Towards 2025, offering subject matter expertise as a team member of the Eileen O’Connor Catholic School project
- Contribution to 'Preparing for introduction, familiarisation and implementation of the new K-2 Syllabus (English, Mathematics, Religious Education) projects and the three priority areas, identified in the Equity and Diversity review project as SME (Subject Matter Expert)
- Facilitate enrolment and transition of students with diverse and complex needs, collaborating with specialists for personalized support
- Collaborate with psychologists, counsellors, and specialists on complex student cases
- Build capacity for leaders and teachers in inclusive practices and high-quality teaching for a diverse range of students
Diverse Learning Coordinator
St Vincent’s Primary School
07.2023 - 12.2023
- Design and implement inclusive teaching and learning practices for students with diverse learning needs
- Coordinate PPSD and NCCD processes across grades K-6
- Collaborate with school leaders, faculty teachers, students, parents and external providers to optimise learning outcomes
- Develop, implement and monitor risk and behaviour management plan
- Facilitate whole school Pastoral Care initiatives such as camps, retreats, assembly, and interest clubs.
Leader of Learning: Diverse Learning and Vision, K-12
Sydney Catholic Schools
01.2016 - 12.2020
- Assisted schools with Personalized Plans and Individual Adjustment Plans for students of all disabilities, tracking goals and progress
- Facilitated NCCD processes, from planning to reflection and evaluation
- Engaged with colleagues to develop team capacity and provide professional learning opportunities
- Supported students with diverse needs through case management and capacity building in disability awareness
- Developed and co-presented workshops, including Universal Design of Learning and assistive technology for vision impairment
- Delivered blended courses in Vision Impairment and Autism to school staff
- Supported schools in using data such as NAPLAN results and other assessments to identify student needs and guide adjustments
- Engaged in professional associations, research, and seminars focused on diverse learning, twice exceptionality, and vision impairment
Leader of Learning, Vision, K-12
Sydney Catholic Schools
01.2015 - 12.2016
- Provided advice on inclusive curriculum delivery for students with vision impairment
- Collaborated with the Diverse Learning Team and school teams to ensure case management and transition support for students with vision impairment
- Delivered professional learning on vision impairment and assistive technology
- Participated in Individual Adjustment Plan (IAP) processes and facilitated curriculum adjustments
- Contributed to the development of the new Diverse Learning team model in the region
Itinerant Support Teacher, Vision
Sydney Catholic Schools
01.2013 - 12.2014
- Provided specialized support to schools with students with vision impairment
- Recommended adjustments to ensure access to curriculum and participation in school activities
- Educated and collaborated with family members and school teams for student transitions
- Delivered professional development and consultation for staff working with students with vision impairment
Coordinator, Sensory Program, Vision
Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Parramatta
01.2011 - 12.2012
- Led the Vision Impairment Program, supervising a team of Itinerant Support Teachers and Teacher Aides, providing professional development, and coordinating alternative media production
- Collaborated with school systems and external agencies (Vision Australia, RIDBC, Guide Dogs, etc.) to support students with vision impairments through individualized planning, assistive technology, and specialized instruction
- Delivered professional development on inclusive strategies and digital accessibility for educators and support staff, ensuring effective inclusion and curriculum access for students with vision impairments
- Served on the Student Services Leadership Team and Crossroads Seminar Planning Committee, contributing to initiatives on post-school options and digital accessibility
- Facilitated workshops at conferences (We Connect, VISCON) and shared research on best practices in vision impairment education
Itinerant Teacher, Vision
Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Parramatta
01.2005 - 12.2011
- Provided specialized support services to schools with students with vision impairment
- Collaborated with teachers and support staff to ensure curriculum adaptations for students
- Participated in multidisciplinary teams to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students with vision impairments
Education
Graduate Certificate - Educational Studies - Vision Impairment
University of Newcastle
Newcastle, NSW01.2009
Certificate of Participation - Braille Course
Renwick College
Sydney, NSW01.2008
Graduate Diploma - Psychology (4 units completed)
Charles Sturt University
Bathurst, NSW01.2004
Graduate Diploma - Special Education
Charles Sturt University
Bathurst, NSW01.2000
Diploma - Special Education
Dilkhush
India01.1983
Bachelor of Science -
India
Mumbai01.1982
Skills
- NESA Accreditation Number – 170425
- WWC- 1082759E
- Understanding of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers
- Working Understanding of NSW syllabus documents, with subject matter expertise in Inclusive Education, Vision Impairment and student Wellbeing
- Knowledge of legislation pertaining to school student inclusion and wellbeing (eg Disability Discrimination Act, Disability Standards for Education, Child Protection)
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
References
- Kerrie Besgrove, Ravenswood School for girls, 0417681194
- Fiona Dignan, Senior Executive & Principal, Eileen O’Connor Catholic School, 0408743859, fiona.dignan@dbb.catholic.edu.au
- Adrian Pulley, Principal, St Martin’s Primary School, 0402 365 555, adrian.pulley@dbb.catholic.edu.au
Certification
- 2023 | Mental Health First Aid
- 2023 | CPI Safety Intervention
- 2022 | Ross Greene Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) Introductory and Advanced Training
Timeline
Diverse Learning Coordinator
St Vincent’s Primary School
07.2023 - 12.2023
Learning Partner: Learner Diversity
Catholic Schools
01.2021 - Current
Leader of Learning: Diverse Learning and Vision, K-12
Sydney Catholic Schools
01.2016 - 12.2020
Leader of Learning, Vision, K-12
Sydney Catholic Schools
01.2015 - 12.2016
Itinerant Support Teacher, Vision
Sydney Catholic Schools
01.2013 - 12.2014
Coordinator, Sensory Program, Vision
Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Parramatta
01.2011 - 12.2012
Itinerant Teacher, Vision
Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Parramatta
01.2005 - 12.2011
Graduate Certificate - Educational Studies - Vision Impairment
University of Newcastle
Certificate of Participation - Braille Course
Renwick College
Graduate Diploma - Psychology (4 units completed)
Charles Sturt University
Graduate Diploma - Special Education
Charles Sturt University
Diploma - Special Education
Dilkhush
Bachelor of Science -
India
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