Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Helen Close

Summary

I believe that every student should be treated in a holistic way based around the values of the Catholic faith. Treating every student as an individual ensures that my teaching practices are differentiated and tailored to suit the needs of every learner.

I am a professional educator skilled in Religious Education, adept at creating inclusive learning environments and relaxed and hospitable classrooms. I maintain a strong focus on collaboration and adaptability, ensuring effective teamwork and consistent achievement of educational objectives. My experience in behaviour management, curriculum development, and student assessment allows for the educational success of individuals in the classroom. Through reliability, transparency and flexibility in adapting to the changing needs of students and staff I am able to create a caring, safe and supportive environment for those around me.


Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Teacher

Daramalan College
07.2022 - Current
  • Assessed student progress through formative and summative evaluations, providing targeted feedback.
  • Mentored new teachers on effective classroom management strategies and instructional techniques.
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
  • Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
  • Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.

Acting Assistant Religious Education Coordinator

Daramalan College
04.2024 - 07.2024
  • Facilitated communication between families and educators, ensuring alignment on curriculum goals and student progress.
  • Mentored new staff members, fostering a collaborative environment that supported professional growth and development.
  • Promoted a sense of community and respect among students by facilitating group discussions on faith, morality, and ethics.
  • Served as a mentor and resource for students seeking guidance on personal or spiritual matters, fostering trust and open communication.
  • Implemented a variety of assessment methods for measuring student growth, including formative and summative assessments, self-reflections, and peer evaluations.

Teacher

Hennessey Catholic College
01.2021 - 06.2022
  • Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
  • Fostered positive classroom environment promoting student participation and collaboration.
  • Utilised educational technology to enhance learning experiences and student engagement.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects improving critical thinking skills.
  • Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.

Teacher

Chevalier College
07.2014 - 12.2020
  • Promoted a positive learning environment by modeling respect, empathy, and active listening skills during all interactions with students.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date on teaching best practices and enhance educator skills.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary curriculum, resulting in enriched learning experiences for students.
  • Mentored new teachers within the department, sharing best practices and offering guidance on effective teaching methods.
  • Supported students in development of skills and strategies to become independent and successful learners.
  • Monitored student progress and provided feedback to both students and parents.

Education

Post Graduate Certificate - Wellbeing in Education

University Notre Dame Australia
11-2027

Post Graduate Certificate - Religious Education

Australian Catholic University
Canberra, ACT
11-2016

Graduate Diploma - Secondary Education

University of Wollongong
Wollongong, NSW
10-2014

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature

University of Wollongong
Wollongong, NSW
10-2012

Skills

  • Classroom Management
  • Curriculum Development
  • Student Assessment
  • Empathy and patience
  • Lesson Planning
  • Relationship building
  • Educational Technology
  • Parent-Teacher Communication
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Verbal and written communication

Timeline

Acting Assistant Religious Education Coordinator

Daramalan College
04.2024 - 07.2024

Teacher

Daramalan College
07.2022 - Current

Teacher

Hennessey Catholic College
01.2021 - 06.2022

Teacher

Chevalier College
07.2014 - 12.2020

Post Graduate Certificate - Wellbeing in Education

University Notre Dame Australia

Post Graduate Certificate - Religious Education

Australian Catholic University

Graduate Diploma - Secondary Education

University of Wollongong

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature

University of Wollongong
Helen Close