Jess Christoforou
Belmont,Australia
Summary
Inclusive Learning Teacher and Behaviour Support Practitioner with expertise in education, behaviour management, mental health and students with additional needs. Proficient in creating and executing individualised learning and behaviour support plans, enhancing classroom engagement, and leading collaborative teams. Dedicated to fostering inclusive environments and building strong relationships with students, families, and staff to drive positive change. Committed to supporting the growth of young people in diverse educational settings.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Inclusive Learning Teacher (Academic Support Program)
Geelong Grammar School
01.2025 - Current
- Provide targeted, in-class support to small groups of students, promoting engagement and academic progress
- Develop and implement Inclusive Learning Plans tailored to individual student needs
- Support the development and delivery of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
- Lead and facilitate Student Support Group (SSG) meetings, ensuring collaborative planning and communication
- Liaise with classroom and boarding staff to share best practice approaches and ensure consistency of support across settings
- Advise and mentor teachers on inclusive strategies and accommodations for diverse learners
Pre-Service Teacher Liaison
Deakin University
01.2024 - Current
- Support and visit pre-service teachers during school placements
- Liaise with mentor teachers and Deakin staff
- Write reports reflecting placement experiences and pre-service teacher success
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Mansfield Autism Statewide Services
01.2022 - 12.2024
- Provided support to families with children with autism and comorbid disabilities, focusing on skill-building, consulting, and counselling
- Developed and implemented behaviour support plans using observation and behavioural analysis
- Inducted and trained new autism practitioners
- Engaged in leadership training via The Leadership Sphere
Leader of Program for Students With Disability
Bellarine Secondary College
01.2019 - 12.2021
- Developed, implemented, and reviewed Individualised Education Plans (IEPs)
- Provided direct support and accommodations for students
- Led and coordinated Student Support Group (SSG) meetings
- Organised and delivered staff training on best practices and compliance
- Promoted inclusive school culture and monitored program effectiveness
Teacher
Bellarine Secondary College
01.2005 - 12.2021
- Developed and implemented comprehensive lesson plans
- Collaborated with colleagues and parents to support student development
- Inspired students through dynamic instruction and creative projects
- Achieved high student performance through targeted teaching strategies
Learning Specialist: Instructional Practice
Bellarine Secondary College
01.2019 - 12.2020
- Member of Instructional Practice Leadership Team (IPLT)
- Led Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and Teams (PLTs)
- Developed and reviewed guaranteed curriculum
- Addressed student engagement and curriculum responsiveness
Leader of Wellbeing
Bellarine Secondary College
01.2005 - 12.2007
- Supported students’ mental and emotional health
- Fostered a positive and inclusive school environment
Mental Health Practitioner (Probationary Psychologist)
South-West Health Care (Warrnambool)
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Delivered comprehensive mental health assessments and interventions
- Conducted patient evaluations and implemented therapeutic strategies
- Demonstrated strong work ethic and dedication to professional growth
Teacher: Psychology & English
Grovedale College
01.2004
- Delivered engaging Psychology & English lessons
- Enhanced student engagement and understanding
Teacher: Psychology & English
Newcomb Secondary College
01.2003
- Fostered critical thinking and communication skills
- Inspired students through dynamic teaching methods
Education
Master of Special Needs and Inclusive Education -
University of Newcastle
01-2022
Graduate Diploma in Education - Secondary
Australian Catholic University
01-2002
Honours - Psychology
Deakin University
01-2000
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Deakin University
01-1999
Skills
- Organisational skills: accurate record keeping, monitoring, tracking goals, report writing, minute taking, behaviour plan development
- Facilitation: productive and inclusive meeting facilitation
- Counseling: Holistic support for vulnerable young people and their families
- Relationship building: establishing trust and open communication with students, parents, and staff
- Coregulation: building resilience and emotional regulation skills in young people
- Positive and proactive: continuously seeking opportunities for personal and professional improvement
- Empathy: respectful of others' feelings, experiences, and situations
- Commitment: Building strong, loyal, and lasting relationships
References
- Upon request
Training
- Mansfield Autism: Communication & Visual Supports
- PEERS Training: Social Skills for Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Leadership Excellence: The Leadership Sphere
- Autism and Girls: Tony Attwood & Michelle Garnett
- Pathological Demand Avoidance: Tony Attwood & Michelle Garnett
- Child Exploitation PD: DFFH
- Learning Specialists: Influencing the Learning Culture
- PSD Induction: Department of Education
- ENQ Training: Department of Education
- Leadership Coaching: Lyn & Steve Boyle
Timeline
Inclusive Learning Teacher (Academic Support Program)
Geelong Grammar School
01.2025 - Current
Pre-Service Teacher Liaison
Deakin University
01.2024 - Current
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Mansfield Autism Statewide Services
01.2022 - 12.2024
Leader of Program for Students With Disability
Bellarine Secondary College
01.2019 - 12.2021
Learning Specialist: Instructional Practice
Bellarine Secondary College
01.2019 - 12.2020
Teacher
Bellarine Secondary College
01.2005 - 12.2021
Leader of Wellbeing
Bellarine Secondary College
01.2005 - 12.2007
Teacher: Psychology & English
Grovedale College
01.2004
Teacher: Psychology & English
Newcomb Secondary College
01.2003
Mental Health Practitioner (Probationary Psychologist)
South-West Health Care (Warrnambool)
01.2000 - 01.2002
Master of Special Needs and Inclusive Education -
University of Newcastle
Graduate Diploma in Education - Secondary
Australian Catholic University
Honours - Psychology
Deakin University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Deakin University
Similar Profiles
Paige RowellPaige Rowell
Sports Coach at Geelong Grammar SchoolSports Coach at Geelong Grammar School
Henry LiHenry Li
Hospitality Worker at Geelong Grammar SchoolHospitality Worker at Geelong Grammar School
Henry HuangHenry Huang
Music Captain at Geelong Grammar SchoolMusic Captain at Geelong Grammar School
Lee CurtisLee Curtis
Trainer/Instructor at Australian Border ForceTrainer/Instructor at Australian Border Force
Japkaran SinghJapkaran Singh
Enrolled Nurse (Team Leader) at CA Brown LodgeEnrolled Nurse (Team Leader) at CA Brown Lodge