Karen Bennett

Duties and key achievements

• Mathematics Coordinator: Completed the Leading Mathematics Course and Mathematics 2.0 training. Began implementing these into professional learning and planning, driving improvements in math instruction.
• 6+1 Writing Implementation: Engaged in professional learning and successfully integrated the 6+1 Writing Traits into planning and classroom teaching, supporting the school's goal of enhancing student writing.
• Individualised Learning Plans (ILPs): Developed ILPs for students with diverse needs, fostering academic success and personal growth.
• Behaviour Management: Implemented behaviour management strategies that created a respectful and inclusive classroom environment.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary units of study, boosting student engagement and comprehension.
• Student Performance Monitoring: Maintained accurate records of student performance, ensuring timely interventions and support.
• Parent Collaboration: Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for at-risk students, ensuring alignment between school and home support.

Duties and Key Achievements:

• Learning Specialist & Team Leader (Years 1/2, 3, 5/6): Provided instructional leadership and team management across multiple year levels.
• Leader, Boroondara Cluster for FISO Improvement: Collaborated with Principals, Assistant Principals, and Leading Teachers to design and implement professional development sessions, fostering collaboration across schools.
• PYP Accreditation for IB School: Contributed to the leadership team that successfully achieved PYP accreditation, advancing the school’s International Baccalaureate status.
• Professional Learning Facilitator: Led whole-school professional learning sessions on a weekly basis, enhancing teacher capacity in numeracy, literacy, and integrated learning.
• Capacity Building: Strengthened teacher capacity by integrating High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) into planning and instructional practices, and guided teams in using data effectively for planning and understanding student progress.
• Curriculum Development: Facilitated the unpacking of the curriculum to build a deeper understanding among staff, ensuring alignment with teaching practices.
• Expert Engagement: Organised expert-led professional learning sessions to support staff development and improve teaching outcomes.

Key Skills:

• Led Numeracy Coordination (2013-2016), developing a whole school Mathematics plan, including an instructional model, common language, scope and sequence, and planners.
• Conducted whole-school professional learning in Numeracy, supporting teachers through coaching, peer observations, and mentoring.
• Developed and implemented Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) and Behaviour Support Plans for students with additional learning needs and severe behaviour, including securing funding.
• Participated in the Assessment and Learning (ALPOS) program at the University of Melbourne.
• Coordinated school-wide events, including open classrooms and math fairs, to engage and inform parents and the community about current mathematical teaching and learning practices.
• Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary units of study, enhancing student engagement and understanding.

• Curriculum Development Leader, Literacy, Numeracy, Gifted and Talented
• Coordinated whole school professional learning in mathematics, reading instruction, using technology to support learning
• Established guided reading as a whole school practice

• Leading Teacher:
  -Led staff sessions, mentored beginning teachers, and coordinated curriculum areas.
  -Hosted open classroom visits for the Burnie cluster, showcasing exemplary teaching practices.
  -Led professional learning in Literacy, Numeracy, and integrated learning at both whole school and cluster levels.
  -Served as Level Leader and Team Leader for key areas of school focus.

• Taught classes across K-6, delivering engaging lessons tailored to diverse learning needs.
• Instructed Physical Education (PE) classes, promoting physical fitness and skill development.
• Provided targeted support to at-need students, enhancing their academic and personal growth.

• - Planned and assessed educational programs using Victorian and National Frameworks - Supported staff with framework usage and differentiated curriculum

• - Supported the Director with daily operations, staff management, and parent communication - Planned and assessed educational programs using Victorian and National Frameworks