Karen Bowker
Wattle Bank,VIC
Summary
Successful organised and dependable Principal, with strong interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Expertise in curriculum planning and development for school leaders, teachers and students. Experience leading high performance school through proven education methods.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Principal - San Remo Primary School
Department Of Education, Victoria
01.2016 - Current
- Led a high performing school, in an environment that is focussed on teaching, learning and social/ emotional
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions staff, students, parents.
- Strengthened communication skills with DET regional staff, DET leadership, Political representatives, Executive personal.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
Senior Education Instructional Leader
SEVR - Inner Gippsland
06.2023 - 10.2023
- Increased school productivity by implementing streamlined Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) processes and effective communication strategies.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic reviews for Secondary and Primary Schools, co- developing New 4 year Strategic Plans
- Facilitated successful cross-functional collaborations for the completion of key projects, fostering strong working relationships among team members.
- Communicated clearly with Regional staff, Principals, school staff and other stakeholders to keep everyone on same page and working toward established DET goals.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired Principal class employees and implemented mentoring program to support and guide new Principal Class employees
- Onboarded new employees with training and new hire documentation.
- Developed a strong DET culture focused on DET Values, employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Ensured compliance with DET regulations and legal requirements.
- Resolved conflicts for staff, principals and parents, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
Senior Education Improvement Leader
South Eastern Region - Inner Gippsland
01.2023 - 04.2023
- Increased school productivity by implementing streamlined Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) processes and effective communication strategies.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic reviews for Secondary and Primary Schools, co- developing New 4 year Strategic Plans
- Facilitated successful cross-functional collaborations for the completion of key projects, fostering strong working relationships among team members.
- Communicated clearly with Regional staff, Principals, school staff and other stakeholders to keep everyone on same page and working toward established DET goals.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired Principal class employees and implemented mentoring program to support and guide new Principal Class employees
- Onboarded new employees with training and new hire documentation.
- Developed a strong DET culture focused on DET Values, employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Ensured compliance with DET regulations and legal requirements.
- Resolved conflicts for staff, principals and parents, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
Chairperson - South Gippsland Network
SEVR - Inner Gippsland
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Enhanced network communication by streamlining meeting agendas and supporting materials.
- Developed strategic plans for organizational network growth.
- Mentored executive team members to strengthen leadership skills and improve decision-making processes.
- Improved stakeholder relations by proactively engaging with Senior Education Instructional Leaders, DET personal, Educational leaders, principals, and teachers.
- Implemented governance best practices to enhance network effectiveness and accountability.
Principal - Wonthaggi North Primary School
DET - Inner Gippsland
06.2015 - 04.2016
- Seconded by Inner Gippsland Region to led a school in crisis, when substantive Principal left.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment to determine critical issues, plan and implement solutions and drive teaching and learning.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Led School Strategic review and implemented recommendations.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Education
Master in School Leadership - Educational Leadership
Monash University
Melbourne, VIC01.2008
Diploma of Teaching (Primary) - Education
Ballarat College of Advanced Education
Ballarat, VIC 01.1986 - 12.1989
Bachelor of Education(School Librarianship) - Education
Monash University
Gippsland Campus, VIC01.1996
Skills
- Educational Leadership
- Teaching and Learning
- Organization and Time Management
- Interpersonal Communication
- Active Listening
- Public Speaking
- Multitasking Abilities
- Dependable and Responsible
- Relationship Building
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Problem-Solving
- Written Communication
Treasurer- San Remo Recreation Centre
Executive member of this organisation since 2016, recently taken on Treasurer role since 2022.
Timeline
Senior Education Instructional Leader
SEVR - Inner Gippsland
06.2023 - 10.2023
Senior Education Improvement Leader
South Eastern Region - Inner Gippsland
01.2023 - 04.2023
Chairperson - South Gippsland Network
SEVR - Inner Gippsland
01.2018 - 01.2022
Principal - San Remo Primary School
Department Of Education, Victoria
01.2016 - Current
Principal - Wonthaggi North Primary School
DET - Inner Gippsland
06.2015 - 04.2016
Diploma of Teaching (Primary) - Education
Ballarat College of Advanced Education
01.1986 - 12.1989
Master in School Leadership - Educational Leadership
Monash University
Bachelor of Education(School Librarianship) - Education
Monash University
Similar Profiles
AAKASH TYAGIAAKASH TYAGI
Secondary School Teacher at Department of Education, VictoriaSecondary School Teacher at Department of Education, Victoria
Diane TakisDiane Takis
Teacher Trainer at Department of Education VictoriaTeacher Trainer at Department of Education Victoria
Dianne WalkerDianne Walker
Business Manager at Department Of Education - VictoriaBusiness Manager at Department Of Education - Victoria