Karen Tozer
Scullin,Australia
Summary
As a Highly Accomplished Teacher with over 20 years of experience, I bring deep expertise in curriculum development, pedagogy, and educational leadership. My experience spans developing innovative, cutting-edge programs aligned with the Australian Curriculum and delivering culturally responsive professional learning for educators, including embedding First Nations perspectives. I have a proven track record of strategic leadership, managing complex projects, and leading small teams to achieve high-quality outcomes. My strengths in communication, flexibility, and collaboration enable me to build strong relationships across diverse stakeholder groups. A lifelong learner with a commitment to excellence, I am skilled in strategic thinking, forward planning, and policy formulation, and I thrive in mentoring and developing staff to foster their potential.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Classroom Teacher, Grade 5/6, Contact Teacher for ATSI Education
St Thomas More’s Primary School
ACT
01.2021 - Current
- Led and oversaw the strategic development of the annual implementation plan for Aboriginal Education at St. Thomas More's.
- Managed budget lines and resource materials for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education.
- Advocated for the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and priorities across the school through initiatives such as the connecting to Country section during staff spirituality day, development of a school Acknowledgment of Country, and having our school values represented by an Indigenous Artist.
- Planned and implemented programs aligned with the Australian Curriculum that provided Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with learning opportunities that celebrated culture.
- Led staff to incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures when planning, developing, and evaluating our school curriculum.
- Established trusting relationships with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
- Developed and sourced resources to support teachers in teaching about dates of national significance, such as Sorry Day, and Reconciliation Week, so they could confidently teach these topics in the classroom.
- Supported staff to develop their knowledge of and incorporate issues and current affairs that pertain to First Nations people into educational programs.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans and resources based on the Australian Curriculum, so that staff felt confident in addressing the cross-curriculum priority and First Nations topics in the curriculum.
- Led staff in embedding First Nations perspectives in the classroom, so that they could teach these perspectives confidently.
- Planned and facilitated staff workshops on how to incorporate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures Cross-Curriculum Priority when planning units of work and within the classroom.
- Developed education resources aligned to the Australian Curriculum that supported teachers to create an Acknowledgement of Country with their class.
- Developed educational resources in consultation with local Indigenous ranger Aaron Chatfield to support students to connect to and learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.
- Evaluated units of work to ensure the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures Cross-Curriculum Priority is meaningfully embedded.
- Represented the school and presented at various network meetings and conferences.
- Built, maintained, and strengthened positive relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
Classroom Teacher, Kindergarten and Grades 1/2, Team Leader, Literacy Leader
Macquarie Primary School
ACT
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Managed budgets and resources for the school's Literacy department.
- Led the Literacy team, which involved creating assessment documents, to streamline processes from K-6.
- Assisted with the development of school-based policies as a member of the school board.
- Displayed a high level of written skills when writing meeting minutes and board reports as a member of the school board.
- Developed, maintained and strengthened good relationships with key internal and external
stakeholders across the community - Developed and implemented meeting agendas, took minutes, ensured processes were followed, and prompted reflection of team members at the end of planning cycles.
- Researched, planned, and led parent information sessions to support them in helping their child learn to read.
- Participated in and led meetings, workshops, and professional development programs.
Classroom Teacher – Prep and Grade 1, Team Leader
Port Melbourne Primary School
Victoria
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Developed lesson plans and instructional materials to support student learning.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and modify instruction accordingly.
- Collaborated with other teachers, administrators, and parents to ensure student success.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance and progress towards goals.
- Utilised technology as an effective tool for enhancing instruction.
- Provided guidance, coaching, and feedback to team members.
- Analysed data trends to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Identified areas where teams could improve their skills.
- Developed strategies to motivate employees in achieving goals.
National Partnerships Literacy & Numeracy Field Officer – School Leader C/Executive Teacher/Literacy & Numeracy Coach
Giralang Primary School
ACT
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Provided coaching and feedback on teacher performance, encouraging professional development.
- Supported teachers to develop, plan and evaluate programs aligned with the curriculum.
- Supported teachers to analyse data and make informed decisions about next steps.
- Developed, led, and oversaw the implementation of the literacy and numeracy strategic goals from the annual implementation plan and the school plan.
- Evaluated progress on our goals and reported results and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership in an annual report.
- Presented the annual report to the school board.
- Created professional development materials and conducted staff training on new processes or procedures.
- Monitored daily workflow to ensure adherence to established policies and procedures.
- Analysed data from various sources to identify areas of improvement in the school's key priority areas.
- Maintained a positive work environment that promoted collaboration between team members.
- Ensured compliance with all safety regulations in the workplace.
- Managed budgeting responsibilities, including forecasting expenses, tracking spending, and preparing reports for leadership.
- Participated in regular meetings with senior leadership to provide updates on progress towards the school's literacy and numeracy goals.
- Coordinated daily operations by organising staffing when teachers were absent and managing the timetabling of rosters.
- Monitored team members through performance management processes.
- Created a literacy and numeracy assessment policy for the school and updated the school's literacy and numeracy policies to ensure alignment with the directorate's policies.
Classroom teacher Kindergarten/ Grade 1, School Leader C/Executive Teacher Higher Duties Acting (HDA) – Term 3
Giralang Primary School
ACT
01.2012 - 01.2012
- Developed, implemented and evaluated school policies and procedures.
- Provided instructional leadership to staff in the areas of curriculum development, assessment practices, and professional growth activities.
- Cultivated strong relationships with parents, students and members of the community to ensure a safe learning environment.
- Facilitated communication between teachers, families, and other stakeholders to promote collaboration among all participants in the educational process.
- Monitored student academic performance data in order to identify trends or areas of need that required additional resources or support.
- Organised regular meetings with teachers to discuss issues related to instruction, assessment strategies and classroom management techniques.
- Designed comprehensive plans for professional development activities that focused on improving teacher performance levels across all subject areas.
- Collaborated with other schools within the cluster to develop the Belconnen Writing and Assessment Rubric.
- Created an environment where all students feel valued regardless of their background or cultural identity.
Classroom teacher and Team Leader – Prep
Elsternwick Primary School
Victoria
01.2011 - 01.2011
Classroom teacher and Team Leader - Grade 3/4
Amaroo School
ACT
01.2009 - 01.2010
School Leader C/Executive Teacher Higher Duties Acting (HDA) – Term 2
Amaroo School
ACT
01.2009 - 01.2009
Classroom Teacher – Term 4, Grade 1
Amaroo School
ACT
01.2008 - 01.2008
Classroom Teacher – 5/6 Term 3 & Reception Terms 1-2
Rhyl Primary School
London, UK
01.2007 - 01.2008
Classroom Teacher – Grade 1/2
Amaroo School
ACT
01.2006 - 01.2007
Classroom Teacher – Grade 2
Monash Primary School
ACT
01.2005 - 01.2005
Education
Graduate Certificate – Religious Education -
Australian Catholic University
12-2024
Highly Accomplished Teacher -
Teacher Quality Institute
07-2024
Bachelor of Education – Primary (Major in Inclusive Education) -
University of Canberra
12.2004
Skills
- Highly Accomplished Teacher
- Curriculum Development: Expertise in designing and implementing effective educational programs
- Pedagogical Knowledge: Deep understanding of teaching methods and practices
- Leadership: Proven ability to lead teams and drive initiatives through strategic thinking
- Flexibility: Adaptability to changing circumstances and diverse learning needs
- Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication for effective collaboration
- Relationship Building: Ability to foster positive connections with students, staff, and stakeholders
- Work Ethic: Commitment to excellence and continuous improvement
- Collaboration: Experience in working collaboratively with others to achieve common goals
- Lifelong Learning: Dedication to ongoing professional development and personal growth
- Organisational Skills: Strong ability to plan, coordinate, and manage tasks efficiently
- Cultural Competency: Deep understanding of and respect for diverse cultures, with a focus on embedding First Nations perspectives in education
Professional and Community Involvement
- Aboriginal Contact Teacher, 2022 - 2024
- Writing Team member, 2019 -2020
- Presenter at ALEA National Conference, 2017, 2018
- Kindergarten Transition Coordinator, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017-2020
- Curriculum Coordinator and team member, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017-2020
- Coaching and mentoring, 2013, 2014, 2017-2024
- Mentoring staff in writing, 2012, 2017-2024
- 'Helping your Child Learn to Read' parent information session, 2006, 2009, 2012-2020
- Graduate/Beginning teacher mentor, 2011-2024
Personal Information
Date of Birth: 09/05/82
References
- Luke Donnelly, Principal, St Thomas More’s Primary, Campbell, ACT, 2612, 6449 8869
- Cassandra Halls, Colleague, St Thomas More's Primary School, ACT, 2612, 6449 8869
- Kristy Poole, Project Support Officer, Project Management Office, Department of Defence, 02 6132 7707
- Monique Darragh, School Leader C, Executive Teacher, Miles Franklin Primary School, Evatt, ACT, 2614, 02 6258 2770/ 0437 894 385
Accomplishments
- Catholic Education 2023 NAIDOC Week Award
- Catholic Education 2024 Excellence Awards - Highly Accomplished Teacher
Certification
- Teacher Quality Institute Highly Accomplished Teacher
- Working with Vulnerable People card: 14946
- Teacher Quality Institute Highly Accomplished Teacher Registration: 007633
Timeline
Classroom Teacher, Grade 5/6, Contact Teacher for ATSI Education
St Thomas More’s Primary School
01.2021 - Current
Classroom Teacher, Kindergarten and Grades 1/2, Team Leader, Literacy Leader
Macquarie Primary School
01.2017 - 01.2020
Classroom Teacher – Prep and Grade 1, Team Leader
Port Melbourne Primary School
01.2015 - 01.2016
National Partnerships Literacy & Numeracy Field Officer – School Leader C/Executive Teacher/Literacy & Numeracy Coach
Giralang Primary School
01.2013 - 01.2014
Classroom teacher Kindergarten/ Grade 1, School Leader C/Executive Teacher Higher Duties Acting (HDA) – Term 3
Giralang Primary School
01.2012 - 01.2012
Classroom teacher and Team Leader – Prep
Elsternwick Primary School
01.2011 - 01.2011
Classroom teacher and Team Leader - Grade 3/4
Amaroo School
01.2009 - 01.2010
School Leader C/Executive Teacher Higher Duties Acting (HDA) – Term 2
Amaroo School
01.2009 - 01.2009
Classroom Teacher – Term 4, Grade 1
Amaroo School
01.2008 - 01.2008
Classroom Teacher – 5/6 Term 3 & Reception Terms 1-2
Rhyl Primary School
01.2007 - 01.2008
Classroom Teacher – Grade 1/2
Amaroo School
01.2006 - 01.2007
Classroom Teacher – Grade 2
Monash Primary School
01.2005 - 01.2005
Graduate Certificate – Religious Education -
Australian Catholic University
Highly Accomplished Teacher -
Teacher Quality Institute
Bachelor of Education – Primary (Major in Inclusive Education) -
University of Canberra
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