KAREN WATERMAN
Mt Barker,Australia
Summary
An adaptable professional with a positive attitude, and the ability to learn quickly and adjust to new environments.
I am a dedicated professional with a strong work ethic, and a diverse communication and interpersonal relations skill set. I have a demonstrated ability to foster relationships with students, families, colleagues, and stakeholders. I am committed to creating inclusive environments that promote collaboration and engagement.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Literacy Lead Teacher, Year 5/6 Classroom Teacher
Nairne Primary School
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Modelled high-impact teaching strategies for setting goals, structuring lessons, and providing explicit instructions for the middle and upper primary teams to implement literacy routines using an evidence-based, structured synthetic phonics program.
- Participated in Brightpath Writing professional development activities related to current trends in literacy instruction. I worked in collaboration with the DFE Brightpath advisor to improve writing outcomes.
- Gathered, organized, and monitored students' progress, providing quarterly data insights for educators and leadership. Data highlighted growth in students' literacy skills.
- Guided pre-service teacher through a six-week placement, starting with lead-in days to build rapport with students.
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' needs and interests.
University Student Supervisor
University of South Australia
10.2024 - 12.2024
- Responsibilities include maintaining, building, and strengthening partnerships between all stakeholders: the university, students, and school sites; liaising with the pre-service teacher, the university, and the supervising teacher; and arranging visits to designated placement schools.
- Emphasised the importance of AITSL Teacher Standards within planning documentation.
- Meet with individual pre-service teachers and the school site; support, listen, clarify, negotiate if necessary, and interact with all stakeholders.
- Keep accurate records, summarise conversations, and send emails to PST.
- Ensured timely completion of interim reports while upholding detailed records of student hours, tasks, and evaluations using the Uni SA In Place data system.
- Ensured the safety and well-being of PST and reported to the course coordinator about on-site injuries or students at risk.
Workshop Facilitator
University of South Australia
07.2024 - 12.2024
- Presented workshops for pre-service teachers focused on understanding and demonstrating language across all levels including sounds, letters, words, grammar, and sentence structures, through to full texts in context.
- Guided pre-service teachers in analyzing texts while applying a functional grammar model. Enhanced their language proficiency with an emphasis on phonological awareness and phonics.
- Supported pre-service teachers in text analysis and oral presentations, assisting them demonstrate their understanding of language systems and proficiency in literacy practices. Facilitated group discussions and activities to ensure high levels of engagement among participants, while also monitoring their progress during workshops and providing individualised support where needed.
- Mastered the UniSA Learn online platform, including Teams and Zoom meetings, and collaborated with colleagues on hybrid moderation marking for assignments. Marked assignments, provided feedback using rubrics, assigned grades, and maintained accurate records.
Year 5/6 and Year 1/2 Classroom Teacher
Marion Primary School
01.2023 - 10.2024
- Implemented InitiaLit and Phonics Screener testing, and analyzed data to inform teaching practices.
- Collaborated in planning lessons focused on meeting students' academic needs.
- Developed cross-curriculum lessons integrating math and art with a focus on environmental themes.
- Implemented DIBELS' 8 daily fluency routines, ensuring practical application in the classroom, and analyzed data to pinpoint students' strengths and weaknesses, tailoring instructional strategies accordingly.
- Managed student behavior in the classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.
- Met with parents and guardians to discuss students' progress and areas for improvement.
- Planned and implemented lessons using various teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.
Year 3/4 Classroom Teacher
Murray Bridge South Primary
01.2018 - 09.2022
- Collaborated effectively with staff from the Literacy Guarantee Unit, Phonics Leaders Group, and the Local Education Team to execute pedagogical changes, fostering a team approach to improve the literacy levels of all students.
- Implemented and applied high-impact teaching strategies, including explicit instructions, the gradual release model implementation, and the introduction of retrieval practice.
- Reduced cognitive load to boost student engagement.
- Managed classroom behaviour by developing positive relationships with students while being fair and consistent.
- Prepared and maintained classroom environments appropriate for student learning and physical, social and emotional development.
- Created a safe environment that fostered collaboration among students.
Year 2/3 and 4/5 Classroom Teacher
Mt Barker Primary
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Led junior primary team to investigate students' PAT Maths results, analysing mathematical misconceptions to effectively understand the students' skills and knowledge to plan and target learning towards their needs
- Successfully participated in the piloted 3D Printing Learning program, developing teaching Design Thinking, STEM concepts and 21st-century learning skills with 3D design and 3D printing
- Planned an engaging curriculum program to develop students' filmmaking skills and knowledge using iMovie software depicting the arrival of the First Fleet
Year 3/4 Classroom Teacher
Risdon Park Primary – Port Pirie
01.2012 - 12.2012
- I instigated six classes to participate in the World's Day of Play-Cardboard Challenge' fostering creative play, student ingenuity and resourcefulness, perseverance, collaboration and teamwork, and critical thinking skills
- Prompted student participation in art initiatives outside the school; 26 students participated in 175 years of Local Government Banner Competition, creating original designs using various mediums to depict local attractions and scenes that showcased their local community
Visual Arts/Science NIT Teacher: Year 4/5 Classroom Teacher
Hincks Avenue Whyalla
01.2007 - 12.2010
- Instigated first-class excursion to Canberra, responsible for applying for grants, fundraising, providing educational experiences and reporting back to stakeholders the benefits of the excursions
- Promoted and attracted students and staff to contribute to the whole school art exhibition, inspiring new artistic experiences, sharing cultural practices, and creating a sense of pride and community
Welfare Officer (ASO3)
Repatriation Hospital
Daw Park
01.1998 - 12.2006
- Monitored and evaluated client progress through regular contact with individuals and their families.
- Maintained thorough case history records and wrote detailed reports.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions using databases or paper files.
Education
Graduate Certificate in Education - Literacy Specialisation
Edith Cowan University
Western Australia01-2022
Bachelor of Education - Junior Primary/Primary
Flinders University of South Australia
01-2007
Advanced Diploma of Art -
North Adelaide School of Art
01-1993
Associate Diploma of Art -
North Adelaide School of Art
01-1992
Skills
- Administering diagnostic assessments
- Computer proficiency and Microsoft Office
- Data collection and analysis
- Knowledge of the 'Science of Reading' and functional grammar
- Multitasking Abilities
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Written communication
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
University Student Supervisor
University of South Australia
10.2024 - 12.2024
Workshop Facilitator
University of South Australia
07.2024 - 12.2024
Literacy Lead Teacher, Year 5/6 Classroom Teacher
Nairne Primary School
01.2024 - 01.2025
Year 5/6 and Year 1/2 Classroom Teacher
Marion Primary School
01.2023 - 10.2024
Year 3/4 Classroom Teacher
Murray Bridge South Primary
01.2018 - 09.2022
Year 2/3 and 4/5 Classroom Teacher
Mt Barker Primary
01.2017 - 12.2017
Year 3/4 Classroom Teacher
Risdon Park Primary – Port Pirie
01.2012 - 12.2012
Visual Arts/Science NIT Teacher: Year 4/5 Classroom Teacher
Hincks Avenue Whyalla
01.2007 - 12.2010
Welfare Officer (ASO3)
Repatriation Hospital
01.1998 - 12.2006
Graduate Certificate in Education - Literacy Specialisation
Edith Cowan University
Bachelor of Education - Junior Primary/Primary
Flinders University of South Australia
Advanced Diploma of Art -
North Adelaide School of Art
Associate Diploma of Art -
North Adelaide School of Art
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