Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Running
Timeline
Generic

Katherine Susan Van Eede

Highett,VIC

Summary

Dedicated to working with students with intellectual disabilities and complex trauma, I have built my career in both mainstream and special education schools. Grounded in trauma-informed practices and effective pedagogical strategies, my approach prioritizes the creation of a safe and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. With a deep understanding of how trauma impacts learning and behaviour, I foster meaningful relationships that build trust and encourage academic and personal growth. I strongly believe in differentiated instruction and individualized learning plans, especially in blended educational settings. By utilizing a variety of instructional strategies and technological tools, I strive to meet the diverse needs of my students, ensuring that each child feels valued and supported on their educational journey. Passionate about inclusive education and innovative pedagogical approaches, I am eager to contribute my expertise in special education, dedication to trauma-informed practices, and enthusiasm for nurturing student potential to a vibrant school community.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Classroom Teacher

Yarrabah Special School
01.2020 - Current
  • Applied a developmental and pedagogical approach to teaching, integrating relationship-building strategies to support students' academic and emotional growth
  • Developed and implemented individualized education plans (IEPs), ensuring alignment with pedagogical principles and students' unique academic needs
  • Taught core academic subjects, including math and literacy, using differentiated instruction and evidence-based pedagogical methods to cater to diverse learning styles
  • Utilized multisensory teaching strategies, such as Numicon, to enhance understanding of mathematical concepts like addition, subtraction, and number recognition
  • Designed and delivered literacy lessons with a focus on phonics, reading comprehension, and writing, using scaffolding techniques to build student confidence and mastery
  • Applied constructivist teaching methods to encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and active engagement with academic content
  • Incorporated pedagogical approaches to fine motor and visual perception skills, using activities like 3D puzzles and drawing to support handwriting and academic performance
  • Integrated music and movement to reinforce academic learning, improve focus, and enhance memory retention through active, embodied learning experiences
  • Collaborated with parents, therapists, and educators, applying a pedagogically informed, holistic approach to student development that balances academic achievement with personal growth

Elementary Classroom Teacher

Social Skills Connect
01.2020 - Current

Trauma-Informed Teaching: Expertise in recognizing and addressing impacts of trauma on students' learning and behaviour, using strategies that promote emotional safety and resilience

  • Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based (DIR) Approach: Proficiency in implementing DIR model, focusing on emotional intelligence and tailored interactions to support each student's developmental needs
  • Positive Relationship Building: Skilled in fostering strong, trusting relationships with students, creating foundation of respect and trust that enhances both emotional well-being and academic engagement
  • Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Experience in developing and executing IEPs that are personalized to meet the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of each student
  • Inclusive Classroom Environment: Adept at creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment where dignity and individuality of each student are respected and nurtured
  • Collaborative Family Partnerships: Strong ability to work closely with families to understand the broader context of each student's life, ensuring that educational strategies are aligned with family dynamics and student needs

Behavioural Intervention with Empathy: Proficient in managing classroom behaviour using positive reinforcement and other strategies that consider t emotional and psychological needs of student

  • Life Skills Development: Expertise in designing and implementing programs that help students develop practical life skills, supporting their independence and self-esteem in trauma-sensitive manner

Classroom Teacher

Southern Autistic School
05.2018 - 12.2019
  • Employed Diverse Pedagogical Teaching Techniques: Promoted active learning through individualized instruction and small group activities, applying differentiated teaching methods to meet each student's learning style
  • Planned and Implemented Educational Programs: Designed and executed educational programs that align with the school curriculum and pedagogical best practices
  • Managed Student Records and Data-Driven Instruction: Maintained accurate and ongoing records of student progress through assessments, which informed data-driven instruction
  • Implemented the STAR Program: Applied the STAR (Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research) program, utilizing structured teaching methods like discrete trial training and visual supports to enhance the learning experience for students with autism and developmental disabilities
  • Exercised Classroom Flexibility and Differentiation: Adapted teaching methods to meet diverse student needs by modifying instructional materials and classroom activities
  • Collaborated with Classroom Professionals for Student Success: Actively worked with teaching assistants, occupational therapists, and speech therapists to enhance student outcomes
  • Consulted on Instructional Modifications and Strategies: Collaborated with teachers and support staff to recommend instructional strategies and modify teaching materials
  • Assisted Specialist Staff in Lesson Planning: Partnered with specialist staff to design lesson plans that target specific developmental needs
  • Promoted Behavioural, Social, and Academic Development: Fostered student development by encouraging positive behaviour and social interaction

Casual Relief Teacher

ANZUK
01.2016 - 01.2017

I have taught varying ages and ability levels

  • Employ positive interaction with students to develop a rapport, gain respect and trust
  • Familiarise myself with school / classroom Positive Behaviour Plans
  • Follow and implement classroom lesson plans as per classroom teacher's instructions
  • Provide a productive and supportive learning environment
  • Stimulate learning through several teaching practices with clear directions and relevant examples
  • Exercise flexibility and adapt lessons to meet individual student needs
  • Prepare and implement lesson plans when required
  • Provide detail notes to classroom teacher of the day's activities
  • Actively assist specialist staff in lessons

Classroom Teacher

Frankston Special Development School
01.2012 - 01.2016
  • Employed Diverse Teaching Techniques: Promoted active learning through individualized instruction and small group activities, catering to the unique needs of each student
  • Exercised Classroom Flexibility: Adapted teaching methods to address students' needs through individualized learning plans
  • Supported Teaching Professionals: Actively collaborated with teaching aides, occupational therapists, and speech therapists to enhance classroom support and student outcomes
  • Consulted on Instructional Modifications: Worked with teachers and support staff to recommend and implement instructional adjustments
  • Assisted Specialist Staff in Lesson Planning: Collaborated with specialist staff to develop and execute lesson plans and activities
  • Promoted Behavioural, Social, and Academic Development: Supported students in their behavioural, social, and academic growth
  • Created and Implemented ‘Learn to Play' Program: Designed and introduced a school-wide ‘Learn to Play' program
  • Organized and Presented Professional Development on ‘Autism and Play': Delivered a professional development session to the junior department
  • Established School-Wide Positive Behaviour Plans: Created and maintained positive behaviour plans that were implemented school-wide
  • Developed Visual Aids and Provided Clear Instructions: Created visual aids and ensured consistent, clear instructions were provided

Education

Masters - Special Education

University of Ballarat
Ballarat, VIC
04.2014

Bachelor - Educational Studies

Monash University
Clayton
03.1997

Diploma - Education (Primary)

Victoria College
Toorak

ICDI

Skills

Differentiated Instruction

  • Ability to tailor lessons to meet diverse learning needs

Behaviour Management

  • Skills in implementing effective behaviour management strategies

Assessment and Evaluation

  • Experience with various assessment tools to monitor student progress

Collaboration

  • Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams, including parents, therapists, and other educators

Communication Skills

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective interactions with students, families, and colleagues

Cultural Competence

  • Understanding and respecting diverse backgrounds and experiences of students

Specialized Knowledge

  • Expertise in specific disabilities (eg, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, emotional disturbances)

Organization and Time Management

  • Ability to manage multiple tasks, including lesson planning and administrative duties

Accomplishments

    Golden Key International Honors Society

Certification

. STAR Comprehensive Workshop – Two Days.

· Administer CPR

· Anaphylaxis Management Trainer Course

· ‘The Traffic Jam in My Brain' – Sensory Processing Approach to Challenging Behaviour Differences

· ‘Learn to Play' – 2-day Training Course

· Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) - Introductory Workshop

· ‘Learn to Communicate in Auslan' – Level 1

· Picture Exchange Commutations System (PECS) - Level 1

· School Wide Positive Behaviour Plans

· First Aid Course

Provide basic emergency life support

OHS Course for Employees

· Mandatory Reporting Course

Practicing Protective Behaviour


Running

Running is very important to me, I train four times a week and compete at the State level

Timeline

Classroom Teacher

Yarrabah Special School
01.2020 - Current

Elementary Classroom Teacher

Social Skills Connect
01.2020 - Current

Classroom Teacher

Southern Autistic School
05.2018 - 12.2019

Casual Relief Teacher

ANZUK
01.2016 - 01.2017

Classroom Teacher

Frankston Special Development School
01.2012 - 01.2016

ICDI

Masters - Special Education

University of Ballarat

Bachelor - Educational Studies

Monash University

Diploma - Education (Primary)

Victoria College
Katherine Susan Van Eede