Maria Tuvotua Mua
Guildford,Australia
Summary
Dynamic curriculum development expert with a proven track record at Tetra Tech International, enhancing Fiji's educational landscape. Specializes in academic support and stakeholder collaboration, significantly improving English curriculum delivery and teacher training. Demonstrates exceptional educational guidance and effective presentation skills, driving forward-thinking educational initiatives.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Remote Senior English Curriculum Advisor
Tetra Tech International - Fiji Program Support Facility
, Australia
03.2024 - Current
- Enhance Australia's educational support for Fiji.
- Developing English curriculum documents for Year 9 and 10 students while working remotely from Australia.
- Enhance educational support initiatives for Fiji.
- Host weekly sessions to discuss updated secondary English syllabus
English Curriculum Coordinator
Fiji Program Support Facility
01.2021 - 12.2023
- Collaborated with English specialist on redevelopment of Fiji's English syllabi for Years 9-13
- Developed English curriculum scope and sequence documentation for Years 9-13.
- Conducted two weekly webinars with Fiji's English teachers on the revised secondary English curriculum.
- Delivered high-quality training to the principals and heads of department (HOD) in languages to monitor and support the English teachers at the secondary school level in the revised English curriculum.
- Conducted UbD planning workshops for curriculum authors
- Shared best practices in English curriculum with District Education Officers
- Evaluated and provided feedback on current English curriculum instructional materials
- Provided technical assistance in using the reading progress tracker.
- Collaborated extensively with Fiji's Ministry of Education to develop teaching resources
- Developed training packages for the English curriculum, scope, and sequence, and guides (Year 9-13).
- Trained teacher mentors across the 9 educational districts to assist with the implementation of the redeveloped English curriculum material.
- Collaborated with the teacher training institutions to support pre-service teachers.
- Facilitated partnership work with Fiji's Ministry of Education (MoE) in the development and implementation of the revised English curriculum.
Literacy and Numeracy Coach
Fiji Program Support Facility
, Fiji
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Completed training as a primary Literacy and Numeracy (L&N) coach.
- Successfully completed the training provided to L&N coaches, including Training 24/7 online (NSW) and participation in all L&N coach webinars and online trainings.
- Provided coaching to assigned schools.
- Developed positive working partnerships with teachers, heads of school, district education officers, and relevant MoE staff.
- Coached school-based L&N teacher champions to become competent in using the reviewed L&N Curriculum for Years 1-4.
- Modeled the use of the L&N Kits and other resources provided to the schools; ensured proper storage.
- Supported heads of schools and teachers on the development of additional L&N resources.
- Provided professional development to teacher champions and supported them to provide professional development for school staff.
- Conducted pre-test and post-test (PM Benchmark, Waddington Assessment) in collaboration with L&N teacher champions to collect data on students' learning.
- Assisted L&N champions, teachers, and Heads of Schools to upload data into FEMIS on the reading progress tracker and the numeracy progress tracker.
- Collated the data analysis and evaluation of PM Benchmark assessments and mathematics diagnostic results.
- Assisted L&N champions, teachers, and Heads of Schools to review assessment data, interpret the findings, incorporate the findings into their school planning, and teaching & learning programs.
Senior Curriculum Specialist English Primary
Ministry of Education (Fiji)
, Fiji
10.2016 - 10.2020
- Company Overview: Curriculum Development & Advisory Unit (CDAU)
- Developed, implemented, and reviewed primary Literacy/English curriculum with appropriate learning and teaching resources.
- Provided professional guidance to teachers through emails, school visits, and workshops.
- Developed valid and reliable national formative and summative assessments.
- Facilitated selection of markers and coordinated the marking of national examinations.
- Carried out routine administrative duties, including attending meetings, responding to correspondence, and writing minute submissions and reports.
- Actively contributed to all corporate requirements of the Ministry of Education, including planning, budgeting, and human resource activities, where it was required.
- Collaborated and communicated with relevant stakeholders and teachers in developing, reviewing, and implementing the Primary Literacy/English curriculum resources, as per the Ministry of Education policies and requirements, and provided monthly reports to higher authorities.
- Developed, facilitated, and coordinated national English primary examination papers and assessment to ensure they corresponded with the national curriculum and assessment framework through a rigorous and guided process.
- Prepared examiner's report and detailed solutions to assist in the effective teaching and learning processes.
- Led and guided a panel of markers in using a revised and vetted scoring guide to mark national examination papers, and providing constructive feedback on student performance.
- Planned and reported on all relevant activities implemented with schools, stakeholders, and partners on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis.
- Provided teaching and learning support to schools through various mediums, including circulars, emails, phone calls, meetings, and professional development workshops, including, but not limited to, audio and visual resources.
Vice Principal
Yat Sen Secondary School
Suva, Fiji
01.2016 - 10.2016
- Assisted the principal in guiding, monitoring, delivering, and reporting on the implementation of the Fiji national curriculum framework and other organized school-based programs for improvement in student performance.
- Coached and mentored teaching staff, building their professional capacity and ensuring consistent and appropriate teaching and learning practices were established and maintained.
- Observed, monitored, and reported on heads of departments' lesson delivery for the purpose of improving learning and teaching program outcomes.
- Supported the principal in establishing and sustaining effective, constructive, and respectful relationships within the school, with parents, and the wider community.
- Assisted the principal with the management of the school's financial, physical, and human resources through sound management practices and organizational systems.
- Actively contributed to corporate requirements of the Ministry of Education, including planning, budgeting, discipline, and staff selection activities where required.
- Planned and implemented teaching and learning programs in the English subject for Yr. 12J & Yr. 11G.
Head of Department - Languages
DAV Girls College
Suva, Fiji
09.2013 - 12.2015
- Provided, in collaboration with the principal, vice principal, and members of the administrative team, educational leadership within the school.
- Provided professional advice, information, and support as a curriculum leader to all teachers in the Language department on relevant curriculum areas.
- Coached and mentored teaching staff, building their professional capacity and ensuring consistent and appropriate teaching and learning practices were established and maintained
- Observed, monitored, and reported on language teachers' lesson deliveries for the purpose of improving learning and teaching program outcomes.
- Supervised the teaching of English, Fijian, and Hindi, ensuring appropriate levels were taught to the different year groups.
- Led and managed the development of the Language Department's internal assessment and reporting.
- Planned and delivered a teaching and learning program, modeled the best educational practice to a maximum of 18 one-hour classes per week.
Secondary Language Teacher - English and Fijian Language
Adi Cakobau School
Nausori, Fiji
01.2008 - 09.2013
- Planned and implemented teaching and learning programmes and strategies for English and Fijian language in accordance with the English and Fijian language curricula and related documents.
- Assessed, evaluated, and reported student progress in key learning areas using approaches agreed with the principal and consistent with Fiji's curriculum.
- Implemented effective classroom management consistent with the school values, behavior policy, and directions of the principal.
- Contributed to school programs and activities in academic, social, sporting, and student welfare areas.
- Provided mentoring and coaching to classroom assistants in relation to planning and delivery of teaching and learning programs, and classroom management strategies.
- Established and maintained effective relationships with students, staff, parents, and the wider community.
Head of Department - Languages
Jasper Williams High School
Lautoka, Fiji
01.2007 - 12.2007
- Collaborated with principal, vice principal, and administrative team to drive educational initiatives.
- Advised and supported teachers in the Language department on curriculum matters
- Developed professional capacity among teaching staff
- Monitored lesson deliveries of language teachers
- Oversaw English, Fijian, and Hindi language instructions across various year groups.
- Spearheaded development of curriculum evaluation processes
- Implemented teaching program with up to 18 weekly one-hour classes
Secondary Language Teacher - English and Fijian Language
Jasper Williams High School
, Fiji
01.2005 - 12.2007
- Developed teaching and learning strategies for English and Fijian language curricula.
- Assessed, evaluated, and reported student progress in key learning areas using approaches agreed with the principal and consistent with Fiji's curriculum.
- Implemented effective classroom management consistent with the school values, behavior policy, and directions of the principal.
- Contributed to school programs and activities in academic, social, sporting, and student welfare areas.
- Mentored classroom assistants on program planning and delivery
- Established and maintained effective relationships with students, staff, parents, and the wider community.
Assistant Teacher - Primary School
Nausori Primary School
Nausori, Fiji
01.2003 - 02.2004
- Instructed various subjects at primary level
Assistant Teacher - Primary School
St Thomas Primary School
Lautoka, Fiji
05.1996 - 01.2003
- Conducted instruction at different grade levels on a rotating basis.
Assistant Teacher - Primary School
Gaunavou Primary School
Yasawa, Fiji
01.1989 - 05.1996
- Instructed multiple subjects at primary school level
Education
Masters - Applied Linguistics & TESOL
01-2025
Teacher Training - LITERACY/ ENGLISH
01-2024
Completed 77 Modules and currently continuing online training.
Postgraduate Diploma - Education
01.2014
International Computer Driving License - [Australian Computer Society]
01.2007
Fundamentals of Caregiving - Care giving and support
01.2006
Certificate - Child, Marriage and Family Counselling
01.2005
Certificate - Basic Counselling and Communication Skills
01.2005
Bachelor of Education - Secondary, Education/ English Literature & Language
01.2004
Teachers Certificate - Primary Teaching
01.1988
Secondary Education - Years 9 - 12
01.1981
Skills
- Academic Support
- Educational Guidance Expertise
- Career Path Guidance
- Curriculum Development
- Effective Presentation Skills
- Stakeholder Collaboration
Professionalcontributions
- 2024, Working remotely from Australia in developing English curriculum documents & related documents for Yr. 9 & 10 revise English curriculum.
- 2021 - 2023, Work with English curriculum specialist in re-developing the Fiji National English Secondary Curriculum with the revision of Yr. 9 - Yr. 13 syllabi, scope and sequence, Teachers Guides & resources.
- 2023, Moderator - SPC Yr. 13 Vanuatu National English Examination paper.
- 2022, Literacy and Numeracy Coach for 12 primary schools in 3 different Education districts in Fiji - Ra, Nausori & Suva.
- 2021 - 2022, SPC Year 13 English Examination Scorer.
- 2020, Examiner - Fiji Year 8 (FY8E) English Examination.
- 2019, Examiner - Fiji Year 7 & FY8E English Examinations; Moderator - FY13CE, FY11E & FY6E English Examinations; Trial sitter - FY10CE English Examination; Item writer - Literacy & Numeracy Assessment for Yr. 5 & Yr. 7.
- 2018, Facilitator & Coordinator in Yr.3 & 4 Literacy and Numeracy Strategies National Roll Out; Literacy Marker - PILNA.
- 2017, Facilitator & Coordinator in partnership with AQEP personnel in the Lower Primary: Yr.1 & 2 Literacy & Numeracy Strategies National Roll Out.
- 2014, UU114 - English for Academic Purposes part time marker, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji.
- 2008 - 2015, Fiji Year 13 Certificate Examination English Research Project Moderator - National Level.
- 2008 - 2014, Fiji Year 12 Leaving Certificate Examination English Research Project Moderator - National level.
- 2012 - 2015, Fiji Year 13 Certificate Examination English Marker - National level.
- 2006 - 2007, 2011, Fiji Year 12 Leaving Certificate Examination English Marker - National level.
Preferredtitle
Ms.
Languages
- English, Fluent
- Fijian, Fluent
References
- Sean Canavan, Literacy and Numeracy Advisor, Fiji Education Program, +614235976444
- Michelle King, Literacy and Numeracy Advisor, Fiji Program Support Facility, Michelle.King@ausfijifacility.org
- Ceinwyn Elleway, Program Manager, Cognition Education, Adelaide, South Australia, +610448363379, ceinwynelleway@gmail.com
- Gayathri Prasad, Senior Curriculum Specialist, Ministry of Education, +679 322 0546 [W/H], +679 838 4570 [Mob], gayathri.prasad@edu.gov.fj
Currentposition
Remote Senior English Curriculum Advisor (Secondary), 20, Fiji Program Support Facility, Tetra Tech International Development
Personal Information
- Number of Children: 4
- Date of Birth: 10/20/68
Affiliations
- supporting the vulnerable
- spending time with family
- swimming either in the sea or river
- baking pies and cakes
Timeline
Remote Senior English Curriculum Advisor - Tetra Tech International - Fiji Program Support Facility
03.2024 - Current
Literacy and Numeracy Coach - Fiji Program Support Facility
01.2022 - 12.2022
English Curriculum Coordinator - Fiji Program Support Facility
01.2021 - 12.2023
Senior Curriculum Specialist English Primary - Ministry of Education (Fiji)
10.2016 - 10.2020
Vice Principal - Yat Sen Secondary School
01.2016 - 10.2016
Head of Department - Languages - DAV Girls College
09.2013 - 12.2015
Secondary Language Teacher - English and Fijian Language - Adi Cakobau School
01.2008 - 09.2013
Head of Department - Languages - Jasper Williams High School
01.2007 - 12.2007
Secondary Language Teacher - English and Fijian Language - Jasper Williams High School
01.2005 - 12.2007
Assistant Teacher - Primary School - Nausori Primary School
01.2003 - 02.2004
Assistant Teacher - Primary School - St Thomas Primary School
05.1996 - 01.2003
Assistant Teacher - Primary School - Gaunavou Primary School
01.1989 - 05.1996
MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY - Masters, Applied Linguistics & TESOL
24/7 ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING - Teacher Training, LITERACY/ ENGLISH
UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC - Postgraduate Diploma, Education
TRAINING PRODUCTIVITY AUTHORITY OF FIJI - International Computer Driving License, [Australian Computer Society]
CAREGIVERS SERVICES INTERNATION (FIJI) LTD - Fundamentals of Caregiving, Care giving and support
UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC - Certificate, Child, Marriage and Family Counselling
UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC - Certificate, Basic Counselling and Communication Skills
UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC - Bachelor of Education, Secondary, Education/ English Literature & Language
LAUTOKA TEACHERS COLLEGE - Teachers Certificate, Primary Teaching
SAINT JOHNS COLLEGE - Secondary Education, Years 9 - 12
Similar Profiles
Margaret NkhosiMargaret Nkhosi
Project Officer at Tetra Tech ARD - USAID - Integrated Land and Resource Governance ProgramProject Officer at Tetra Tech ARD - USAID - Integrated Land and Resource Governance Program
Daniel ValenciaDaniel Valencia
Field Technician at Tetra TechField Technician at Tetra Tech
Abdikarim Ahmed OmarAbdikarim Ahmed Omar
Communications Specialist at MSI (Tetra Tech)Communications Specialist at MSI (Tetra Tech)