Melissa Jones

DDHS appointed me as a relief teacher responsible for overseeing their sewing and home economics program for students in year 7, 9, and, 10. Throughout my time, I forged meaningful connections with students, staff and administration. Whilst existing programs were in place, I assumed all teacher responsibilities including classroom management, marking, liaising with carers, and reporting.

• Worked within a team to develop and facilitate youth services in a regional area.
• Provided one on one and group guidance, supporting navigation of diverse personal and social issues. Linking with community services when appropriate.
• Developed a cooking program, 'cook to connect', where young people made meals for community members in need.
• Created a safe space for LGBTQIA+ youth. We met weekly, connected with queer and gender diverse youth in neighbouring towns, went on outings, engaged in community art projects.
• Designed and facilitated weekly art classes for youth on the spectrum with a focus on self development.
• Co-facilitated healthy relationship course with community nurse.
• Supervised youth in residential and community-based programs to minimise risks and offer support, such as skate park events.
• Worked closely with carers and family of marginalised youth.
• Developed strong relationships with community partners to secure resources and opportunities for the youth served.
• Collaborated with local youth to design murals for youth space.
• Assisted in developing grant proposals to support social service initiatives.

• Taught a variety of mediums such as drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking.
• Implemented effective teaching strategies to instruct students from diverse backgrounds and skill level.
• Developed art programs that align with educational standards and meets the needs of individual students.
• Improved student retention rates by designing engaging and interactive learning experiences.
• Created a classroom environment conducive to learning, including behaviour management and maintaining a safe and positive atmosphere.
• Accommodated various learning styles through differentiation.
• Inspired creativity and innovation among students.
• Effectively communicated with students, carers, and colleagues.
• Fostered critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Adapted teaching methods and strategies to meet the changing needs of students and the curriculum.
• Assessed and evaluated student progress.
• Collaborated with other teachers and community members to enhance art program.
• Consistently sensitive to cultural diversity.
• Provided safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth.
• Managed art room supplies, equipment and resources.
• Developed and facilitated art club.
• Connected with local professional artists to arrange guest lectures and workshops for students, enriching their understanding of potential career paths within the field.