Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Melissa ( Mel ) Newton

Melissa ( Mel ) Newton

SANCTUARY POINT

Summary

Experienced educator with over 20 years across Ghana, Portugal, Canberra, and NSW, specialising in inquiry-based learning through IB and Australian curricula. I’ve led professional development in mathematics pedagogy and PYP teaching, and embed trauma-informed, wellbeing-focused strategies using Berry Street and Resilience Project frameworks. Currently completing a Diploma of Counselling and working as a Lifeline Crisis Supporter, I bring strong mental health insight to education

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Classroom Teacher

Deparment Of Education
07.2023 - Current
  • Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
  • Assessed student performance through various evaluation methods, providing constructive feedback.
  • Managed classroom behaviour effectively, creating a positive learning environment for all students.
  • Participated in professional development workshops to refine teaching strategies and methodologies.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects enhancing cross-curricular connections.

Classroom Teacher

Department Of Education- ACT
07.2017 - 07.2023
  • Analyzed student performance data to drive instructional improvements and interventions.
  • Led professional development workshops focused on best practices in teaching methodologies.
  • Utilized educational technology tools to enhance instructional delivery and student engagement, and trained staff in technology use.
  • Mentored new teachers entering the profession and provided constructive feedback on their teaching methods, promoting growth within the school community.
  • Led in-house professional development in mathematics pedagogy
  • Delivered internal training on the Primary Years Programme (PYP)
  • Integrated evidence-based practices including The Resilience Project and Berry Street Education Model and Project Based learning
  • Supported colleagues in trauma-informed and inclusive classroom practices

Primary Lead Teacher

St. Julian's International School
09.2010 - 04.2017
  • Delivered concept- and inquiry-based curriculum aligned to the PYP framework
  • Facilitated project-based learning driven by student interests and skills development
  • Led professional development in PYP teaching practices for colleagues
  • Contributed to school-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall student achievement, participating in professional development workshops and collaborating with colleagues on best practices.

Primary Lead Teacher

St Dominic's International School
01.2005 - 08.2010
  • Delivered concept- and inquiry-based curriculum aligned to the PYP framework
  • Led professional development in PYP teaching practices for colleagues
  • Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on curriculum design and classroom management strategies.
  • Participated in professional development workshops to continuously improve instructional practices.
  • Led school-wide initiatives to integrate social-emotional learning into daily activities.
  • Utilized various teaching tools and technologies to support diverse learning styles.
  • Assessed student progress through formal and informal evaluations, adjusting instruction as needed.

Classroom Teacher

Okodee Education Centre - Primary School
01.2004 - 06.2004


  • Developed foundational literacy and numeracy in a cross-cultural environment
  • Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
  • Fostered positive classroom environment to enhance student learning and collaboration.
  • Utilized a variety of instructional strategies to meet diverse student needs.

Education

Bachelor of Education - Education

Charles Sturt University
Albury, NSW
05.2004

Diploma of Counseling - Counseling Psychology

Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors
Parramatta, NSW
10-2025

Certificate - Mental Health- Crisis Supporter

Lifeline
Wollongong, NSW
02-2025

Professional Development
Various

Skills

  • Student-Centred & Inquiry-Based Teaching
    Skilled in designing and delivering concept-driven, student-led learning using IB and Australian curriculum frameworks
  • Mathematics Pedagogy Leadership
    Trained dispositional leader in mathematics; led professional development to enhance numeracy teaching practices
  • Trauma-Informed and Positive Education Practice
    Implemented Berry Street and Resilience Project frameworks to support student wellbeing and engagement
  • Crisis Support & Mental Health First Response
    Lifeline-trained crisis supporter with skills in active listening, de-escalation, and emotional regulation
  • Professional Development Facilitation
    Designed and led training in mathematics pedagogy, PYP, and wellbeing frameworks for school staff and peers
  • Cross-Cultural Communication
    Taught internationally (Ghana, Portugal, Australia), with strong intercultural awareness and adaptive teaching skills
  • Educational Program & Unit Planning
    Skilled in designing integrated learning experiences focused on deep conceptual understanding and transferable skills
  • Counselling Foundations and Therapeutic Communication
    Progressing through Diploma of Counselling with practical application of communication and empathy-based approaches

Timeline

Classroom Teacher

Deparment Of Education
07.2023 - Current

Classroom Teacher

Department Of Education- ACT
07.2017 - 07.2023

Primary Lead Teacher

St. Julian's International School
09.2010 - 04.2017

Primary Lead Teacher

St Dominic's International School
01.2005 - 08.2010

Classroom Teacher

Okodee Education Centre - Primary School
01.2004 - 06.2004

Bachelor of Education - Education

Charles Sturt University

Diploma of Counseling - Counseling Psychology

Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors

Certificate - Mental Health- Crisis Supporter

Lifeline

Professional Development

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Melissa ( Mel ) Newton