Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Meral Simsek

Melbourne,Australia

Summary

Dynamic leader with a strong ethical foundation, dedicated to fostering growth and inclusivity in diverse environments. Proven expertise in providing constructive feedback and mentorship, utilizing principles from '7 Habits of Highly Effective People' to enhance stakeholder success. Experienced in curriculum development and implementation, with a focus on creating engaging learning experiences that drive academic performance. Committed to integrating advanced technology in education, preparing students for the demands of a changing workforce.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Learning Leader, English Faculty

Saint Margaret's Berwick Grammar
Melbourne
01.2019 - 04.2025
  • I successfully led a faculty to achieve the SMBG strategic plan to connect two separate campuses as one school.
  • Managed and led a team of Middle Years and VCE English educators in the design, delivery, assessment and evaluation of VCE English and EAL curricula, in line with local organisational objectives and Victorian curriculum standards.
  • Set and managed priorities and workflows within budget and resource allocation; managed Faculty budget including governance, reporting and forward planning.
  • Analysed and utilised performance data and research to inform and drive strategic educational and curriculum development, contributing to development of whole school literacy initiatives and teaching effectiveness.
  • Cultivated and sustained effective professional relationships across stakeholder groups.
  • Aligning with curriculum & assessment and pedagogy resulted in the elevation of student academic data. The median English ATAR in 2024 was 34 and a first full 50 study score was achieved at the boy's campus.
  • Under my leadership perfect study scores of 50 for English were achieved from 2020-2024 within my year 12 classes. The school achieved its highest median ATAR outcomes.
  • Presented workshops in 2023 & 2024 at the VATE conference on VCE English texts and writing workshops. I received high accolades of feedback on my presentation and resources created.
  • Leading impact coaching and VIT mentoring of provisional teachers.

VCE Instructor

Mentone Girls' Secondary College
07.2017 - 12.2018
  • Teaching of Year 7-10 Vic Curriculum
  • Teaching of VCE English & Literature with outstanding results
  • Mentoring of graduate teachers

Year 8 & 9 Level Coordinator

Oakleigh Grammar
Melbourne
01.2017 - 12.2017
  • As year level coordinator I led mentor teachers to adapt to a new pastoral program and crafted teacher scripts to facilitate well-being sessions.
  • I analysed and presented well-being survey data to transform outdated pastoral program to minimise conflict and engage all stakeholders.
  • I facilitated extensive restorative circles for stakeholders to rebuild trust and created action plans for students with learning needs and provisions.

Awards Manager

Holmesglen TAFT
Melbourne, VIC
10.2016 - 02.2017
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
  • Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
  • Implemented quality control measures to uphold company standards.
  • Assessed team member's skillsets and assigned tasks accordingly for optimal efficiency.
  • Held regular one-on-one meetings with employees to review performance and priorities and provide feedback.
  • Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, industry standards.

MEF International School
Izmir, Turkey
01.2014 - 12.2016
  • Student Council Coordinator
  • Cambridge IGCSE ESL Examiner & EAL teacher for 7-12 levels
  • Volunteer teacher with Global Praxis for Syrian refugee children

Assistant Department Head & Team Leader

Enka Private School
Istanbul, Turkey
01.2008 - 12.2014
  • English instructor grades 10, 12 & 11 IB DP
  • Acting English Department Head & mentor of graduate teachers
  • CIS Accreditation Committee Leader to successfully facilitate an auditing process for approval
  • Project Manager of the implementation of the first IB DP English Program

Wellbeing Coordinator (Grades 9 and 10)

Lyndhurst Secondary College
Melbourne, Australia
01.2004 - 12.2008
  • Year 7-VCE English and Humanities teacher & leader of the Year 9 The Real Thing, experiential program

Education

Master of Educational Leadership & Management -

University of Melbourne
04.2025

IB DP English A, MYP & IGCSE Trained -

01.2017

Post Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) - Teaching Methods: English/Literature/Humanities

Monash University
Melbourne, Australia
01.2001

Victorian Certificate of Education -

Wheelers Hill Secondary College
01.1998

Bachelor of Arts - Majors: English Literature, Australian Cultural Studies, Minors: Sociology & Gender Studies

Victoria University
Melbourne, Australia
01.1997

Skills

  • People-centred leadership
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Influential communication
  • Ethical facilitation
  • Restorative justice practices
  • Conflict resolution
  • Agile leadership
  • Integrity
  • Courage
  • Curiosity
  • Adaptability
  • Growth mindset
  • Microsoft Programs
  • ATLAS
  • Performance assessment
  • Excellent written communication
  • Leadership

Affiliations

  • VIT Certified Mentor
  • Certified Mental Health First Aider
  • Active and healthy lifestyle practices of yin yoga
  • Kids' yoga certification and facilitation in schools
  • Calligraphy enthusiast
  • Avid reader of self-development literature
  • Travel enthusiast and passionate about diverse cultures

Timeline

Learning Leader, English Faculty

Saint Margaret's Berwick Grammar
01.2019 - 04.2025

VCE Instructor

Mentone Girls' Secondary College
07.2017 - 12.2018

Year 8 & 9 Level Coordinator

Oakleigh Grammar
01.2017 - 12.2017

Awards Manager

Holmesglen TAFT
10.2016 - 02.2017

MEF International School
01.2014 - 12.2016

Assistant Department Head & Team Leader

Enka Private School
01.2008 - 12.2014

Wellbeing Coordinator (Grades 9 and 10)

Lyndhurst Secondary College
01.2004 - 12.2008

Master of Educational Leadership & Management -

University of Melbourne

IB DP English A, MYP & IGCSE Trained -

Post Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) - Teaching Methods: English/Literature/Humanities

Monash University

Victorian Certificate of Education -

Wheelers Hill Secondary College

Bachelor of Arts - Majors: English Literature, Australian Cultural Studies, Minors: Sociology & Gender Studies

Victoria University

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Meral Simsek