Michelle Knynenburg
Gawler,SA
Summary
I am personable and driven with a focus on fostering positive youth growth and creating supportive collaborative environments. Possessing deep understanding of youth and community development and youth engagement. Dedicated to empowering students and enhancing academic success.
I possess versatile skills in project management, problem-solving, and collaborations, experienced in grant writing and program development. I offer extensive experience, a fresh perspective and strong commitment to quality and success. Recognized for adaptability and proactive approach in delivering effective solutions.
I am a thorough team contributor with strong organizational capabilities. Experienced in handling numerous projects at once while ensuring accuracy. Effective at prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
As an organised and dependable candidate I will successfully manage multiple priorities with a positive attitude. I have a willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Wellbeing and Aboriginal Education Leader
Gawler & District College B-12
Evanston , SA
01.2021 - Current
- Led professional development workshops for fellow educators on topics such as; wellbeing pedagogy, cultural understanding and Aboriginal pedagogy and Trauma Informed Practices
- Work intensively with youth to develop strategies to increase engagement and wellbeing with a strong focus on pro active wellbeing strategies
- Develop skills with youth to increase their agency and decision making capacity
- Work directly with Youth Workers , School Mental Health worker and ASETO's ( Aboriginal Support Educators )
- Lead both the Wellbeing and Aboriginal Education Teams
- Organize positive wellbeing activities for students, fostering teamwork, leadership skills, and community engagement.
- Evaluate student wellbeing and educational needs regularly through assessments and monitoring progress towards goals.
- Provide timely feedback on staff development, supporting growth in both capacity building and personal capabilities.
- Enhance youth engagement by utilizing diverse teaching methods and adapting to individual needs.
- Continually pursue professional growth opportunities through attending conferences, participating in webinars, and seeking additional certifications.
- Develope strong professional connection with students and educators by maintaining open lines of communication, demonstrating genuine interest in their wellbeing and actively supporting.
- Increase parent involvement in the educational process through regular communication and workshops. A particular focus with supporting First Nation families to feel safer, positive connections to school.
- Regularly plan and implement staff development and in-service training programs to enhance knowledge and skills.
- Evaluate programs and monitored implementation and compliance with regulations to achieve objectives.
- Implemente program-level departmental policies and procedures and managed budgets to support educational program and curriculum.
- Confer and resolve education-related issues and problems with students, parents/ carers and external service providers - strong focus on Restorative Practices
- Support educator lessons and communication in order to assess quality of education and assistance offered to students.
- Represented educational program at meetings and conferences to serve as subject matter liaison for array of services and activities assigned.
- Schedule educational activities, faculty lectures and departmental events to drive mission and values of institution.
- Establishe and update objectives and tools for overall program and each department to enhance operations.
- Develop partnerships with parents, businesses and organizations to build awareness, increase support and share resources.
- Organise and allocated external resources providers such as NACYS, CAMHS and NDIS providers
- Organise and allocate external resources providers such as Aboriginal cultural experiences and connections for the whole school community
- Monitor overhead, prepared budgets and directed spending and resources to support fiscal efficiency.
- Plan, administer budgets and produced financial reports.
- Implement data-driven instruction to inform lesson planning and adapt wellbeing strategies for improved student outcomes.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by supporting educators to implement positive Trauma Informed Practices,classroom expectations and fostering respectful connections among all members of school community.
- Work with educator's to create inclusive, positively managed classrooms which work effectively, creating an orderly environment conducive to learning.
- Mentored new teachers, volunteer's, youth workers and ASETO's to help them acclimate to the school culture and improve their instructional and connection skills.
- Served on various committees within the school community, contributing to policy decisions and overall improvement efforts.
- Collaborated with colleagues on curriculum development, sharing best practices and incorporating innovative ideas.
Behaviour Coach
Department of Education. Gawler District Office
Gawler, SA
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Supported special education teachers in developing appropriate accommodations for students with unique behavioral challenges.
- Conducted workshops on classroom management and conflict resolution for fellow educators, strengthening their ability to handle challenging situations.
- Promoted emotional regulation skills through mindfulness exercises and stress management techniques during coaching sessions.
- Mentored new Behavior Coaches, sharing insights and strategies to foster their growth in the role.
- Acted as an advocate for students with behavioral needs, ensuring appropriate resources and supports were available to facilitate their success.
- Managed caseloads effectively while maintaining detailed records of interventions and progress updates to track outcomes over time.
- Assessed individual needs to create personalized plans for behavior improvement in students.
- Served as a liaison between students, families, teachers, and administrators to coordinate support services related to behavioral health concerns.
- Improved student behavior by implementing tailored coaching strategies and interventions.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to support the development of effective behavioral policies.
- Led professional development trainings on best practices in behavior management for fellow staff members, contributing to a cohesive approach throughout the school community.
- Implemented positive reinforcement strategies within the classroom setting to encourage desired behaviors and discourage negative ones.
- Utilized evidence-based practices in behavioral coaching, resulting in consistent improvements across key metrics such as attendance and academic achievement.
- Provided ongoing communication with parents and guardians regarding student progress, promoting a collaborative approach to behavior improvement.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, adjusting coaching approaches as needed for optimal results.
- Developed data-driven action plans based on student performance trends, ensuring targeted interventions for greatest impact.
- Assessed patient behavior, moods, and other responses to determine correct diagnosis and devise treatment plans.
- Listened to clients' concerns and provided encouragement and support.
- Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
- Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
PERMA Wellbeing Leader
Para Hills West Primary School
Para Hills West Primary School
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Led learning for PERMA Wellbeing Program
- Trained employees
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve wellbeing goals, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
- Championed change initiatives, successfully navigating teams through periods of transition while maintaining morale and engagement levels.
- Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop leadership skills and advance their careers within the organization.
- Educated staff on PERMA mission and goals to help employees achieve success.
Educator
Para Hills West Primary School
Para Hills West
01.2003 - 01.2020
- Built relationships and communicated with parents to provide best learning environment for children.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop and revise curriculum, enhancing learning experience.
- Established strong relationships with parents through regular communication, fostering a supportive network for student success.
- Implemented classroom management techniques that fostered a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
- Developed and implemented differentiated instruction strategies for diverse learners, ensuring individualized attention and success.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects, enhancing student learning through interdisciplinary connections.
- Collaborated with adults and children to provide safe and educational experience.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans to keep learner attention.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to target areas of weakness and continuously improve student performance throughout the school year.
- Chose materials and developed lesson plans to enhance skills for individual students.
- Mentored new educators in best practices for teaching, leading to increased confidence and effectiveness within the school community.
- Met regularly with team of teachers to discuss best practices and develop innovative teaching strategies.
- Served on various school committees focused on improving policies or procedures related to academics, safety, or equity issues – driving positive change at an institutional level.
- Created and implemented assessments to measure student progress.
- Led professional development sessions for fellow teachers on topics such as technology integration or assessment design, contributing to a culture of ongoing improvement within the school community.
- Led professional development workshops, sharing innovative teaching strategies with peers.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
- Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
Education
Post Graduate - Education: Special Education
Flinders University
Flinders, SA01-1995
Master of Arts - Politics And History
Flinders University
Flinders 01-1990
Skills
- Instructional leadership
- high level collaboration skills
- Youth engagement
- Inclusive support with strong connection to community
- Exceptional interpersonal skills
- Time management and organisation
- Staff development
- Strong work ethic
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Multitasking , especially in a high pressure environment
- Reliability
- Collaborative learning
Timeline
Wellbeing and Aboriginal Education Leader
Gawler & District College B-12
01.2021 - Current
Behaviour Coach
Department of Education. Gawler District Office
01.2020 - 01.2021
PERMA Wellbeing Leader
Para Hills West Primary School
01.2017 - 01.2020
Educator
Para Hills West Primary School
01.2003 - 01.2020
Post Graduate - Education: Special Education
Flinders University
Master of Arts - Politics And History
Flinders University