Nicol Plichta
Floreat,Australia
Summary
Experienced and passionate educator with a strong focus on collaboration and achieving results. Adept at adapting to changing classroom needs while fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. Skilled in lesson planning, classroom management, and engaging students through innovative strategies such as culturally responsive pedagogy and collaborative learning methods like Kagan structures. Committed to holistic student development, including spiritual growth, as demonstrated through active involvement as a Sunday school teacher and coordinator for the Solid Rock Holiday Club at Karrinyup Church. A reliable and flexible team player, known for dependability, adaptability, and a dedication to achieving excellence in education.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Primary School Teacher - Year 1
Dalmain Primary School
04.2024 - Current
- Incorporated cooperative learning strategies (Kagan) to enhance student participation and collaboration.
- Designed and adapted lessons to differentiate instruction, catering to diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Built positive relationships with parents, fostering family engagement in the educational process through Seesaw for effective two-way communication.
- Applied culturally responsive pedagogy to promote cultural awareness and foster an appreciation of diversity in the classroom.
- Integrated IT into lessons where appropriate, using tools like Beebots in Digital Technologies to teach sequencing and problem-solving, and block coding (Scratch) to introduce basic programming concepts.
- Provided regular written and verbal feedback to students on their progress, guiding their learning journey and supporting their development.
- Taught students the value of peer feedback and integrated it into lessons to build critical reflection and communication skills.
- Assessed student progress using a variety of tools, including Elastik, quizzes, tests, essays, presentations, and group projects, to ensure comprehensive evaluation of learning outcomes.
Primary School Teacher - Year 3
Halidon Primary School
03.2024 - 07.2024
- Delivered engaging and differentiated lessons as a Year 3 teacher, covering for long service leave one day per week.
- Promoted mathematical fluency and problem-solving skills using Ninja Maths as a supplementary tool.
- Implemented the Maths Trek program to align with the school-wide approach to numeracy instruction.
- Integrated experiential learning into Technologies and Design by leading a hands-on investigation into making ice cream without electricity, fostering creativity and scientific inquiry.
- Maintained clear and open communication with the regular classroom teacher to ensure continuity of learning and alignment with long-term goals.
- Built positive relationships with students and encouraged collaboration to support a safe and inclusive classroom environment.
- Assessed student progress through informal observations and formative assessments to guide lesson adjustments and cater to individual learning needs.
Primary School Teacher - DOTT Relief Junior
Duncraig Primary School
01.2024 - 04.2024
- Worked as a DOTT relief teacher across the Junior School for two days per week, delivering engaging lessons in subjects such as music, health, and history.
- Served as a Year 4 classroom teacher one day per week, teaching core subjects including Mathematics, English, and Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS).
- Utilised the Inquisitive program to plan and deliver HASS lessons that fostered curiosity and critical thinking among students.
- Organised incursions with Aboriginal Elders to educate students on Aboriginal culture, promoting inclusivity and cultural understanding.
- Implemented a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approach to create a welcoming and safe classroom environment, aligning with school-wide values.
- Facilitated the Better Schools program for Health, supporting students’ well-being and understanding of healthy lifestyle choices.
- Used MathsTrek to teach Mathematics, incorporating problem-solving and hands-on activities to reinforce key concepts.
- Taught spelling through the Sound Waves program, enhancing literacy through a phonemic approach.
- Developed and implemented dynamic lesson plans to cater to diverse learning needs and improve student engagement and comprehension.
- Partnered with colleagues to lead school-wide initiatives aimed at academic growth and student well-being.
- Maintained a positive and professional classroom environment, ensuring respect and collaboration among students throughout the year.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
Relief Teacher
Department of Education WA
07.2023 - 01.2024
- Delivered engaging and interactive lessons across a variety of subjects, ensuring continuity of learning in classrooms.
- Followed detailed plans provided by classroom teachers, ensuring seamless continuation of curriculum and reinforcement of core concepts.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to accommodate diverse student needs and abilities, fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Collaborated effectively with school staff to implement lesson plans and maintain established routines, supporting the ongoing educational goals of each school.
- Maintained a positive and respectful classroom atmosphere by implementing proactive behaviour management strategies in alignment with school policies.
- Reinforced student engagement and participation through the use of structured classroom routines and evidence-based teaching practices.
- Supported student learning and well-being by using positive reinforcement and effective behaviour modification strategies.
- Frequently re-engaged by schools due to consistent, high-quality teaching and the ability to adapt quickly to diverse classroom settings.
Internship & Final Professional Experience: Year 4
Carnaby Rise Primary School
02.2022 - 06.2022
- Fostered a safe, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment by building strong relationships with students based on mutual respect and trust.
- Designed and delivered engaging, differentiated lessons across all key learning areas, incorporating whole-school approaches such as Words Their Way and Seven Steps to Writing Success.
- Utilised evidence-based, high-impact teaching strategies like Kagan strategies, "I Do, We Do, You Do" scaffolding and Bloom's Taxonomy to maximise student engagement and ensure academic success for all learners.
- Conducted an action learning project to extend high-achieving mathematics students’ skills in problem-solving, reasoning, and fostering academic and emotional empathy.
- Collected, analysed, and interpreted data using MS Excel to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching programs, informing targeted planning and instructional strategies.
- Monitored and assessed student progress through regular analysis of weekly mathematics and spelling test results to drive informed teaching practices.
- Promoted cultural awareness and inclusivity by developing a schoolwide resource integrating Noongar language into HASS, enabling meaningful cultural connections for students and staff.
- Maintained a positive and respectful learning environment by implementing effective behaviour management strategies, including setting clear expectations, using low-key responses, and applying restorative practices.
- Adopted a holistic approach to student well-being by incorporating brain breaks, mindfulness activities, and team-building exercises to support physical, emotional, and social development.
- Differentiated teaching strategies and tasks to support EAL/D students, ensuring equitable access to the curriculum and fostering academic confidence.
- Integrated ICT into lessons effectively, utilising tools such as iPads and MacBooks for programs including Mathletics, RAZ Kids, Britannica School, and guided research using prescribed websites.
Group Host at PEAC Induction
North Metropolitan Education Region PEAC
12.2022
- Collaborated with other teachers to set up a learning exhibition
- Used differentiated instructions to facilitate small group activities focusing on science concepts, establishing a positive, safe, and challenging learning environment for highly capable students
- Engaged students in hands-on activities to develop collaboration, critical thinking, and reasoning skills
Professional Experience Placement: Year 6
Heathridge Primary School
10.2021 - 11.2021
- Planned lessons and taught the year 6 curriculum to a class of 27 students, working with the whole school approaches of Spelling Mastery and Talk for Writing
- Assessed students' progress through analysis of data collected in cold and hot tasks supported using MS Excel as well as Brightpath
- Developed positive rapport whilst maintaining high expectations both behaviorally and academically with all students, including working with several students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and severe trauma
- Implemented creative ways to stimulate curiosity and engagement for complex principles through hands-on learning and planned activities, such as Scavenger hunts, escape rooms, and Survivor challenges during maths units
Professional Experience Placement: Year 4
Dalmain Primary School
04.2021 - 05.2021
- Planned and taught a class of 27 year 4 students, working with the whole school approaches of Soundwaves, Talk for Writing, and Inquisitive
- Implemented behaviour management by integrating low-key, responses, continuously outlining consistent, concise, and high expectations as well as sustaining routines to maintain structure within the classroom
- Creating cultural awareness within the classroom by integrating books of Aboriginal authors and topics in the literacy block as well as assisting to establish a bush tucker garden
- Planning and facilitating project-based learning by engaging students in hands-on activities to build rubber-band cars in Design and Technology led by a created design brief including a rubric
- Integrating ICT into lessons by setting tasks using QR codes and implementing research activities online through prescribed websites
Teaching Assistant
Australian International School
08.2018 - 12.2019
- Supported classroom teacher through working with students in small groups and individually to develop skills in language and, mathematics
- Undertook a variety of administrative duties including maintaining attendance records, managing class routines, and preparing resources for activities for effective teaching and learning
- Reinforce positive attitudes and behaviour through behaviour management systems (reward systems)
- Communicated with parents in a professional manner
- Assisted during excursions, sports carnivals, and school camps
- Supervised students during playground duties
Commercial Planning Analyst
Rio Tinto
02.2008 - 06.2010
- Company Overview: Resource Development
- Development, implementation, and management of business plans, monthly reporting, cost analysis reports, and forecast spending as well as assessment of business improvement initiatives
- Provided financial decision-making support to the Technical Projects team and the Resource Development leadership team
- Resource Development
Education
Master of Teaching Primary - Specialisation in mathematics
Edith Cowan University
01.2023
Master of Business Administration -
University of Trier
01.2006
Cadetship in Business Administration -
University of Trier
01.2001
Skills
- Classroom management
- Relationship building
- Critical thinking
- Lesson planning
- Behavior management
- Student engagement
- Differentiated instruction
- Collaborative learning
Languages
German
English
French
Italian
Timeline
Primary School Teacher - Year 1
Dalmain Primary School
04.2024 - Current
Primary School Teacher - Year 3
Halidon Primary School
03.2024 - 07.2024
Primary School Teacher - DOTT Relief Junior
Duncraig Primary School
01.2024 - 04.2024
Relief Teacher
Department of Education WA
07.2023 - 01.2024
Group Host at PEAC Induction
North Metropolitan Education Region PEAC
12.2022
Internship & Final Professional Experience: Year 4
Carnaby Rise Primary School
02.2022 - 06.2022
Professional Experience Placement: Year 6
Heathridge Primary School
10.2021 - 11.2021
Professional Experience Placement: Year 4
Dalmain Primary School
04.2021 - 05.2021
Teaching Assistant
Australian International School
08.2018 - 12.2019
Commercial Planning Analyst
Rio Tinto
02.2008 - 06.2010
Master of Business Administration -
University of Trier
Cadetship in Business Administration -
University of Trier
Master of Teaching Primary - Specialisation in mathematics
Edith Cowan University
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