Paola Keller
Hobart,TAS
Summary
Dedicated and dynamic educator with over 20 years of experience in teaching, program coordination, and cultural exchange. Recognized for successfully managing international exchange programs, including securing embassy funding and fostering cross-cultural partnerships. Skilled in project management, curriculum development, and delivering innovative, engaging educational experiences. A multilingual professional fluent in Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, and English, with a proven ability to lead teams, drive student success, and promote multicultural understanding. Adept at analyzing data to inform decisions and enhance program effectiveness. Committed to creating meaningful learning opportunities that inspire and empower others.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher & Exchange Program Coordinator
St. Mary’s College
03.2009 - Current
- Designed and delivered engaging, curriculum-aligned lessons incorporating technology and innovative teaching methods to foster interactive learning experiences
- Coordinated and managed international exchange programs with Italian schools in Trento, Riva del Garda, and Assisi, handling logistics, curriculum alignment, and cultural integration
- Secured funding for exchange programs, including successfully obtaining grants from embassies to support student and staff travel
- Promoted global study opportunities by leading information sessions for students and parents, inspiring participation in overseas programs
- Analysed and tracked student progress through data collection to inform teaching strategies and improve learning outcomes
- Established and implemented collaborative learning projects with overseas schools, fostering cross-cultural connections and academic collaboration
- Provided pastoral care by supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional development, ensuring their overall well-being
- Developed and shared best practices for internationalization in education, contributing to the school's strategic goals
- Mentored a new staff teacher for one year, providing guidance, resources, and ongoing support to foster their professional development and ensure effective classroom practices.
- Met with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioural and academic issues.
Adult Education Teacher
Adult Education
02.2007 - 12.2010
- Delivered Italian language courses to young adults and professionals, emphasizing practical conversational skills
- Developed a comprehensive syllabus for adult students, integrating cultural awareness, real-life scenarios, and multimedia resources to ensure engaging and effective learning experiences.
- Designed engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards and tailored to meet the diverse needs of adult learners.
Language Teacher
TAFE Tasmania
03.2006 - 12.2006
- Taught Italian language courses to adult learners, focusing on conversational skills and practical language use for travel and business contexts
- Designed and implemented lesson plans tailored to diverse learning needs and goals
- Encouraged multicultural understanding by incorporating cultural elements into lessons
Italian Language Teacher & Syllabus Developer
ALCIES
02.1995 - 12.2003
- Developed and implemented a new syllabus using innovative teaching methods and multimedia strategies
- Coordinated exchange programs with Italian universities (Perugia, Siena, Venice), providing enriching educational opportunities for students
- Mentored teachers in curriculum planning and effective instructional techniques
- Conducted workshops on linguistics for educators and advanced students
- Participated in ongoing professional development programs focused on second language acquisition theories and pedagogical techniques.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular units, promoting interdisciplinary connections for students.
- Designed and administered assessments to evaluate student progress and comprehension.
- Adapted curriculum materials to align with state standards and district objectives while maintaining an engaging learning experience for all students.
Language Tutor & Cultural Facilitator
Dante Alighieri Society
01.2000 - 02.2001
- Provided conversational Italian tutoring to adults, focusing on real-world language use for travel and professional purposes
- Promoted cultural understanding through interactive workshops and discussions with diverse communities
- Assisted students in achieving language proficiency tailored to their individual goals
- Mentored new educators in teaching methodologies and classroom management
- Organized extracurricular activities such as language clubs or study groups for additional practice opportunities outside the classroom setting.
- Collaborated with fellow tutors to design and implement effective tutoring strategies, improving overall student success rates.
Accountant
Eurosistemi
02.1989 - 11.1991
- Prepared and analyzed financial statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards
- Managed supplier accounts and cultivated strong relationships to optimize procurement
- Conducted reconciliations and performed general accounting functions
- Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
- Maintained accurate records of fixed assets, including acquisition costs, depreciation schedules, and current values for insurance purposes.
- Improved financial reporting accuracy through meticulous data analysis and reconciliation efforts.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with external auditors, ensuring smooth and efficient audit process.
Education
Master of Education -
University of Tasmania
01.2015
Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning -
Charles Darwin University
01.2012
Bachelor of Business - Human Resources Management, Psychology
University of Tasmania
01.2010
Certificate IV in Assessment and Training -
TAFE Hobart
01.2009
Diploma of Business and Management -
TAFE Hobart
01.2006
Skills
- Classroom management
- Relationship building
- Critical thinking
- Lesson planning
Accomplishments
- Student Mentor - Volunteered as temporary student guidance counselor to help resolve student personal issues.
- Curriculum Design - Designed, developed and implemented daily lessons for more than 90 students.
- Interactive Learning - Introduced and encouraged debate-style classroom setting to increase student active participation and critical thinking.
- Targeted Development - Met with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress and to determine priorities and resource needs.
References
Available upon request.
Languages
Italian
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Professional Working
Portuguese
Full Professional
Timeline
Teacher & Exchange Program Coordinator
St. Mary’s College
03.2009 - Current
Adult Education Teacher
Adult Education
02.2007 - 12.2010
Language Teacher
TAFE Tasmania
03.2006 - 12.2006
Language Tutor & Cultural Facilitator
Dante Alighieri Society
01.2000 - 02.2001
Italian Language Teacher & Syllabus Developer
ALCIES
02.1995 - 12.2003
Accountant
Eurosistemi
02.1989 - 11.1991
Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning -
Charles Darwin University
Bachelor of Business - Human Resources Management, Psychology
University of Tasmania
Certificate IV in Assessment and Training -
TAFE Hobart
Diploma of Business and Management -
TAFE Hobart
Master of Education -
University of Tasmania
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