Terressa O’Sullivan
Maroochydore,QLD
Summary
Versatile and dedicated Teacher with a focus on individual needs of special education students. Empathetic and can multitask. Exceptional skills working with teachers, parents and specialists to meet educational needs of students.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Early Childhood/Primary/Special Education Teacher
Education Queensland
04.1988 - 12.2024
- Taught every year level in Primary School in my 30+ year career.
- Taught at Caboolture Special School since 2022.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behaviour effectively by establishing clear expectations, modelling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as the use of technology, group projects and hands-on activities.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
Early Childhood/Special Education Teacher
Autism Queensland
01.2025 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans to support diverse learning needs of students.
- Implemented evidence-based strategies to enhance social and emotional development in early learners.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess student progress and adjust instructional methods.
- Trained and mentored new staff on best practices in early childhood special education.
- Advocated for inclusive practices within classroom settings to promote peer interactions and participation.
- Evaluated instructional materials and resources to ensure alignment with curriculum standards and student needs.
- Fostered a supportive learning environment that encouraged exploration, curiosity, and engagement among students.
- Assessed student progress regularly through formative and summative assessments, adapting instruction accordingly to meet individual needs.
- Increased parent involvement in the learning process by maintaining open communication and providing regular updates on student progress.
- Enhanced student motivation by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world examples into lesson plans.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment by implementing effective behavior management strategies and promoting respect among students.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
Education
Yoga Therapy Course 2 (for Special Needs Children)
Zenergy Yoga
Sydney, NSW05.2023
Life + Success Coach - Coaching
Tabwoo Institute
USA04.2023
AromaZen Facilitator Certification - Meditation
AromaLife
Melbourne, VIC08.2019
Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood) - Education
QUT
Brisbane, QLD1987
Skills
- Responsible
- Organization and Time management
- Adaptability
- Leadership
- Excellent work ethic
- Planning and Coordination
- Computer proficiency
- Conflict resolution
- Problem-solving skills
- Group and individual instruction
- Goal Setting
- ICP Creation
- Inclusion Strategies
- Autism Spectrum Knowledge
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Emotional Regulation Support
- Collaborative Teaching
- Sensory Integration
- Disability Awareness
- Assistive Technology
- Visual Scheduling
- Classroom Management
- Motivating students
- Relationship Building
- Social Skills Development
- Behaviour Intervention Plans
- Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Life Skills Instruction
- Child Development
- Student Records Management
- Excellent Communication
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Decision-Making
- Multitasking Abilities
References
Sara Davies
0414273442
sara.davies@autismqld.com.au
Linda McKay
0499191909
scottandlind04@bigpond.com
Timeline
Early Childhood/Special Education Teacher
Autism Queensland
01.2025 - Current
Early Childhood/Primary/Special Education Teacher
Education Queensland
04.1988 - 12.2024
Yoga Therapy Course 2 (for Special Needs Children)
Zenergy Yoga
Life + Success Coach - Coaching
Tabwoo Institute
AromaZen Facilitator Certification - Meditation
AromaLife
Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood) - Education
QUT