Vanessa Finlayson

Teacher Expert Network | 2021 – present

• Work with NSW primary teachers in understanding and implementing the new K–6 English and Mathematics syllabuses

• Facilitate user-testing and feedback of new primary syllabuses

• Support the development of cross-sector teacher networks in metropolitan and regional areas of NSW

• Liaise with stakeholders in the curriculum reform process

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and facilitate the TENs HALT Network for teachers aspiring to receive

higher levels of accreditation

• Effectively and collaboratively engage with stakeholders to implement curriculum reform

feedback opportunities and user-testing work samples

• Collaborate with stakeholders to encourage the development of Communities of Practice

to support teachers with syllabus development, syllabus implementation and use of online

digital learning platform resources for schools, regions and sectors

• Establish ongoing relationship with teachers, schools and networks

• Create effective presentations for stakeholder engagement opportunities e.g. conferences,

online network meetings and focus groups

• Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
• Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines.
• Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of all students.
• Delivered lesson plans, implemented school curriculum and used data to create, monitor, and establish personalized learning plan for each student.
• Improved student reading skills by implementing phonics-based instruction and guided reading activities.
• Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
• Applied evidence-based practices for classroom management to enhance learning results.
• Confident and highly collaborative educator driven to deliver innovative learning through experience incorporating ICT into classroom environments.

• Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
• Managed classroom behaviour effectively by establishing clear expectations, modelling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
• Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
• Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
• Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
• Exemplary collaboration with the Dean of Teaching and Learning (P–6) to support the vision for the educational experiences for students.
• High levels of collaboration with the Dean of Students (P–6) and School Counsellors for the improved emotional and social wellbeing for students of concern, as well as lead new initiatives.

• Delivered personalized educational, behavioural, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
• Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
• Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
• Assisted struggling students through targeted interventions, resulting in improved academic performance.

• Conducted professional development workshops focused on enhancing educators'' understanding of literacy instruction.
• Collaborated with teachers to develop effective literacy strategies for improved student performance.
• Delivered top-quality training documentation, manuals, and tools addressing needs of specific specialist groups.

• Targeted Graduate Program
• Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, ensuring all students were able to access the curriculum and make progress in their learning.
• Established clear expectations for behaviour and classroom management, creating a respectful and productive learning atmosphere.
• Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and adapting to individual learning styles.
• Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
• Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
• Boosted cultural awareness by incorporating children's literature from world cultures.
• Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
• Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behaviour.