Zeina Jalilian
Beijing,China
Summary
Experienced and passionate Performing Arts and Primary Educator with over 15 years of international teaching in Canada, Australia, and China. Skilled in delivering inquiry-based, student-centered instruction in music, dance, and drama, with experience in IB PYP, EAL support, and curriculum leadership. Committed to nurturing creativity, collaboration, and confidence through the arts. Adept at working in multicultural settings and co-creating meaningful learning experiences for all learners.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Performing Arts Teacher (Music, Dance, Drama)
Western Academy of Beijing (WAB)
Beijing
08.2022 - Current
- Planned and delivered creative, inquiry-based lessons in Music, Dance, and Drama aligned with the IB PYP framework, ACARA, and Alberta Curriculum
- Collaborated closely with the Head of Department to design and update school-wide unit and yearly overviews in all three performing arts disciplines
- Used Toddle to plan, assess, and document learning to a high standard, ensuring transparency in PYP goals and success criteria
- Designed engaging daily visual/audio lesson slides using Canva and PowerPoint to support multilingual learners, including EAL students
- Fostered student agency through voice, choice, collaboration, reflection, and peer feedback
- Organized and directed yearly performing arts showcases, involving students in all aspects of the creative process
- Directed two choirs, performing at multiple school and community events including Children’s International Day
EAL Teacher – Early Years & Kindergarten
Western Academy of Beijing (WAB)
Beijing
08.2022 - 07.2023
- Delivered daily EAL bridging lessons to support vocabulary, sentence structure, and comprehension
- Collaborated with homeroom teachers to align language goals with curriculum themes
- Built confidence and communication skills in young multilingual learners
Music Specialist
Clover Hill State School
Queensland
01.2016 - 04.2022
- Led Kodály- and Orff-based music program for 950 students from Prep to Year 6
- Directed Senior and Junior Choirs; multiple awards in Gold Coast Eisteddfod competitions
- Launched Music Excellence Program for advanced learners
- Managed department budget; organized excursions, performances, and workshops
Primary & Music Relief Teacher
Gold Coast State Schools
Queensland
10.2015 - 12.2015
- Taught music and general education across multiple public primary schools
Primary Classroom Teacher (Prep & Grade 2)
Olympic Heights School
Calgary
09.2010 - 06.2015
- Facilitated inquiry-based, Reggio-inspired learning across the curriculum
- Created rich documentation and displays to reflect learning processes
Kodály Music Instructor
Mount Royal University Conservatory
Calgary
09.2006 - 06.2010
- Taught weekly Kodály-based music classes for ages 3–8
- Organized student performances and engaged families in music learning
Education
Bachelor of Education - Primary Education
University of Calgary
Calgary, Canada06-2010
Bachelor of Music (with Distinction) - Primary Music Education – Voice
University of Calgary
Calgary, Canada06-2006
Diploma of Fine Arts – Kodály Specialization -
University of Calgary
Calgary, Canada06-2006
Skills
- IB PYP Curriculum Design & Assessment
- Music, Dance, and Drama Instruction
- Student Agency & Inquiry-Based Learning
- EAL & Multilingual Learner Support
- Choir Direction & Performance Leadership
- Digital Tools: Toddle, Canva, PowerPoint
- Kodály, Orff & African Drumming Pedagogies
- Curriculum Alignment (IB, ACARA, Alberta)
- Collaborative & Cross-disciplinary Planning
Training & Certifications
- IB PYP Workshop – Western Academy of Beijing- Making the PYP happen: Implementing agency
- Choral workshops, Orff pedagogy training, African drumming certification
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Performing Arts Teacher (Music, Dance, Drama)
Western Academy of Beijing (WAB)
08.2022 - Current
EAL Teacher – Early Years & Kindergarten
Western Academy of Beijing (WAB)
08.2022 - 07.2023
Music Specialist
Clover Hill State School
01.2016 - 04.2022
Primary & Music Relief Teacher
Gold Coast State Schools
10.2015 - 12.2015
Primary Classroom Teacher (Prep & Grade 2)
Olympic Heights School
09.2010 - 06.2015
Kodály Music Instructor
Mount Royal University Conservatory
09.2006 - 06.2010
Bachelor of Education - Primary Education
University of Calgary
Bachelor of Music (with Distinction) - Primary Music Education – Voice
University of Calgary
Diploma of Fine Arts – Kodály Specialization -
University of Calgary
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