EXPERIENCE
I've had the incredible privilege of spending 18 years immersed in the vibrant world of educational leadership. My journey has been a colorful tapestry of diverse experiences, each adding a unique stitch to the fabric of my career.
Early on, I found a voice in writing for the student sports section of Stars and Stripes. Crafting stories about budding athletes and their journeys gave me a front-row seat to passion and perseverance—a perspective that continues to inspire how I approach my work.
My path then took me far from the familiar as I became involved in building schools across Africa. This endeavor was more than just constructing classrooms; it was about laying the foundations for dreams, hoping to ignite a lifelong love for learning in eager young minds. The joy of seeing a school come alive with the chatter and laughter of students stays with you, a reminder of education's lasting impact.
In Tanzania, my focus also shifted to working with families affected by HIV. The strength and resilience I witnessed there were both humbling and motivating. During my time in Tanzania, I reinforced my belief in the power of community support and the incredible things we can achieve when we come together to lift each other.
In Adelaide, my passion for community service was expressed in leading programs to clean up local neighborhoods. These efforts weren't just about picking up trash and instilling a sense of pride and ownership in our community. Plus, there was something deeply satisfying about seeing a tangible difference after a day's work—a cleaner, greener space for everyone to enjoy.
Each chapter in my life story has been tied together by a common thread: a genuine passion for making a difference. Through education, community service, or simply sharing stories, I strive to create environments where people can thrive. And through it all, I've learned that warmth, humor, and empathy can be as vital as any leadership strategy. They're the ingredients that turn a mission into a movement and a job into a calling.
Objective
Teaching in the 21st century carries a multifaceted objective beyond traditional educational goals. As an educator in this era, my primary objectives include:
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Facilitating Critical Thinking and Problem Solving:
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Encourage students to question, analyze, and approach problems creatively, preparing them for complex real-world challenges.
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Integrating Technology:
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Leverage modern technological tools to enhance learning experiences and provide students with digital literacy skills essential for the modern workforce.
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Promoting Collaboration and Communication:
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Foster environments where students can work collaboratively and effectively communicate their ideas, reflecting the interconnected world they will enter.
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Cultivating Global Awareness and Citizenship:
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Instill an understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and perspectives, equipping students to thrive in a globalized world and act as responsible global citizens.
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Encouraging Lifelong Learning:
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Inspire a passion for continuous self-improvement and learning beyond the classroom, an essential trait in the rapidly changing 21st-century landscape.
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Supporting Emotional and Social Development:
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Address students' emotional and social needs, promoting resilience, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills as part of their holistic development.
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Personalizing Learning:
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Adapt teaching strategies to meet individual learners’ needs, preferences, and interests, ensuring each student can achieve their full potential.
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Embedding Sustainability and Ethical Responsibility:
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Teach students the importance of sustainability and ethical decision-making, empowering them to contribute positively to society and the environment.
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By embracing these objectives, I equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for academic success and prepare them to be thoughtful, capable, and compassionate leaders in an ever-evolving world.
Skills
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
A devoted educator and leader who specialises in curriculum creation, instructional design, and creating inclusive learning
environments. Skilled at using data-driven techniques to improve student learning results, with a strong emphasis on student
well-being and overall development. Capable of cross-cultural communication and cooperation, resulting in successful
engagement with different student populations and stakeholders. Proven ability to manage and coach teams, establish strategic
initiatives, and execute new teaching methods to promote academic performance. Committed to ongoing professional
development and providing all students a supportive, engaging educational environment.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Curriculum Development • Educational Leadership • Student-Centered Instruction • ESL and Language Acquisition • Physical
Education Programs • Staff Training and Development • Data-Driven Instruction • Student Well-being and Pastoral Care •
Cross-Cultural Communication • Programme and Event Management • Strategic Planning and Implementation • Community
Engagement • Conflict Resolution • Classroom Management • Student Assessment • Instructional Design • Mentoring and
Coaching • Parent and Stakeholder Relations • Wellness Programme Development • Budget and Resource Management
Work Experience
Education
Achieve Xiamen International School Xiamen
Early Childhood - Grade 2 PE Teacher
EAL/ESL Teacher Lower Elementary
Only closed references available on most recruitment sites.
Concordia International School Shanghai
Early Childhood Specialist Music and Movement Teacher (Pre-school to Kindergarten) 2017-2023
Elementary PE Teacher 2017-2018
Only closed references available on most recruitment sites.
Zurisana Cattery
Small Business Director (2015-2017)
https://www.facebook.com/zurisanacattery
Seymour College
January 2010- December 2015
Director of Boarding
Scotch College
January-December 2008 - 2010
International Student Coordinator
ESL/EAL Teacher High School
Open Reference from Tim Oughton, Principal
Trinity College
January 2005-December 2007
Director of Teaching and Learning (Middle School)
Physical Education, Humanities, and English (Middle School)
Families Support Services
Department for Child Protection
January-December 2004
Sex Education Consultant and Educator
Mount Carmel College
January-December 2003
Physical Education (High School), Mathematics (Middle
School) and Lifeskills (Health, High School)
Open Reference From Sister Josephine Dubiel, Principal
International School Moshi (UWCEA)
August 1998- June 2002
Head of Physical Education, Outdoor Education and Stables
Teaching load: PE, English and Lifeskills (Year 6-12)
Seoul International School
August 1992- June 1998
Director of Athletics and Activities
Teaching load: PE (PS-12), English, Social Studies and Humanities
(6-10) and Health (Year 6-12)
WorkCover
January 1991-June 1992
Educational Officer, Injury Management Trainer
Peterborough High School
January-December 1990
Physical Education (Secondary), English (to year 12) and History
(year 10)
Saint Peter ’s Girls’ School
January-December 1989
Physical Education (K-7) and History (to year 12)
University of South Australia
1985-88
Bachelor of Education
Majoring in Physical Education and English
Coaching
Varsity Swim Coach (2017-2023)
Varsity Boys’ Volleyball
Varsity Girls’ Volleyball
Netball
Boys’ and Girls’ Tennis
USA Swim Coach Certificate
Australian AUSSWIM Certificate
American Red Cross First Aid and CPR Certificate
Volunteering
Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to fostering educational excellence and community well-being worldwide. With over 18 years of experience in school leadership teams, I have been privileged to witness and contribute to the transformative power of education. My journey in education and philanthropy is not just a career path but a calling deeply rooted in service and advocacy for those who often go unheard.
One of my proudest contributions was authoring the student sports section for the esteemed publication Stars and Stripes. This role allowed me to spotlight young athletes, share their stories and achievements with a wider audience, and inspire countless other students to pursue their passions with vigor and dedication.
Moreover, my commitment to education extends far beyond writing. I took great pride in being a part of building schools in Africa—a hands-on engagement that underscored the direct impact education can have on lifting communities. Knowing that these constructions would be places where children could dream, learn, and build futures fills me with immense satisfaction and drives my continuous efforts in educational initiatives.
In Tanzania, I worked closely with families affected by HIV. This experience was profoundly moving, as it opened my eyes to the dire needs and resilience of those living under the shadow of this epidemic. Through these interactions, I learned the true meaning of compassion and the importance of providing holistic support that empowers individuals and communities.
Back in Adelaide, I spearheaded community programs aimed at environmental stewardship, such as organized trash pick-up efforts. These initiatives were more than just clean-up projects; they invested in community pride and health, fostering a collective responsibility towards our environment.
Each of these experiences has reinforced my unwavering belief in the power of service. I am passionate about giving back and am a firm believer in the philosophy that by lifting others, we rise. My professional and personal endeavors are guided by the principle that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed and thrive, regardless of their circumstances.
I aim to continue this journey of service, leveraging my skills and experiences to create meaningful change in the world. With a heart full of empathy and a resolve strengthened by past deeds, I remain committed to serving those in need, advocating for educational access, and nurturing local and global communities.
My Experience
Early Years and Elementary PE ~ Achieve Xiamen International School China
At Achieve Xiamen International School, my tenure as an Early Years and Elementary PE teacher, coupled with my role as an EAL/ESL Elementary educator, enabled me to make a substantial impact on my students' holistic development. Through innovative teaching techniques and a commitment to individualized instruction, I created a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where every child could thrive physically and academically.
Implementation of PYP PE:
In my role, I successfully designed and implemented a comprehensive physical education curriculum aligned with the Primary Years Programme (PYP). This curriculum emphasized physical skill development and the cultivation of essential social skills, fostering student teamwork and cooperation. My focus on PYP principles ensured that my lessons were engaging and relevant, nurturing every participant's sense of responsibility and community.
Innovative EAL/ESL Techniques:
As an Elementary EAL/ESL teacher, I adopted innovative techniques that equipped my students with the language skills necessary to succeed in and out of the classroom. I developed cross-curricular lesson plans that integrated language learning with physical activities, effectively reinforcing vocabulary and communication skills while students engaged in sports and movement.
Multimedia Lesson Plans:
A cornerstone of my approach was the creation of multimedia lesson plans designed to enhance English language acquisition through interactive and technology-driven activities. By integrating educational technology—such as applications for language practice and interactive games—I successfully led my students to a remarkable 20% increase in English language proficiency. This cross-disciplinary method enriched not only their language skills but also their enjoyment and engagement in learning.
Individualized Teaching and Assessment:
Understanding that every student learns differently, I customized my instruction to meet the varied needs of my learners. Using data gathered from assessments, I created individualized learning plans targeting specific language and developmental goals. This commitment to personalized education significantly improved student participation and fostered a sense of empowerment among them.
Ongoing Assessment and Adaptation:
Monitoring student progress was paramount to my teaching philosophy. I employed ongoing formative assessments to gauge understanding and adapt my teaching strategies accordingly. This reflective approach enabled me to provide targeted support, facilitating both academic growth and physical development tailored to each child's unique needs.
In conclusion, my impactful experience at Achieve Xiamen International School is characterized by the successful implementation of a PYP-aligned PE curriculum, innovative EAL/ESL techniques, and a dedication to individualized instruction and assessment. These achievements enhanced my students' learning experiences and enriched the school community as a whole. I remained passionate about fostering a love for physical activity and language learning, helping my students become confident learners and active participants in their education.
Early Years and Elementary ~ Concordia Shanghai International School China
During my impactful tenure at Concordia, I had the unique opportunity to teach Early Years and Elementary Physical Education for one year, within which I demonstrated my dedication to fostering a holistic educational experience for young children. Responding to the need for enriched programming, I was subsequently tasked with creating and developing a new initiative called Early Years Music and Movement.
Program Development and Implementation:
From the outset, I took a proactive approach by writing clear objectives and goals aligned with best early childhood education practices. I meticulously structured a comprehensive five-year plan encompassing unit and detailed lesson plans, ensuring that the curriculum was cohesive and progressive. Collaborating closely with my Principal, who was also new to the role, as well as my Director of Teaching and Learning and fellow teachers, we cultivated an inspiring and effective program that addressed the developmental needs of our young learners.
Teaching and Refining:
Once the Early Years Music and Movement program was launched, I taught it, utilizing feedback from my students and colleagues to refine the curriculum continually. Over five years, I witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that movement and music can have on a child's development, enhancing not only their physical capabilities but also their emotional and social skills.
Research and Publications:
In addition to program development, I committed myself to advancing the field by researching the benefits of music and movement in early childhood education. My findings culminated in the publication of two articles that explored effective practices and shared insights with educators beyond Concordia, contributing to the broader educational community.
Through my work at Concordia, I successfully created and nurtured an enriching program that not only inspired young learners but also positioned the school as a leader in early childhood education. My ability to innovate, collaborate, and engage with both students and the broader educational community has defined my achievements and established a strong foundation for future initiatives in teaching and program development.
Director of Boarding ~ Seymour College Adelaide
As Director of Boarding, I adopted a leadership and management style that was ‘hands-on’ and which established a physical presence in the boarding house. I have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and was accessible to all members of the boarding community: boarding students, the parents, the Principal, appropriate members of the Leadership Team, Heads of House/Faculty, tutors/classroom teachers, and the boarding house staff. I was ultimately responsible for all operational and welfare requirements of the staff and the 110 girls within the boarding house.
International Student Coordinator ~ Scotch College Adelaide
I played a critical role in influencing the quality of the International Program and ensuring that students who participated in it had a satisfying and high-quality experience shared by their families, school, and local communities. I provided pastoral care and support to international students within the School Community and the Scotch Boarding House. I was a key liaison between international students, families, homestay providers, and Scotch staff. I organized the correct visas and government forms. I also taught year 11
and 12 ESL.
Director of Teaching and Learning Middle School ~ Trinity College Gawler
Reporting to the Principal, my role was to support, hold accountable, develop, and lead a team of teachers and support staff in the Middle School (Years 6-8) to ensure high standards of teaching and learning (including innovative practice) and the wellbeing of students and staff. It was my responsibility to contribute to the strategic development of the college by implementing new initiatives for the whole school and monitoring and reporting on key outcomes. It was also my responsibility to collect, analyse and report on NAPLAN (Australia-wide testing) results. Trinity College is the biggest school in Australia, boasting more than 2500 students.
Head of PE and Health (whole school) and Stables ~ International School Moshi Tanzania
My role was to teach Personal Development, Health, and Physical Education to all grade levels from Year 5 – IB2 (Year 12). I led multi-disciplinary teams to achieve effective student learning outcomes and led the ongoing development of a comprehensive school sporting program. I worked collaboratively with the leadership team to lead, manage, and implement whole school improvement processes and initiatives that addressed school and faculty priorities. I demonstrated that I could lead the development and implementation of innovative, high-quality teaching and learning programs across the school, which were differentiated and supported the learning of all students. I also ran the stables, with ten horses and a full-time riding school. I was the staff-elected representative on the school leadership team.
Director of Athletics and Activities ~ Seoul International School South Korea
The job of Director of Athletics and Activities at SIS was done for the purpose/s of directing all aspects of the athletics program for the Varsity program (18 Varsity and Junior Varsity teams), managing the entire activities program K-12 (called Boosters, 59 after-school activities every week), managing a second-tier Athletics program feeding into Varsity and Junior Varsity; hiring coaching staff; ordering equipment for teams; managing a budget; promoting events, matches and meets; coordinating with operations directors; achieving defined objectives by planning, evaluating, developing, implementing and maintaining services in compliance with established guidelines; and serving as a member of the school leadership team.
Contact
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