Vanessa Crouch
Personal Teaching Philosophy
I see myself as an important part of any learning community where I am employed. This learning community involves all stakeholders in the education process. These stakeholders include community members, parents, principals, administrators, student and teachers. I am an integral part of this learning community and develop appropriate relationships to be a supportive and active member of the learning community.
As an educator I believe that I need to enable my students to become learners for the 21st Century. I believe that the skills I need to help learners develop include:
· Ways of thinking. Creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making and learning
· Ways of working. Communication and collaboration
· Tools for working. Information and communications technology (ICT) and information literacy
· Skills for living in the world. Citizenship, life and career, and personal and social responsibility.
By designing and implementing teaching and learning programs which are built on their skills and principles I am able to help all students achieve their best.
Using inquiry in learning experiences is essential for developing the skills of a 21st century learner. I advocate the use of the Murdoch model of inquiry, but I am flexible in using aspects of other models as well. Ultimately, all inquiry models involve the same process of teaching students skills to be able to think creatively, work collaboratively, find information, present ideas and reflect on learning experiences. This is an essential component of teaching and learning today.
I believe that Information Communication Technologies (ICT) are a vital part of a students learning experience. I see the use of digital devices not just as publishing tool, but also a research tool, a presentation tool, a creation tool and an interactive and online learning environment. ICT can play a vital part in helping children to understand their learning and topics. In my classes I design websites or elearning spaces that assist, support and extend students in their learning. These elearning spaces incorporate web based tools to guide students through their learning experiences.
I am passionate about STEM education and encouraging engagement in these subjects.
Education
2012- 2015 University of New England Armidale, NSW
Master of Education (eLearning)
2009- 2010 University of New England Armidale, NSW
Master of Education (Primary Science)
2004- 2009 University of New England Armidale, NSW
Bachelor of Arts (Ancient History)
1997 - 2000 Southern Cross University Lismore, NSW
Bachelor of Education (Primary)
1998 - 2000 Catholic Education Office Lismore, NSW
Certificate of Religious Education
1995- 1996 Mullumbimby High School Mullumbimby, NSW
Higher School Certificate
Professional experience
Jan 2015 – Current St John's Primary School, Mullumbimby
Part Time Leader of Pedagogy/ Part Time Leader of Curriculum
Jan 2012 – Dec 2014 St John's Primary School, Mullumbimby
Part Time Leader of Pedagogy/ Part Time Temporary Classroom Teacher Stage 2
Jan 2011 – Dec 2012 Mt St Patrick Primary School, Murwillumbah
Full Time Temporary Classroom Teacher Stage 2
Jan 2010 – Dec 2010 Moree Public School
Temporary Classroom Teacher RFF/Library
Jan 2009 – Dec 2009
Relief/ Supply Teacher
July 2008 – Dec 2008 John Paul College, Daisy Hill, QLD
Full-Time Temporary PYP Classroom Teacher Year 2
August 2006 – June 2008 Seisen International School Tokyo, JAPAN
Full-Time Permanent PYP Elementary Classroom Teacher Year 2
Jan 2003 –Dec 2005 St Francis Xavier Primary, Ballina, NSW
Full-Time Temporary Classroom Teacher Year 1 and Year 2
Sept 2002 –Dec 2002 Our Lady Help of Christians, South Lismore, NSW
Full-Time Temporary Classroom Teacher Year 5/6
Jan 2002 – Sept 2002 Meebun-bia Incorporated,Rathdowney, QLD
Part-Time Outdoor Education Instructor Year 4 – University
2001 Good Shepherd Primary, Hoxton Park, NSW
Permanent Classroom Teacher Year 3/4
2000 International Education Agency, Kundiawa, Papua New Guinea
Volunteer Teacher Year 3/4/5
Professional Learning Activities
August 2015 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
K-6 Science and Technology teaching ideas – Dr Anne Forbes (ACU)
August 2015 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Curriculum Leaders Training – History and Geography Syllabus
May - August 2015 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Differentiation: Number and Algebra Concepts – Anita Chin
May 2015 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Mentoring Workshop
May 2015 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Understanding PAT Data - ACER
March 2015 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Mathematics in Primary Schools – Anita Chin
October 2014 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Where Assessment meets Thinking – Lane Clark
April 2014 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Peer to Peer Leaders training
July 2013 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Ken Follett – Improving Classroom Observations – Peer to Peer Training
February and October 2013 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
NAPLAN Analysis Workshop
April 2013 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Early Learning Plans
March 2013 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Curriculum Leaders Training – Coffs Harbour – The new English and Science Curriculum
September 2012 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Curriculum Leaders Training – Coffs Harbour The new Australian Curriculum English, Mathematics, History and Science
March 2012 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Charles Lovitt – Mathematics Professional Development
March 2012 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Moodle for Intermediate Users
Feb 2012 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Persuasive Writing Workshop
June 2010 Moree Public School, New England Region
NSW DET blogED Familiarisation session, Melissa Woods
March 2010 Moree Public School,
Keep Them Safe – Introductory Module
29 Feb – 1 March 2008 JASCD Workshop, Tokyo, Japan
Professional Learning Communities: Possibilities and Challenges – Dr. Giselle Martin-Kniep
7-9 February 2008 Seisen International School, Tokyo, Japan
PYP and Inquiry: an introduction to the Primary Years Program – Colleen Moore and Anne Van Dam
26 January 2008 JASCD Workshop, Tokyo, Japan
Inquiry in Science: A Constructivist Approach to Learning Science – Dr. Lorri MacDonald
September 2007 Seisen International School, Tokyo, Japan
Cyber Bullying – Robyn Trevyud
August 2006 & March 2007 & August 2008 Seisen International School, Tokyo, Japan
Understanding by Design – Allison Zmuda
September 2006 Seisen International School, Tokyo, Japan
Assessment – Bambi Betts
Volunteer experience
2014 Volunteer and Manager of Ning group, as well as moderator www.ozelive.com
OZeLive Conference
Personal Teaching Philosophy
I see myself as an important part of any learning community where I am employed. This learning community involves all stakeholders in the education process. These stakeholders include community members, parents, principals, administrators, student and teachers. I am an integral part of this learning community and develop appropriate relationships to be a supportive and active member of the learning community.
As an educator I believe that I need to enable my students to become learners for the 21st Century. I believe that the skills I need to help learners develop include:
· Ways of thinking. Creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making and learning
· Ways of working. Communication and collaboration
· Tools for working. Information and communications technology (ICT) and information literacy
· Skills for living in the world. Citizenship, life and career, and personal and social responsibility.
By designing and implementing teaching and learning programs which are built on their skills and principles I am able to help all students achieve their best.
Using inquiry in learning experiences is essential for developing the skills of a 21st century learner. I advocate the use of the Murdoch model of inquiry, but I am flexible in using aspects of other models as well. Ultimately, all inquiry models involve the same process of teaching students skills to be able to think creatively, work collaboratively, find information, present ideas and reflect on learning experiences. This is an essential component of teaching and learning today.
I believe that Information Communication Technologies (ICT) are a vital part of a students learning experience. I see the use of digital devices not just as publishing tool, but also a research tool, a presentation tool, a creation tool and an interactive and online learning environment. ICT can play a vital part in helping children to understand their learning and topics. In my classes I design websites or elearning spaces that assist, support and extend students in their learning. These elearning spaces incorporate web based tools to guide students through their learning experiences.
I am passionate about STEM education and encouraging engagement in these subjects.
- I believe I would be an asset to your school for the following reasons
- I have experience in team teaching
- I have training in Inquiry Learning (IBO PYP).
- I have experience teaching multi level, multi grade classrooms from K-12.
- I thoroughly enjoy getting involved in extra curricula and school programs.
- I enjoy challenges and like to challenge my students to help them extend and develop their knowledge.
- I have excellent organisational and motivating abilities.
Education
2012- 2015 University of New England Armidale, NSW
Master of Education (eLearning)
2009- 2010 University of New England Armidale, NSW
Master of Education (Primary Science)
2004- 2009 University of New England Armidale, NSW
Bachelor of Arts (Ancient History)
1997 - 2000 Southern Cross University Lismore, NSW
Bachelor of Education (Primary)
1998 - 2000 Catholic Education Office Lismore, NSW
Certificate of Religious Education
1995- 1996 Mullumbimby High School Mullumbimby, NSW
Higher School Certificate
Professional experience
Jan 2015 – Current St John's Primary School, Mullumbimby
Part Time Leader of Pedagogy/ Part Time Leader of Curriculum
Jan 2012 – Dec 2014 St John's Primary School, Mullumbimby
Part Time Leader of Pedagogy/ Part Time Temporary Classroom Teacher Stage 2
Jan 2011 – Dec 2012 Mt St Patrick Primary School, Murwillumbah
Full Time Temporary Classroom Teacher Stage 2
Jan 2010 – Dec 2010 Moree Public School
Temporary Classroom Teacher RFF/Library
Jan 2009 – Dec 2009
Relief/ Supply Teacher
July 2008 – Dec 2008 John Paul College, Daisy Hill, QLD
Full-Time Temporary PYP Classroom Teacher Year 2
August 2006 – June 2008 Seisen International School Tokyo, JAPAN
Full-Time Permanent PYP Elementary Classroom Teacher Year 2
Jan 2003 –Dec 2005 St Francis Xavier Primary, Ballina, NSW
Full-Time Temporary Classroom Teacher Year 1 and Year 2
Sept 2002 –Dec 2002 Our Lady Help of Christians, South Lismore, NSW
Full-Time Temporary Classroom Teacher Year 5/6
Jan 2002 – Sept 2002 Meebun-bia Incorporated,Rathdowney, QLD
Part-Time Outdoor Education Instructor Year 4 – University
2001 Good Shepherd Primary, Hoxton Park, NSW
Permanent Classroom Teacher Year 3/4
2000 International Education Agency, Kundiawa, Papua New Guinea
Volunteer Teacher Year 3/4/5
Professional Learning Activities
August 2015 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
K-6 Science and Technology teaching ideas – Dr Anne Forbes (ACU)
August 2015 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Curriculum Leaders Training – History and Geography Syllabus
May - August 2015 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Differentiation: Number and Algebra Concepts – Anita Chin
May 2015 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Mentoring Workshop
May 2015 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Understanding PAT Data - ACER
March 2015 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Mathematics in Primary Schools – Anita Chin
October 2014 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Where Assessment meets Thinking – Lane Clark
April 2014 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Peer to Peer Leaders training
July 2013 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Ken Follett – Improving Classroom Observations – Peer to Peer Training
February and October 2013 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
NAPLAN Analysis Workshop
April 2013 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Early Learning Plans
March 2013 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Curriculum Leaders Training – Coffs Harbour – The new English and Science Curriculum
September 2012 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Curriculum Leaders Training – Coffs Harbour The new Australian Curriculum English, Mathematics, History and Science
March 2012 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Charles Lovitt – Mathematics Professional Development
March 2012 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Moodle for Intermediate Users
Feb 2012 Catholic Schools Office, Lismore, NSW
Persuasive Writing Workshop
June 2010 Moree Public School, New England Region
NSW DET blogED Familiarisation session, Melissa Woods
March 2010 Moree Public School,
Keep Them Safe – Introductory Module
29 Feb – 1 March 2008 JASCD Workshop, Tokyo, Japan
Professional Learning Communities: Possibilities and Challenges – Dr. Giselle Martin-Kniep
7-9 February 2008 Seisen International School, Tokyo, Japan
PYP and Inquiry: an introduction to the Primary Years Program – Colleen Moore and Anne Van Dam
26 January 2008 JASCD Workshop, Tokyo, Japan
Inquiry in Science: A Constructivist Approach to Learning Science – Dr. Lorri MacDonald
September 2007 Seisen International School, Tokyo, Japan
Cyber Bullying – Robyn Trevyud
August 2006 & March 2007 & August 2008 Seisen International School, Tokyo, Japan
Understanding by Design – Allison Zmuda
September 2006 Seisen International School, Tokyo, Japan
Assessment – Bambi Betts
Volunteer experience
2014 Volunteer and Manager of Ning group, as well as moderator www.ozelive.com
OZeLive Conference