Strengths

Strengths

Classroom Practice

I implement the NZ curriculum applying best practise approaches.
I constantly reflect and use critical inquiry to continue to improve my craft.
My classroom management and behaviour management is effective.
I pride myself on my effective cycle of assessing > teaching > evaluating.
Student voice is a key component of my teaching style.
I analyse assessment using target circles and data sheets.
My planning is thorough and organised.
I know exactly where my children are at and can identify their next steps through my formative anecdotal evaluation and standard assessments.
Key Competencies are integrated into everyday classroom life using the Taniwha Challenge my syndicate developed together.

Literacy

Children in my class experience frequent success and are confident in their ability to read.
I use what I believe to be the best approaches such as guided and shared reading and modelling books.
I also use literacy circles and reciprocal reading which allows for student voice. I am strong in my teaching of phonological awareness and integrate this throughout my literacy programme.
I have been involved in professional development programmes for writing.
I use Louise Dempsey's writing purposes, Stephen Graham's scaffolds, Gail Loane's personal and real experiences and Jeff Anderson's approaches to editing.

Numeracy

I have been trained in the Numeracy Project.
I have completed a University paper, Numeracy in the Classroom.
I use Numicon to support younger children and to extend high flyers.
Maths in my class is hands on, challenging, problem based, co-operative and fun.
I have used the concept of flipped classrooms in years 2-5 to allow children to be more in control of their learning.

ICT

I critically reflect and trial software, apps and digital tools to ensure best practice.
I have had a fixed term unit as the Lead Teacher in ICT.
I have advised management on purchasing new technologies for the school and led many professional development sessions with the staff. My evidence for the Registered Teacher Criteria is collected on Google Sites. I run the VLN Seesaw Portfolio group to support other teachers using this app.
I am the school administrator for: Evernote, iPads, Spike, Sunshine Classics, Studyladder and the school's Facebook page.
I have led the Professional Development for: iPads, Evernote, Classroom Manager, eTAP, iPads Google Drive, Spike, Interactive Whiteboards (einstruction), Sunshine Classics, Blogger and Easy Blogger Junior, Inspiration
Some other technologies I use with expertise: Seesaw, Show Me, Google Sites, Only2Clicks, Swivl, Class Badges, Prezi, Kahoot, Padlet, Reading Eggs, e-ako maths and Steps Learning Staircase.

In 2016 my students participated in #NZreadaloud (Kerri Thompson), using Edmodo as the platform for online group discussions with students from other schools around New Zealand.
Also in 2016 my students participated in Quad Blogging, organised by Barb Reid.  Our class was teamed up with 3 other classes to read and comment on each others' class blogs.

Student Voice

Student Voice is a passion of mine. My students self-reflect through all curriculum areas regularly.
Peer assessment is a dynamic part of learning in my class.
Each child's e-portfolio is highly interactive and loaded with learning from all curriculum areas, peer assessment, self- reflection and parent interaction.
Reflections are collected in their workbooks and displayed around the room as evidence of our learning journey.

Personal Qualities

Life-Long Learner: I am passionate about learning. I enjoy new projects and trying new things.

Organised: My highly organised diary keeps me and my family on track.

Happy: I am optimistic, positive and genuine with a great big smile and even bigger laugh. I am level headed and can handle a lot of pressure.

Culturally Sensitive: I embrace te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in my professional and family life as a role model to my two sons who are part Māori. I enjoy learning about and getting to know all people in our multicultural society.

Team Player: I am approachable, open-minded and get along with all my colleagues. I value the strengths in others and enjoy collaborative projects.

Loyal and Honest: I am trustworthy, reliable and have integrity. I have always shown loyalty to management throughout my teaching career.

Flexible: I am adaptable, very resilient, cool, calm and collected.