Carolyn Cowan Professional Portfolio

Carolyn Cowan

Passionate educator of small humans

About me

I love to teach!

I am exceedingly passionate about being a teacher – I strive to meet the individual needs of my students to a point where I can provide an inclusive and supportive environment for each individual.

I value excitement and creativity in my classroom – ensuring students are engaged and challenged, encouraging the development of higher order thinking skills that will serve them positively for the rest of their lives.

I integrate technology into every facet of the curriculum to stay current and strive to achieve a classroom atmosphere of curiosity and fun, allowing every student to reach and exceed their goals.

My goal is to teach students to love learning.

Experience

West End Independent Primary School

Jan 2014 - Present

Year Level Leader (Grade 5) Coordinating a team of 6 teachers
Permanent Classroom Teacher at West End IPS, West End, Brisbane (Year 5)
Gifted Education Mentor (GEM)
Beginning Teacher Mentor (BTM)
Current first aid and CPR

Furness Primary School

Jan 2011 - Aug 2013

Permanent Classroom Teacher at Furness Primary School, Inner City London, UK
(Years’ 2 and 3) Eco-Coordinator and Head of Eco Council

Engage Education

Sep 2010 – Dec 2011

Supply and short term contract teacher for international teach abroad company Engage Education within London, UK

Education Queensland

Sep 2009 – Sep 2010

Supply and short term contract teacher within Northern Brisbane area of Queensland, Australia
Main schools - Albany Hills SS, Eatons Hill SS, Albany Creek SS

St Alban's Catholic Primary School

Sep 2008 – Aug 2009

Head of Department - Information, Communication and Technology (I.C.T.) at St Alban's Catholic Primary School in Cambridge, UK (Years’ 1 - 6)

Select Education

Jan 2008 – Aug 2009

Supply and short term contract teacher for International Teach Abroad company Select Education within Cambridge, UK

Strathpine West State School

Nov and Dec 2007

Classroom Teacher on contract at Strathpine West State School, Queensland (Year 1 and 2 composite) Teacher registration was fast tracked for the end of my teaching degree

I have 14 years experience, on three different continents, teaching four different curriculums

Classroom

Innovaton

I leverage digital technologies and include contemporary pedagogical practices to maximise student outcomes and engagement.

I:I iPad Immersion

Inquiry-Based learning

Bump it Up walls

Complex Instruction

Education

2014 – Present

Continued and frequent Professional Development courses through Education Queensland while teaching at West End IPS

2011 - 2013

Continued and frequent Professional Development courses through Brent Council while teaching at Furness Primary School

2010 - 2011

Masters in Educational Studies at Glasgow University, UK

2004 - 2007

B.A. of Primary Education completed at Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove campus (4 years) Exit Rating: S1

2005 - 2006

Participated in an International Student Exchange year at the State University of New York, Oswego Campus, USA

2002 - 2003

One year of B.A. of Creative Arts and Industries completed at Griffith University, Gold Coast campus

1997 - 2001

Secondary schooling completed at St Paul’s Anglican College, Bald Hills receiving and exit certificate with Overall Position (O.P.) 4 and awarded the Ministers Award for Excellence in Art

Classroom

I strive to create a calm, positive and engaging learning environment in my classroom, using research-based strategies.

With a focus on student wellbeing, I create spaces that encourage independent working, effective collaboration and spaces to practice mindfulness.

Environment

Flexible seating

Spaces designed to suit different needs

Student wellbeing

Spaces designed for calm

A place for everything Functional Organisation

Leading

And Mentoring

I have been a Year Level Leader for over 5 years, using effective strategies from experts like Pete Stebbins (Highly Effective Teams), Stephen Covey (7 Habits of Highly Effective People) and Rachel Robinson (Respect Trumps Harmony) to create a supportive and collaborative team.

Mentoring beginning teachers has been a highlight of my career so far. I have had the privilege of working and co-teaching with incredible educators. I have supported my mentees from the collaborative planning stages, through observations and workshops, providing effective feedback and coaching through reflection. I have actively engaged in beginning teachers mentoring workshops and PD, and focus on fostering strong and positive professional relationships.

Skills and strengths

Effective leadership of a diverse team

Mentoring Beginning and Pre-service Teachers

Technologically savvy with particular strengths in iPad immersion, Coding on Scratch, Python, Java Script and HTML platforms, Excel spreadsheets and data diagnostics, Creative suite apps and Seesaw

Extremely proficient with all related Classroom technologies, including both PC and MAC computer platforms, all Microsoft Office programs, digital camera or video recorders, and numerous children’s interactive games and educational websites

Proficient in all Smartboard, Benq or Interactive White Board (I.W.B) technologies including building and creating new interactive lessons, using existing lessons, and incorporating ICT into every learning area

Certified Gifted Education Mentor (GEM) proficient in the identification and extension of gifted and talented students

Passionate about and disciplined in the Creative Arts

Behaviour management specialist with experience running whole – school, class and individual behaviour systems

Involved in conservation and eco-friendly initiatives, with experience designing and implementing whole – school approaches to recycling, energy saving and composting, including managing budgetary monies.

Highly organised and efficient individual, with an eye for the details

Clifton Strengths