Katherine Smith is a teacher aide seeking a teaching position. She has over 10 years of experience working in early childhood education and primary schools. She is committed to literacy and has taken professional development courses to strengthen her skills in literacy teaching methods. Her skills include strong collaboration, managing diverse classrooms, literacy expertise, inquiry-based learning, and supporting students with special needs. She is keen to apply her experience and training to improve outcomes for students.

1. KATHERINE SMITH
4 Solent Street Mangere, Auckland 2022 | (H) 095574589 | (C) 0272384231 | katsmith162@gmail.com
Professional Summary
I am a caring teacher with demonstrated capabilities in literacy and the transition to school with experience working in diverse student
classrooms. I am committed to good literacy practice; capitalizing on incidental learning opportunities (student interests and ICT);
extending conversations to develop thinking and vocabulary; using literacy activities to revisit prior learning experiences;
creating a physical environment that encourages reading and writing; developing literacy skills through music and providing a
meaningful print environment. I attended two literacy courses with Sheena Cameron and Jill Eggleton earlier this year and I’m
excited to be using the teaching methodology highlighted at this course to improve my own professional practice.
Skills
Strong collaborator Have built effective working relationships with colleagues
Managing classroom for diverse populations Wakaaranga is a large multi-ethnic primary school
Effective time management Strong organisational skills and can manage conflicting demands
Student motivation Have a positive rapport that builds confidence and self-belief
Special interest in literacy Keen to deepen my experience and knowledge at every opportunity
Standardized testing Understanding of the importance of assessment and OTJ’s
Inquiry-based learning Observed and participated in lots of quality inquiry based learning
Special education Many of the students I support have special needs or learning
difficulties
Work History
Teacher Aide 02/2012 to Current
Wakaaranga School – 18 Butley Drive, Farm Cove
Collaborate with Year 0 and 1 teachers to provide learning support for classroom programs. Routinely undertake running
records and Jam testing; daily support of the reading program by taking reading groups and assisting with general school wide
activities including the before-school reading program.
Since joining Wakaaranga School I have served the Board of Trustees as Minute Secretary.
Early Childhood Teacher 10/2010 to 12/2011
Tiny Tots Pre-school and Nursery – Ranfurly, Central Otago
Planned, implemented, monitored and reflected on the Over 2's teaching program. Documenting student progress with
individual learning stories and learning plans. Took up continuing education opportunities with Suz Cruse's teacher
empowerment program, Move and Groove and by visiting other ECE centres in Central Otago. Mentored by Chris Parkes an
experienced teacher to take over the planning and delivery of the over-2's program after the resignation of the head teacher.
Part-time Supervisor 05/2005 to 12/2007
Ranfurly Playcentre – Ranfurly, Central Otago
Collaborated with other teaching staff and parent helpers to ensure that play areas provided opportunities for stimulating
exploration, creativity and social interaction. Interacted positively with children and their parents to help ensure the Playcentre
philosophy of education through child-initiated play and families growing together was embraced and underpinned the Centre's
operation. Undertook several Playcentre training courses, was a Committee member and purchasing officer.
Administrative Assistant 11/2000 to 04/2001
University of Otago, Research and International – Dunedin
Minute taking and administrative support for the Research and PhD committees and their programs. Arranging travel, booking
appointments, budgetary responsibilities, correspondence and report production.

2. Senior Secretary 02/1993 to
University of Otago, School of Dentistry – Dunedin
enquiries.
Education
Full-year Postgraduate paper: Accelerating Learning in a Digital Environment
University of Auckland - Tamaki, Auckland
Teaching Degree:
Waikato University - Hamilton
Diploma of Teaching:
Victoria University - Wellington
Bachelor of Arts: Sociology
Massey University - Palmerston North
Diploma: Business Studies (for University Admin)
Massey University - Palmerston North
1 year secretarial Course:
Otago Polytechnic - Dunedin
Hobbies
Reading,swimming and yoga, gardening and fishing. Trained with Adult Literacy Aotearoa in 2014.
Referees
Kylee Hanlon-Judd
Teacher, Wakaaranga School
Phone: (09) 5768205
Email: hanlon-judd@wakaaranga.school.nz
Lorraine Field
Teacher, Wakaaranga School
Phone: (09) 5768205
Email: field@wakaaranga.school.nz
Nolene Dean
Teacher, Wakaaranga School
Phone: (09) 5768205
Email: dean@wakaaranga.school.nz
2014
2013
2004
2003
1988
1994
11/2000
Word processing of scientific papers, departmental correspondence, budgetary responsibilities, handling student and patient