Nicole Costa

Nicole is enthusiastic, organized and a helpful teacher who has shown excellent initiative and a strong desire to learn more about the profession. Nicole has been a valuable asset to my classroom and to our school, her kind and patient nature is perfect for teaching children in the Primary School years Linda Henderson Prep Teacher Brentwood Park P.S Academic Qualifications 2011 - present 2010 Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Monash University, Peninsula Campus Diploma of Childrens Services Chisholm Institute, Berwick Completion December 2010 Certificate III in Childrens Services Chisholm Institute, Berwick Completion December 2009

2009

Personal Teaching Philosophy I believe that all children have the right to an education where they feel included and safe in the classroom and trust their teachers. Students are independent learners and as a teacher I provide tools and environments to guide them through their learning journey. I encourage and support students to have a positive attitude towards school and learning and engage them in working collaboratively and creatively in the ways each individual learns best. I prepare students for their future both inside and outside the classroom by encouraging them to think of themselves as active members of local, national and global communities. I love working in collaboration with students, families and colleagues and am also committed to on going personal reflection, in order that I may one day become a valuable member of the teaching profession. Personal Strengths Passionate, self-motivated and committed graduate teacher devoted to working collaboratively with all children, families, the school and community. Recognized for creating and fostering effective positive learning environments that stimulate

childrens interests and curiosity while connecting learning to real world experiences. Excellent communication, enthusiasm and understanding of the specific needs each individual child has in the classroom combined with a great love for working with people - working with children. Resourceful, reflective teaching professional committed to creating an atmosphere fostering the development of self-esteem, confidence, and a love of learning in the classroom. Teaching/ School Experience March May 2013 Upper Beaconsfield Kindergarten

My time at Kindergarten was focused on the importance on the Walker approach, Inclusive learning/practices, parent and family driven plans and transitions. Having the opportunity to be involved in planning for my 2-week control block enabled me to further understand the importance of assessment and planning for the learning abilities of every child in the environment. July September 2012 Brentwood Park Primary School, Berwick

This particular placement allowed me to develop an appreciation for play based learning in an early primary school setting. This experience also gave me knowledge on small group teaching strategies as I worked intensively with at risk students, this provided me an understanding on how teachers work collaboratively with colleagues and families to help plan effectively and teach explicitly. March May 2012 Thomas Mitchell Primary School Having the opportunity to work with the grade 5s gave me an understanding on how to plan and implement a range of learning experiences across the curriculum domains. I was lucky enough to experience the dynamics of collaborative team planning to create effective and meaningful lessons. I delivered engaging, effective lessons in Mathematics/Area, Multiplication and investigation rotations, English/ Persuasive Writing and Reading comprehension and Physical Education.

May 2011

Berwick Fields Primary School

Whilst on placement with the prep classroom I observed and took small groups, teaching letter formation and sounds with the use of Thrass, an art based lesson based on the book Hidden Forest by Jeannie Baker. I also designed and implemented an interactive math mini unit on addition. Technology and hands on activities were integrated to foster students learning and engagement. I attended faculty and team meetings, actively participated in activities, which included: assessing student progress, taking attendance, and lunch/recess duty. Employment March 2008 Current YMCA Casey Arc Aquatic Centre, Narre Warren

Positions: Customer Service Officer, Swimming Teacher and Liaison Officer. I have been at Casey Arc for a few years now and as the years have passed I have gained experience, knowledge, confidence and awareness on how I want to continually give back to the community. Over the three positions I have at Casey Arc, I am always trying to best help those around me, working in strong united environments, and putting whole hearted efforts to making a difference to those in need. I have made strong bonds with the staff, children that I teach and the community members that walk through the door everyday. 2007 2008 Kelly Sports

Working at Kelly Sports enabled me to see an area of learning and teaching within the curriculum that has encouraged me as a teacher to desire to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families in the community. I was able to deliver programs that improved childrens physical skills as well as promoted their social and emotional development. Voluntary Work 2006 2007 Wellsprings

During this experience of working within Wellsprings, I had the opportunity to work with and come together with women who needed empowerment due to isolation. Supportive environments were created for these women, which promoted companionship and encouraged confidence and learning. Not only did I work with these women but with the children in these communities. Building relationships with children to give them support, love and security during times when their families could not. This was a valuable learning experience that has helped with communicating with families in respectful and sensitive ways.

2006

Doveton Childcare for Community Service

While attending the Childcare community centre I was able to observe and support the staff and children during sessions. This was the first exposure I had in a structured learning environment. I was able to relate to the children and build strong rapport with not only the children but also the families in the community. Professional Development The Early Years Education Program for children at risk: Janet Williams Smith Behaviour Management: Jo Lange Barriers to parent engagement: Sarah Vallance I have participated in Professional Development sessions, as my target is to continuously upgrade my skills and knowledge to enable me to grow and develop as an educator. This allows me to provide my students and team members with opportunity and insight into a variety of teaching strategies and skills. Referees Robert Smart Year 5 Classroom Teacher Thomas Mitchell Primary School Mobile: 0400 773 123 Work: (03) 9706 2254 Linda Henderson Prep Classroom Teacher Brentwood Park Primary School Email: moore.linda.l@edumail.vic.gov.au Therese Collings Kindergarten Teacher Upper Beaconsfield Mobile: 0447 126 272

Carly Sanders Frontline Services Director YMCA Casey Arc, Narre Warren Phone: 9705 5000 Email: carly.sanders@ymca.org.au Bianca Thalas Frontline Service Coordinator YMCA Casey Arc, Narre Warren Phone: 9705 5000