Karen Rachel Wood

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS
The Museum of Modern Art: New York, USA (Distance Learning) July - August 2013
Art and Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies for Your Classroom - Exploring ways to integrate works of art into
the classroom by using inquiry-based teaching methods commonly used in museum setting.
The Pennsylvania State University, USA (Distance Learning) May -July 2013
Introduction to Art: Concepts and Techniques - Identifying and defining various art movements, artists and
artworks; conveying a personal appreciation for art concepts, techniques and approaches through the creation and
sharing of own original artwork.
University of Toronto, Canada (Distance Learning) May -June 2013
Introduction to Psychology - Covering an overview of core areas of psychology including learning, memory,
perception, consciousness, human development, and mental illness.
University of Pennsylvania, USA (Distance Learning) April -June 2013
Design: Artefacts in Society Emphasis on the basic design process of define, explore, select, and refine. Lectures
and design challenges tested the ability to apply course concepts to solve real problems.
General Teaching Council for England, July 2010
Fully Qualified Teacher Status: Completion of the statutory induction period.
Education Bradford, UK, March 2010
One-to-one Tuition: Induction training for tutors.
York St John University, UK, 2007- 2008
Primary PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate of Education) Teaching Qualification: Covering all aspects of teaching
across the primary curriculum, including National Curriculum requirements and cross-curricular themes and issues.
Wetherby Secure College, UK, 2005
New C.L.A.I.T. (Word, Spreadsheets, Graphs and Charts, Desktop Publishing, Presentation Graphics, Computer
Art, Databases, Web Pages).
Harrogate College of Further Education, UK, 2004-2005
Certificate in Teaching Adult Learners (City and Guilds 7307 course).
University College of Ripon and York St John, UK, 1997-2000
BA Honours Class II Division ii in English Studies.
North Halifax Grammar School, UK, 1990-1997
4 A-levels: English Language (B), English Literature (C), Psychology (C), General Studies (D).
10 GCSEs (including Math, English and Science) grades A-C.

Karen Rachel Wood

EMPLOYMENT / EXPERIENCE HISTORY

INVIGILATOR
RMIT University, Melbourne
October 2014 - Present
Exam invigilation for IELTS (International English Language Testing System):
- Registering candidates (including updating biometric profiles) upon entry to the test room.
- Adhering to the rigorous protocols for administering the Reading, Writing and Listening tests.
- Collecting and recording the test papers.
TEACHER
Fairfield Primary School, Fairfield, Melbourne
January 2014 - Present
Casual relief teacher: General classroom teacher; Art / Music / PE specialist teacher. Grades Prep-6.
TEACHER
Fairfield Primary School, Fairfield, Melbourne
July 2013 January 2014
Full time classroom teacher- Grade 1/2:
- Planning and delivering differentiated and progressive lessons for 25 pupils, with a wide range of academic,
medical, social and emotional needs, including PDD (pervasive developmental disorders).
- Tracking and assessing pupils using formal and informal methods, both paper-based and electronic.
- Creating IEPs (Individual Education Plans), IBPs (Individual Behaviour Plans), and small group interventions.
- Working collaboratively with management, other teachers, support staff, families and external agencies to ensure
the needs of all pupils were met.
- Using positive discipline methods to effectively manage pupils and limit disruption to learning.
- Regularly reporting to parents through informal meetings, parents evenings and end of year written reports.

Supervising visits and visitors, including local walking excursions and trips to Melbourne's CBD.
Regular yard and first aid room supervision duties.
Health and Well-being PLAT (Professional Learning Action Team) - Active participant.

TEACHER
Clifton Hill Primary School, Clifton Hill, Melbourne
February August 2013
Casual relief teacher: General classroom teacher / Art specialist teacher / PE specialist teacher. Grades Prep-6
PROOF READER / EDITOR (Voluntary), Yorkshire, England
Proof reader and co-editor for a forthcoming novel.
Proof reader Academic: tutor feedback for BA and MA students' work.

September 2012 - Present

TEACHER
Fearnville Primary School, Bradford, England
September 2009 August 2012
Subject coordination (Science development team and Geography co-ordinator):
- Writing and updating policies to reflect the changes in the school and with the curriculum.
- Creating a 'how to ...' pack for teachers, which included a step by step guide to planning dynamic Science
schemes of work, sample lesson plans, as well as suggested resources and creative approaches for lesson starters.
- Leading parts of two staff meetings to roll out the new Science policy and planning guide.
- Moderating the teaching of Geography to ensure coverage of the National Curriculum.
- Auditing equipment and resources.
Full time classroom teacher- Grade 4 (2011-2012), Grade 5 (2009-2011):
- Planning and delivering differentiated and progressive lessons for classes of up to 30 pupils, with a wide range of
academic, medical, social and emotional needs.
- Tracking and assessing pupils using both formal and informal methods, both paper-based and electronic.
- Creating IEPs (Individual Education Plans), IBPs (Individual Behaviour Plans), and small group interventions.
- Working collaboratively with management, other teachers and support staff to ensure all pupils needs were met.
- Implementing the school behaviour policy and using positive discipline methods to effectively manage pupils and
limit disruption to learning.
1:1 tutor (2011):
- Providing after school booster sessions for under-achieving Grade 6 pupils, in order to raise attainment and
advance their reading, writing and mathematics abilities in preparation for the National Standardized Assessments.

Karen Rachel Wood

Contact with parents and carers:

- Inviting parents and carers to attend parents' evening meetings twice in the year.
- End of year reports, outlining pupil's attainments and achievements, attitudes and approaches.
- Having an open-door policy to encourage dialogue between home and school.
- Encouraging family members to attend class assemblies and performances.
Liaising with outside agencies:
- Making referrals for additional support for pupils in need.
- Meeting with local education authority consultants, health workers, social workers and police officers in regards
to specific needs of pupils.
Visits and Visitors:
- Organising and coordinating visits and visitors, including completing risk assessments.
The arts:
-Inter-school Art competition: Initiating and delivering a collaboration project to produce a 3D sculpture of a
butterfly made from 'junk'. We received a commendation award (the schools first external award for art).
-Drama Productions: Co-ordinating 2 class assemblies per year, which pupils performed to other classes and to
their families. I am always praised for my creativity, multimedia approach and the performance confidence of the
pupils. Last year, I was also responsible for the short Christmas play, performed by a small group from Grades 3/4.
Other contributions:
- Sharing ideas and experiences which contributed towards the revision of school behaviour policy and
implementation of a new, simplified version.
- Break time supervision on the playground. I also volunteered for additional supervision duty, particularly for
pupils missing end of term treats due to poor behaviour.
TEACHER
Teaching Personnel, Leeds, England
January August 2009
Primary school relief teacher / emergency cover teacher, often working in a different school every day.
One-to-one tutor, providing booster sessions for under-achieving pupils, in order to raise attainment and
advance their reading, writing and mathematics abilities.
TEACHER
Kirkstall Valley Primary School, Leeds, England
Grade 3 teacher (Full time, temporary).

September December 2008

SCHOOL PLACEMENT TRAINEE TEACHER

Baildon Church of England Primary School, Bradford, England
March - June 2008
Teaching Grade 1 and Grade 5 classes: Planning, teaching, monitoring and assessment.
SCHOOL PLACEMENT TRAINEE TEACHER
Greatwood Community Primary School, Skipton, England
Teaching Grade 3: Planning and teaching.
Co-ordinating and supervising a Grade 3/4 out of school trip.
Assisting in rehearsals for the whole-school Christmas performance.

May - December 2007

BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT WORKER

Seacroft Grange Primary School, Leeds, England
May 2006 August 2008
Creating and delivering personalised behavioural support programmes for individuals and small groups,
including anger management, self-esteem and friendship issues.
Regularly liaising with truancy officers, health workers, social workers and police officers.
Initiating and co-ordinating the 'ALWAYS CHILDREN' system which praised and rewarded the pupils who
were consistently well behaved and hard-working.
Teaching assistant for Prep to Grade 6; and Grade 1 NURTURE GROUP.
Establishing and co-ordinating an ECO CLUB as part of the international Eco-schools initiative, and the
LUNCH BUNCH lunchtime activities club.
Assisting a young business group PAINTING PERFECT; BREAKFAST CLUB; DANCE CLUB.

Karen Rachel Wood

TUTOR
Leeds Thomas Danby College, Leeds, England
September 2005 August 2006
Tutor in 'Access to Educational Studies': Planning and delivering schemes of work for Child Psychology and
Exploring Psychology. Delivering a Personal and Professional Development module, involving preparing for
further education and work experience.
TEACHER & LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT
HMP YOI Wetherby Secure College, Wetherby, England
January 2004 August 2006
Teaching ICT, Art and the Inclusion Room groups.
Supporting young offenders (15-18 year old males) with their educational needs, often teaching small groups or
mentoring one-to-one.
Assisting teachers and trainers in a range of academic and vocational subjects.
ADMINISTRATOR Brahm Advertising, Leeds, England
October 2003 January 2004
Liaising with members of several in-house departments, particularly the creative team and account managers.
Contracting media houses to ensure advertising were accurate and on time.
General administration tasks such as filing, copying; data input.
FOOD SERVICE SUPERVISOR
The Headingley Taps, Leeds, England
Managing a small food service team.
Waitressing and bar work.

October 2002 October 2003

HOTEL FRONT DESK / DRIVER Ramada Inn Motel, Virginia, USA

March September 2002
Making reservations, registering guests in and out of the motel.
Dealing with queries and quibbles.
Balancing the accounts at the end of each shift.
Over-night computer system auditing.
Hotel Driver to taxi our regular guests (company bookings) to and from their work places.
NANNY
Family Virginia, USA
Full time nanny for two children (1 year old boy and 5 year old girl).
Light domestic duties including cooking, cleaning and laundry.
Day trips and occasional over-nights.
TEACHING ASSISTANT
Courthouse Montessori School, Virginia, USA
Teaching science a multi-age class (Grades 3-7)
Assisting teachers in two multi-age classes (Grades 1-4 and 3-7s)
Assisting the after school activities club
ADMINISTRATOR
(Jobs Galore Temp Agency)
Halifax Royal Infirmary, Halifax, England
Organising and collating invoices.
Data input.
Filing and photocopying.
Answering questions and queries on the phone.
COFFEE BARISTA
Java Joe Coffee Stand, Virginia, USA
Making a wide range of coffees.
Cash handing and balancing the cash register at the end of the shift.

November 2001 - April 2002

August October 2001

April - July 2001

February - March 2001

TYPIST
Biography author, Virginia, USA
January- March 2001
Typing up audio data, proof-reading and suggesting areas in need of editing.

Karen Rachel Wood

CARE ASSISTANT Ivy House Residential home, Halifax, England

Feeding, bathing, clothing, toileting elderly residents.
Providing residents with stimulating activities and conversation.
Cleaning and laundry.

November 2000 January 2001

WAREHOUSE WORKER
Next Clothing, Halifax, England
Tagging clothing with new sale price labels.

October - November 2000

UNIT LEADER AND COUNSELLOR

Camp America: Camp Little Notch, Fort Ann, USA
June 2000 August 2000
Co-ordinating and supporting unit staff and camper groups.
Developing day and night-time activity programmes.
Living and working with other staff to ensure the happiness, education and safety of campers aged between 6
and 16 years.
Fulfilling roles such as foster parent; teacher; friend; and confidante to the campers.
FOOD SERVICE
Cathedral Court Tea Shoppe, Ripon, England
Food preparation and service.
Managing the small team in the absence of the manager / owner.
SALES AND RENTALS ASSISTANT
Choices Videos, Ripon, England
Selling and renting videos and games.
Organising and restocking merchandise.

May 1999 June 2000

February May 1999

CLEANER
University College of Ripon and York St John, Ripon, England
June September 1998
Cleaning accommodation rooms for conference guests staying at the university during the summer break.

CARE ASSISTANT Residential home, Brighouse, England

Feeding, bathing, clothing, toileting elderly residents.
Providing residents with stimulating activities and conversation.
Cleaning and laundry.

July September 1997

WAREHOUSE PACKER
AA Packing, Sowerby Bridge, England
August 1995
Packing a range of products including Christmas cards, toiletry gift bags, metal shelving
ASSISTANT EMPLOYMENT OFFICER (Work Experience Placement)
Fast Track Job Club - Probation Services, Halifax, England
February 1995
Learning how to find work and training opportunities for adults released from prison or on probation.
Assisting with client interviews, filling out induction forms, answering phones, filing and photocopying.
PAPER ROUND
Chapel's Newsagents and Post office, Halifax, England
1993 1994
Delivering newspapers and magazines to houses, 5 days a week, with the occasional weekend shift.

BABY SITTER
Various families, Halifax / Brighouse, England
1991 - 2000
Babysitting for a variety of families, usually on a regular basis. Children ranged between 4 months and 15
years old.

Karen Rachel Wood

OTHER EXPERIENCE / TRAINING

FAIFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL

First Aid Management of Anaphylaxis (July 2013)
Providing for the needs of pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (July 2013)

CLIFTON HILL PRIMARY SCHOOL

Using ICT to enhance learning -I-pad training (August 2013)

FEARNVILLE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Outstanding Lessons in Primary (June 2012)
Language for Learning (Feb July 2011)
Creative Approaches to Developing Exciting and Engaging Science (September 2010)
In-house training includes:
Phonics; Using Numicon; Assessment for Learning; Using APP (Assessing Pupil Progress); Behaviour
Management

SEACROFT GRANGE PRIMARY SCHOOL

TEAM-TEACH Positive Handling Certification
SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning)
Using P-scales and PIVATS (assessment of pupils performing significantly below age expectations)

WETHERBY YOUNG OFFENDERS INSTITUTE

Dyslexia Awareness
Child Protection
Positive Behaviour Management
Drugs Awareness
Health and Safety
Fire Safety

CAMP LITTLE NOTCH, NY (2000)

American Red Cross Certificate in Responding to Emergencies (3 years).
American Red Cross Certificate in CPR for the Professional Rescuer (1 year).

NORTH HALIFAX GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Industrial Careers Foundation Conference: the Challenge of Business Management (February 1996)
Problem solving; communication; negotiation; teamwork; leadership; time management; presentation.
Marketing director of the Young Enterprise Company, POGO, and completion of the Young Enterprise
Europe Examination (1996)
Teamwork; leadership; supervising; communication; evaluating; decision-making; management; personnel and
training; marketing; finance; providing a service.