Yoga
Cindy Norton
Education
Sandton
Summary
Results-driven and detail-oriented professional with over 10 years of experience in teaching, training, staff development and management. Proven ability to meet tight deadlines while maintaining a meticulous approach. A team player with enthusiasm for contributing to company success and adept at developing and enhancing training programs for diverse skill levels. Skilled in communication, conflict resolution and advanced understanding of department-specific training needs. Exceptional analytical, organisational and leadership capabilities, coupled with a strong background in staff development, process improvement, performance management and curriculum design. Seeking a full-time position to apply interpersonal, time management and problem-solving skills to overcome professional challenges. An organised and dependable candidate with a positive attitude, capable of managing multiple priorities and taking on additional responsibilities to achieve team goals.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
16
16
Certificates
Work History
Preschool Coordinator
Singapore International School
Yangon, Myanmar
08.2024 - Current
- Boosted children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development through play-based learning activities.
- Created a safe space where all learners felt comfortable expressing themselves freely without fear of judgment or ridicule from peers or adults alike.
- Mentored new hires by sharing best practices gleaned from years of experience working in diverse early childhood settings across multiple contexts.
- Led staff meetings focused on continuous improvement processes aimed at enhancing overall program effectiveness through data-driven decision-making strategies.
- Developed relationships with families to foster parental involvement in their child's education and overall wellbeing.
- Managed daily operations of the preschool program, ensuring smooth transitions and effective communication between staff and parents.
- Coordinated professional development opportunities for teachers to improve instructional strategies and classroom management skills.
- Sustained a high level of parent satisfaction with the preschool program by addressing concerns promptly and maintaining open lines of communication throughout all interactions.
- Enhanced preschool program quality by implementing research-based curriculum and assessments.
- Promoted positive behaviors among students by establishing clear expectations and consistent routines within the classroom environment.
- Organized events to generate additional resources and learning opportunities for enriching programming, holistic child development and facility enhancements.
- Provided ongoing feedback about performance levels via parent-teacher conferences held at least twice per year.
- Managed preschool budget effectively by monitoring expenses closely while optimizing resource allocations for maximum impact on student learning outcomes.
- Attended professional meetings and conferences to maintain and improve professional competence.
- Stayed current on guidelines to maintain compliant program operations.
- Implemented school policies, procedures, and systems to promote safe and healthy environment in compliance with state standards.
- Observed and assessed classroom activities to verify conformity with quality standards.
- Established and optimized program schedules to cover planned needs while capitalizing on opportunities to improve student learning.
- Maintained high-quality child care standards based on developmentally appropriate practices.
- Collaborated on strategies to enhance student learning and behavior alongside parents and teaching staff.
- Modernized instructional plans and educational approaches to enhance student learning.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using both formal assessments as well as informal observations during daily interactions with children throughout various activities.
- Grew the preschool numbers by 20% over a 3 month period.
Head of Department
O’Summit International
Johannesburg
01.2019 - 06.2024
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating the ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
Lead Teacher Primary School
O’Summit International
Johannesburg
01.2019 - 06.2024
- Dynamic educational leader with a successful track record in spearheading the development of a comprehensive curriculum catering to children aged 6 to 12 in a Primary Montessori school. Proficient in integrating diverse pedagogical perspectives, including CAPS, Cambridge, AMI and SAMA curricula. Collaborated with school leadership, conducted classroom observations and worked closely with teachers to design user-friendly curriculum overviews. Ensured adaptability and accessibility for educators at varying training levels, fostering consistency across classrooms.
Key Achievements:
Led collaborative efforts with the principal, HOD, lead and assistant teachers to create a seamless curriculum transition.
Successfully implemented curriculums, promoting consistency and collaboration across classrooms.
Demonstrated adaptability and innovation by incorporating diverse pedagogical perspectives.
Aligned curriculum with the school's mission, preparing students for future academic endeavours.
Impact:
Implemented curriculum met specific needs of the Primary Montessori school and ensured smooth transitions for students.
Enhanced overall effectiveness of the curriculum, fostering a positive learning environment for educators and students.
Increased student involvement through strategic program redesign.
Communicated effectively with parents about student progress, recommending at-home reinforcement for struggling students.
Guided student teachers and teaching aides in classroom management, leading by example.
Organised rooms for maximum educational opportunities, created an after-school program and coordinated field trips.
Maintained patience and level-headedness in diverse situations, supporting student development and personal growth.
Analysed training effectiveness, developed job-specific competencies and evaluated program outcomes.
Lecturer
Montessori Campus Training College
Johannesburg
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centred learning.
- Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations.
- Implemented instructional technologies in course delivery to engage and educate students.
- Selected and designed lesson plans and curriculum to meet academic objectives.
- Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
- Led seminars and workshops to facilitate student learning and engagement and increase memory retention.
- Arranged syllabus, developed schedule, and determined reading list for varied courses simultaneously, giving students appropriate time to complete assignments and absorb information.
- Participated in conferences and professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date with latest trends in field.
- Created materials and exercises to illustrate application of course concepts.
- Conducted engaging in-class discussions to facilitate learning and encourage participation.
- Created syllabus and instructional plans for each class session in accord with stated course objectives.
- Evaluated and supervised student activities and performance levels to provide reports on academic progress.
- Assessed students' progress and provided feedback to enhance learning.
- Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
- Impartially evaluated papers, projects and homework assignments of students, delegating grading to teaching assistants when appropriate.
- Taught diverse student population by employing various learning styles and abilities.
Reading Therapist
PsychAssess (Read For Africa)
Johannesburg
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Tracked progress according to goals for interventions.
- Documented learner information, remediation plans and monitor progress.
- Delivered brief interventions to help clients develop healthy coping skills.
- Developed strategies to help learner cope with stress and anxiety and build resilience.
- Provided individual and group remediation sessions to learners struggling from learning challenges.
- Wrote reports on clients and maintained required paperwork.
- Referred clients to other specialists, institutions or support services as necessary.
Principal, HOD and Lead Teacher Primary School
The Willows Montessori
Johannesburg
01.2015 - 06.2019
- Chaired department meetings covering new implementations, problem-solving and other operational areas.
- Mentored new teacher in successful strategies, techniques, materials and supplementary technologies.
- Developed departmental budgets and coordinated special projects.
- Managed team schedules, department projects and quality assurance.
- Reviewed and selected appropriate curriculum for classes.
- Kept employee workloads fair and balanced to achieve objectives while maintaining high job satisfaction.
- Reduced process bottlenecks by training and coaching employees on practices, procedures, and performance strategies.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Implemented creative ways to foster curiosity for complex principles through hands-on learning and planned activities.
Locum Teacher Primary School
Randburg Montessori
Johannesburg
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Planned and implemented integrated lessons to meet national standards.
- Incorporated exciting and engaging activities to achieve student participation and hands-on learning.
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behaviour modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Supported student physical, mental and social development using teaching aids and activities.
- Graded and evaluated student assignments, papers and course work.
- Implemented creative ways to foster curiosity for complex principles through hands-on learning and planned activities.
- Met with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioural and academic issues.
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
- Implemented reading and writing workshops to increase student literacy and support school reading programs.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Boosted cultural awareness by incorporating children's literature from world cultures.
Head of Department, Lead Teacher Primary School
The Willows Montessori
Johannesburg
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Communicated with leads of other departments to maintain transparency, consistency and ensure benchmarks are obtained.
- Managed team schedules, department projects and quality assurance.
- Supervised existing employees and recruited, interviewed and hired new ones.
- Assessed student abilities and recommended appropriate placement in classes and special programs.
- Developed departmental budgets and coordinated special projects.
- Trained instructors in classroom management, instructional strategies and behavioural improvements.
- Maintained current industry knowledge by reading publications, attending conferences and completing training.
- Reviewed and selected appropriate curriculum for classes.
- Helped teachers develop and revise lesson plans to maximise effectiveness.
- Supported student teachers by mentoring on classroom management, lesson planning and activity organisation.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Designed detailed learning plans for struggling students based on observation, homework and assignment records.
- Completed student progress reports mid-term to notify students and parents of strengths and areas of improvement.
Teacher 3-6
Randburg Montessori
Johannesburg
01.2011 - 12.2014
- Supported student physical, mental and social development using classroom games and activities.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behaviour modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Planned and implemented integrated lessons to meet national standards.
Web Administrator
Buy Camera SA
Johannesburg
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Assisted in designing and inserting information into website
- Worked with art directors to create dynamic websites.
Manageress
Universal Image – Foto First Cresta And Sanlam
Johannesburg
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed
Freelance Photographer
Chilli Pix; Roots Advertising Agency And Adhoc
Johannesburg
- Scheduled and booked locations for photo shoots, working collaboratively with clients and contacts.
- Completed complex photo shoots at indoor and outdoor venues.
- Photographed high-quality images for various print and digital projects.
- Consulted with clients to discuss commission ideas and style preferences to create mutually agreeable project parameters.
- Maintained and shared portfolios of artistic work to demonstrate styles, interests and abilities with potential customers.
- Digitally edited photos to enhance appearance.
- Planned and prepared for on-location and studio shoots.
- Scheduled studio appointments to shoot wide variety of subjects.
- Maintained productive professional relationships with models.
- Selected and set up appropriate props, backdrops and lighting.
- Collaborated with other photographers and videographers to capture special events.
Office Administrator and Personal Assistant
Roots Advertising Agency
Johannesburg
- Tracked office supplies and restocked low items to keep team members on-task and productive.
- Coordinated communications, financial processing, registration, recordkeeping and other administrative functions.
- Applied advanced administrative and analytical skills in overseeing day-to-day operational activities.
- Edited documents to improve accuracy of language, flow and readability.
- Facilitated office productivity, coordinating personnel schedules, quality assurance and procedural improvements.
- Managed and properly accounted for petty cash issued to facilitate general office activities.
- Oversaw maintenance of office facilities and equipment by collaborating with and inspecting work of repair contractors.
- Maintained electronic and paper filing systems for easy retrieval of information.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximise productivity and profitability.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Maintained appropriate filing of personal and professional documentation.
- Displayed absolute discretion at handling confidential information.
- Attended meetings, took notes and tracked action items.
- Served as point of contact between clients and managerial staff.
- Updated spreadsheets and created presentations to support executives and boost team productivity.
- Documented and distributed meeting notes to identify, analyse and improve workflows.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Development
London Metropolitan University
United Kingdom 04.2001 -
Montessori 6 -12 Teacher
Keys of The Universe
United States Of America2015
A+ Levels in Psychology, Sociology And Art
British International School - Cambridge
Bryanston2001
Skills
Workplace Training
undefinedCertification
BA (Ord.) Degree - Early Childhood Studies
Interests
Cycling
VATS Wine Club
Reading
Timeline
Preschool Coordinator
Singapore International School
08.2024 - Current
Head of Department
O’Summit International
01.2019 - 06.2024
Lead Teacher Primary School
O’Summit International
01.2019 - 06.2024
Lecturer
Montessori Campus Training College
01.2018 - 01.2020
Locum Teacher Primary School
Randburg Montessori
01.2018 - 01.2019
Reading Therapist
PsychAssess (Read For Africa)
01.2017 - 01.2020
Head of Department, Lead Teacher Primary School
The Willows Montessori
01.2016 - 01.2018
Principal, HOD and Lead Teacher Primary School
The Willows Montessori
01.2015 - 06.2019
Teacher 3-6
Randburg Montessori
01.2011 - 12.2014
Web Administrator
Buy Camera SA
01.2008 - 01.2010
Manageress
Universal Image – Foto First Cresta And Sanlam
01.2005 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Development
London Metropolitan University
04.2001 -
Montessori 6 -12 Teacher
Keys of The Universe
A+ Levels in Psychology, Sociology And Art
British International School - Cambridge
Freelance Photographer
Chilli Pix; Roots Advertising Agency And Adhoc
Office Administrator and Personal Assistant
Roots Advertising Agency
Relevant Skill Set
- Event planning and coordination
- Strategic planning
- Record keeping and reports
- Timetable, stationery order
- Logistics coordination
- Problem solving
- Training and mentorship
- Private tutoring and reading therapy
- Computer skills
- Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- System innovation and implementation
- Team building
- Stock take
- Ordering
- Budgeting
- Cash up
- Administration
- Time management
- Microsoft Sway
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Age
40
Marital Status
Divorced
Relevant Work Experience
- Principal
- Head of Department: Teaching
- Curriculum Developer
- Timetable Development, Scheduler
- Office Administrator
Children
- 14
- 16
References
- ROZANNE PEGG, O’Summit International, 076 503 1555
- Ruth Hodgkinson, The Willows Montessori, 083 642 2223
- Eugene Nagel, Chilli Pix Photography, 072 843 9243
- Connall Oosterbroek, Roots Advertising Agency, 084 517 2463
- Jason Fraiser, Universal Image, 083 556 7648
- Athele’ Oosterbroek, Top Deck Advertising Agency, 083 325 6704
Projects
Curriculum Development for Primary Montessori School, Learning and Training Specialist. Successfully led the creation of a comprehensive curriculum overview catering to children aged between 6 to 12 years old for a Primary Montessori school, aimed at facilitating a seamless transition into any schooling environment. The project involved the integration of multiple pedagogical perspectives, including CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement), Cambridge curriculum, AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) Curriculum and SAMA (South African Montessori Association) Curriculum. Collaborated with the school principal, Head of Department (HOD) and conducted classroom observations at O’Summit International. Utilised insights from observations and discussions to design a user-friendly curriculum overview. Ensured the curriculum accommodated various teaching methodologies, making it accessible for teachers and assistants at different training levels. Facilitated successful implementation of the curriculum, promoting a standardised approach across all classrooms. Fostered a collaborative environment by working closely with the school leadership team. Demonstrated adaptability and innovation in incorporating diverse pedagogical perspectives., Contributed to the school's mission of providing a well-rounded education to prepare students for future academic endeavors. The implemented curriculum not only met the specific needs of the Primary Montessori school but also ensured that each child, upon completion, possessed the skills necessary for a smooth transition to any subsequent educational setting. The collaborative approach employed in the project enhanced the overall effectiveness of the curriculum, fostering a positive learning environment for both educators and students.
Relevant Skill Set
- Event planning and coordination
- Strategic planning
- Record keeping and reports
- Timetable, stationery order
- Logistics coordination
- Problem solving
- Training and mentorship
- Private tutoring and reading therapy
- Computer skills
- Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- System innovation and implementation
- Team building
- Stock take
- Ordering
- Budgeting
- Cash up
- Administration
- Time management
- Microsoft Sway
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Age
40
Marital Status
Divorced
Relevant Work Experience
- Principal
- Head of Department: Teaching
- Curriculum Developer
- Timetable Development, Scheduler
- Office Administrator
Children
- 14
- 16
References
- ROZANNE PEGG, O’Summit International, 076 503 1555
- Ruth Hodgkinson, The Willows Montessori, 083 642 2223
- Eugene Nagel, Chilli Pix Photography, 072 843 9243
- Connall Oosterbroek, Roots Advertising Agency, 084 517 2463
- Jason Fraiser, Universal Image, 083 556 7648
- Athele’ Oosterbroek, Top Deck Advertising Agency, 083 325 6704
Projects
Curriculum Development for Primary Montessori School, Learning and Training Specialist, [Specify the duration], Successfully led the creation of a comprehensive curriculum overview catering to children aged between 6 to 12 years old for a Primary Montessori school, aimed at facilitating a seamless transition into any schooling environment. The project involved the integration of multiple pedagogical perspectives, including CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement), Cambridge curriculum, AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) Curriculum, and SAMA (South African Montessori Association) Curriculum., Collaborated with the school principal, Head of Department (HOD), and conducted classroom observations at O’Summit International., Utilized insights from observations and discussions to design a user-friendly curriculum overview., Ensured the curriculum accommodated various teaching methodologies, making it accessible for teachers and assistants at different training levels., Facilitated successful implementation of the curriculum, promoting a standardized approach across all classrooms., Fostered a collaborative environment by working closely with the school leadership team., Demonstrated adaptability and innovation in incorporating diverse pedagogical perspectives., Contributed to the school's mission of providing a well-rounded education to prepare students for future academic endeavors., The implemented curriculum not only met the specific needs of the Primary Montessori school but also ensured that each child, upon completion, possessed the skills necessary for a smooth transition to any subsequent educational setting. The collaborative approach employed in the project enhanced the overall effectiveness of the curriculum, fostering a positive learning environment for both educators and students.
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