Joanna Klopper
Home Language Faculty Head and Senior Teacher
Johannesburg
Summary
Successful English Teacher with a passion for building engaging lesson plans and communicating ideas to foster student growth and a love for the subject. Expert in adapting course materials to meet IEB requirements and individual academic capabilities; motivating students to deliver their personal best.
Detail-orientated and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to achieve the goals of a holistic education.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Faculty Head and Senior English Teacher
Reddford House Northcliff
01.2022 - Current
- Create strong relationships with parents, keep them informed of their child's academic progress, involve them in goal-setting and keep them informed of assessment opportunities and weightings.
- Completed professional development, as well as conferences to stay current with educational trends and best practices.
- Creating in-service training opportunities for English department staff members, with a focus on critical thinking skills. Developing a scaffolding approach for Paper 1 and 2 skills to guide teaching towards the IEB Grade 12 requirements.
- Preparing students for tests and examinations emphasising the importance of practicing unpacking questions and topics, under timed, exam conditions.
- Designing detailed learning plans for struggling students based on individual needs and subject requirements..
- Fostering a positive learning environment through effective classroom management strategies, clear expectations, and consistent enforcement of rules.
- Mentoring junior teachers to support their professional growth, sharing insights from IEB marking sessions, as well as experience in the classroom.
- Providing one-on-one guidance for students with barriers to learning; creating study plans and methodologies.
Subject Head and Senior English Teacher
La Salle College
10.2019 - 12.2021
- Cultivated strong relationships with parents and students, keeping them informed on their child's academic progress and involving them in educational goal-setting processes.
- Increased student results, with a focus on building strong foundations through regular monitoring of progress, providing personalised feedback.
- Supported students in developing skills through online learning during the Covid period. Created video lessons and activities that allowed for the completion of the Shakespeare set works, in particular.
- Use of IEB resources to create a clear idea of the subject's requirements; encouraged collaboration amongst students to create a safe learning environment.
Head of Department and Senior Teacher
Trinityhouse Little Falls
01.2015 - 09.2019
- Participated in school-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall instructional quality across content areas.
- Created project-based learning activities for real-world application of concepts, enhancing student understanding and retention.
- Fostered a classroom environment that encouraged open communication, respect for diversity, and personal responsibility among students.
- Attended professional development workshops and conferences to stay current with educational trends and best practices. Implementation of inquiry-based lessons that challenged students' critical thinking skills while addressing various learning styles that allowed for critical thinking skills.
- Supported students, as a Grade Head, in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Utilized data-driven instruction methods to identify areas of improvement and adjust teaching strategies accordingly.
- Assisted with curriculum planning and material selection.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies; created a strong and successful English department.
English Teacher
Allen Glen High School
01.2011 - 12.2014
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to remain current on educational trends and research-based strategies for instruction. Mentorship provided from Head of Department proved invaluable.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and hands-on activities in lessons.
- Served as an advisor for extracurricular clubs or organizations, contributing to the overall development of well-rounded students.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Improved classroom management by implementing consistent routines and clear expectations for behaviour.
- Prepared comprehensive English curriculum for multiple classes.
English Teacher
Glenvista High School
01.2008 - 12.2010
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Led after-school extra lessons for students needing extra support or enrichment opportunities; created a smaller group environment in which more introverted students could ask for assistance.
- Developed strong relationships with parents and guardians, allowing for open communication regarding student progress and needs.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop teaching methodologies, resulting in enriched learning experiences for students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Assessed student progress and provided feedback to improve performance and establish academic success.
Education
Post Graduate Certificate in Education - English
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Training and Courses
21stCentury Critical Thinking Skills
Inquiry Based Learning
First Aid Level 1
Educare Courses for International Schools
IEB Assessors Course
IEB Moderators Course
Responsibilites and Co-curricular Activities
Grade Head Responsibilities
Grades 8-10 Tutor with the role of mentoring a first-time tutor.
Design and implementation of the Grade 8 Orientation Programme and Examination Guidance.
Involvement with Grade 9 Subject Choice.
Management of the Grade 10 year – overseeing student performance and meeting parents with regards to discipline, work ethic and subject choices.
Facilitation of and attendance at school camps and tours.
Public Speaking (Teacher in Charge)
Drama: House Plays (Teacher in Charge)
Major Production – Grease and High School Musical (Director)
Talent Show (Teacher in Charge)
Cultural Assembly (Teacher in Charge)
Eisteddfod Entries (Assistant)
Debutantes and Squires Ball (Assistant)
Girls’ Hockey Manager (1 year role to assist the school)
Swimming (Assistant Coach)
Member of the Colours Committee
Timeline
Faculty Head and Senior English Teacher
Reddford House Northcliff
01.2022 - Current
Subject Head and Senior English Teacher
La Salle College
10.2019 - 12.2021
Head of Department and Senior Teacher
Trinityhouse Little Falls
01.2015 - 09.2019
English Teacher
Allen Glen High School
01.2011 - 12.2014
English Teacher
Glenvista High School
01.2008 - 12.2010
Post Graduate Certificate in Education - English
University of Johannesburg
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Johannesburg
04.2001 -
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