Yolandi Watkins
Gordon,South Africa
Summary
Dedicated educator with expertise in curriculum knowledge and age-appropriate lesson planning, fostering inclusive teaching practices and positive reinforcement. Skilled in kinesthetic learning and creative lesson planning, with a strong understanding of child psychology and behaviour management. Committed to facilitating creative thinking and collaboration with parents, and trained in special educational needs and first aid. Aspires to further enhance inclusive education and support diverse learning needs.
Takes on challenging new role harnessing interpersonal skills, collaboration and problem-solving. Driven to deliver high-quality service and consistent results.
Loyal and hard-working employee
with strong organizational skills. Achieves company goals through exceptional planning and prioritisation.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
2004
2004
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Foundation Phase Teacher
St Peters Academy
Strand, Western Cape
01.2017 - Current
- Utilised technology in classrooms for interactive learning experiences.
- Collaborated effectively with other foundation phase teachers to share best practices.
- Adapted teaching methods to meet individual student needs, promoting inclusivity and differentiation.
- Assisted students in developing critical thinking skills via problem-solving activities.
- Created fun displays and resources to improve pupil engagement and enjoyment.
Special education teacher
The Dream Tree School for Children with Autism
Somerset West, Western Cape
01.2013 - 12.2016
- Developed personalised education plans, ensuring each child's unique educational needs were met.
- Communicated effectively with parents about student progress and potential areas for improvement.
- Participated actively in professional development workshops, stayed abreast with latest pedagogical trends.
- Coordinated with therapists and counsellors to ensure overall well-being of the pupils.
- Collaborated with other professionals for holistic development of students with special needs.
- Taught self-help skills to students with hearing, sight and other impairments.
Special education teacher
Vergezicht Private School
Somerset West, Western Cape
01.2008 - 12.2011
- Stimulated curiosity and interest in subjects through use of multi-sensory teaching aids.
- Managed classroom effectively, creating safe and nurturing environment for learners.
- Facilitated parent-teacher conferences, worked towards addressing concerns collaboratively.
- Coordinated with therapists and counsellors to ensure overall well-being of the pupils.
- Participated actively in professional development workshops, stayed abreast with latest pedagogical trends.
- Fostered inclusive learning environment by tailoring teaching methods to individual student needs.
- Collaborated with other professionals for holistic development of students with special needs.
- Ensured compliance with national curriculum standards whilst developing lesson plans for special education students.
Pre-School Teacher
Somerstrand College
Strand, Western Cape
01.2006 - 12.2007
- Inspired a love of learning with engaging lesson plans and activities.
- Collaborated with colleagues on pedagogical approaches to improve teaching practice across the team.
- Supported children's development with learning-through-play activities, aiding social, emotional and educational growth.
Early years educator
Portman Early Childhood Centre
London, England, UK
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Facilitated holistic child development, creating an inclusive learning environment for all pupils.
- Participated actively in continuous professional development sessions, boosting teaching competency levels over time.
- Maintained a tidy, organised environment to facilitate optimal learning outcomes.
- Adapted activities to support Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) pupils.
Education
Post Graduate Certificate in Education - Education
UNISA
South Africa 01.2006 - 11.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
UNISA
South Africa 01.2000 - 10.2003
National Senior Certificate Matric -
Senior Certificate Matric
Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-NatalSkills
- Curriculum knowledge
- First Aid trained
- Creative thinking facilitation
- Child psychology understanding
- Special educational needs training
Languages
Afrikaans Home Language
Fluent
English
Fluent
Affiliations
- Self-development, Sport, Nature and Healthy Living
Certification
- SACE Certificate - 1184273
- First Aid Certificate September 2024 - St Johns
- Reading Intervention August 2024 - Macmillan Campus
- Inclusive Classroom August 2023 - Macmillan Campus
- Phonemic Awareness Seminar - July 2021
- Mind Moves Institute - March 2016
(Neuroscience of learning, development, behaviour, uniqueness and delays)
- CAPS training - July 2015
- On Spectrum (Autism) Behaviour Management - October 2014
- Identifying Speech and Language Difficulty - May 2014
- IACESA Cognitive Education Seminar - May 2014
- Course Participation in Professional Development - London 2004 (Autism, ADD, ADHD, Behavioural Management)
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) Training - 2005
(Makaton, Deaf Awareness, PEC (picture exchange system) TEACCH, FLOOR)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Foundation Phase Teacher
St Peters Academy
01.2017 - Current
Special education teacher
The Dream Tree School for Children with Autism
01.2013 - 12.2016
Special education teacher
Vergezicht Private School
01.2008 - 12.2011
Pre-School Teacher
Somerstrand College
01.2006 - 12.2007
Post Graduate Certificate in Education - Education
UNISA
01.2006 - 11.2007
Early years educator
Portman Early Childhood Centre
01.2004 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
UNISA
01.2000 - 10.2003
National Senior Certificate Matric -
Senior Certificate Matric
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