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Sandra Aleman

Coolangatta State school
Since 2015 Sandra Aleman has been supporting students, teachers and families at Coolangatta State School as Special Education teacher. 

This year she has led the introduction of the Zones of Regulation to support all students and staff in social and emotional learning and wellbeing. 

In addition to catering for the complexities of ASD students and those with a high level of anxiety, she has helped a cerebral palsy student and a Down syndrome student by researching best practice and adapting her pedagogy to meet the school context.

“She has transformed practices at the school to an inclusive, personalised, holistic model where all students are supported,” principal Sharyn Mahony said.
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Utilising the Australian Curriculum, Literacy continuum and the school pedagogical frameworks, Sandra develops personalised learning plans.  She also develops behaviour plans and risk assessment plans as needed and uses One School to record all assessments and progress.

Sandra has implemented systems to support students with anxiety and behaviour needs by providing places of supervised retreat, suitable seating and personalised tool boxes, with strategies to assist students to calm, settle and focus, including the use of earphones, fidget toys and visual cues.

This has led to happier, calmer children who are readier to learn and be more engaged, and this in turn has meant less class disruption.

“These strategies have resulted in a cultural mind-shift in the understanding of inclusivity and the needs of some learners and has been embraced by teachers and students,” Sharyn said.

Sandra also leads the Student Welfare Action Team (SWAT) and works together with the team, class teachers, parents, the principal, guidance officer and chaplain to prioritise all student needs. 
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She works with all stakeholders to write and submit verifications, Education Adjustment Program (EAP) profiles and AIMS records, as well as individualised learning or behaviour plans.

“She values each child for the person they are, builds on their strengths and encourages and supports them to grow as a learner, and celebrates their achievements.  She has the passion and drive to do whatever it takes for students who require additional support services to feel safe and happy and engaged at school,” Sharyn explained.
​
Congratulations Sandra on your nomination. 
Queensland College of Teachers
Level 5, 601 Coronation Drive
​Toowong Qld 4066
Call (07) 3377 4777
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  • Home
    • TEACHX AWARDS >
      • Beginning to Teach Award Nominees 2019
      • 2019 TEACHX Winners
      • 2019 TEACHX Finalists
      • 2019 TEACHX Nominees >
        • OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO SCHOOL COMMUNITY AWARD NOMINEES 2019
        • Excellence in Teaching Award Nominees 2019
        • Innovation in Teaching Award Nominees 2019
        • Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning Award Nominees 2019
        • Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Award Nominees 2019
  • Teacher Stories
    • Teaching graduates meet tough standards
    • Rachel Downie
    • The importance of teachers
    • Marsden State High School has the answer to keeping beginning teachers in the classroom
    • Exceptional support for early career teachers in Far North Queensland
    • QBECT
    • 2018 Awards >
      • 2018 Winners
      • 2018 Finalists
      • 2018 Nominees >
        • Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award
        • Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning Award
        • Excellence in Teaching Award
        • Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Award
        • Outstanding Contribution to School Community Award
    • 2017 Awards >
      • 2017 Winners
      • 2017finalists
      • 2017 nominees >
        • Excellence in Beginning to Teach
        • Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning
        • Excellence in Teaching
        • Outstanding Contribution to Teaching
    • 2016 Awards >
      • Excellence in Beginning to Teach
      • Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning
      • Excellence in Teaching
      • Outstanding Contribution to Teaching
    • HAT and LT >
      • Meet the Assessors
      • Ruth Graham
      • Tracey Peden
      • Helen and Dwayne
      • Carly Sopronick
      • Jessica Roberts
      • Jessica Roth
    • OAM >
      • Kathryn George, OAM
      • Keith Graham, OAM
      • Dr Judith Grimes, OAM
      • Michael Goodwin, OAM
      • Steve Parle, OAM
      • Dr Lyn Bishop, OAM
      • Dr Catherine Day, OAM
    • Taryn Gollshewsky
    • Vanuatu
    • NAIDOC >
      • NAIDOC Week 2017
      • NAIDOC Week 2016
    • QLD Day >
      • Bundaberg East State School
      • St Catherine's Catholic College
      • Mornington Island State School
      • Queensland Week 2016
    • ANZAC
  • Claire Cummins
  • Anxiety and trauma―an expert’s advice