Zoe Lavell, from Upper Coomera State College, has already displayed outstanding skills in the classroom with her lesson delivery skills being shown on film across the campus as an example for exemplary beginning teaching.

Using the AITSL self-assessment tool, Zoe has mapped her progress against each of the teaching standards.  Together with this she identifies Essential Skills for the classroom Management and Explicit Instruction foci that she can hone and develop over a short-term period.

Zoe meets regularly with the school’s Pedagogical Leader and consistently applies feedback and improves her teaching practice to ensure her students are engaged and enjoying what they are learning.

She uses a range of resources, including ICT, embeds Reading Eggs, the use of a projector and mathematics-based concrete materials.  She designs and implements lessons across all key learning areas that are responsive to the varying abilities in her class.

Zoe regularly seeks advice on implementing programs to suit her students and has an increasingly broad knowledge of the year level curriculum using achievement standard and GTMJs.  Through collaboration with special education and language leaders and the Pedagogical Leader, Zoe reflects upon her teaching practice and lessons, modifying her resources and delivery. 

Her reflection on the College Annual Implementation Plan Priorities 2018 ensures that writing and reading principles are embedded in all lessons across all learning areas.

Zoe consistently manages behaviour in her classroom.  Throughout her lessons, Zoe rewards positive behaviour and implements a range of verbal and non-verbal cues to manage behaviour and elicit responses. 

Zoe has a genuine warmth for all her students and works to develop a rapport with them by celebrating their success with parents, taking the time to have lunch with them and accepting their need to take motor (for fine motor-skills) and brain-breaks when needed.
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Congratulations Zoe on your Queensland College of Teachers Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award nomination.