Self-regulation methods in the classroom, mindful, hands-on learning opportunities, real-world exposure for students through parent-led activities, field-trips and strengthening the home-school connection
Joanna Metcalfe
Summary
Talented Curriculum Coordinator effective at determining course plans, selecting curriculum and managing program implementation. Highly organised and thorough with a flexible mentality. Offering 15 years of teaching experience in Primary school international settings, with expertise in EAL education, child development and collaborative teaching methods. Confidently offers classroom instruction and personalised student support using a balance of traditional and modern approaches.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Elementary School Teacher
International School on the Rhine (ISR)
08.2024 - Current
- Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
- Taught core subjects of Math, English, Science, Social Studies, and Art.
- Prepared and administered grade-specific tests and examinations regulated by Cambridge Curriculum standards to monitor students' growth and to report progress to parents.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Coached, mentored and evaluated student teachers for progress against program objectives.
- Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
Primary School Teacher
The Perse School Singapore
01.2021 - 08.2024
- Company Overview: Rebranded Invictus in 2024
- Created and implemented lessons based on best practice pedagogy to promote student autonomy, reflective learning and intellectual curiosity.
- Developed a supportive, nurturing learning environment to support differentiation and inclusion in a multicultural setting.
- Planned a primary scheme of work based on the Cambridge International curriculum.
- Deployed phonetic instruction based on Sounds-Write methodology.
- Created formative and summative assessment to address students' learning needs.
- Used technology to enhance classroom instruction and improve the home-school relationship by sharing student progress with parents.
- Lead and supported co-curricular activities: Maths enrichment, paired reading, morning assembly, and cultural events.
- Attended regular CPD sessions on peer assessment; safeguarding and communicative apps: CPOMS and SeeSaw.
ESL Curriculum Lead
Komozawa Park International School
07.2016 - 06.2019
- ESL LEAD and CLASSROOM TEACHER
- Created and implemented lesson materials based on thematic, child-led pedagogy.
- Supported literacy needs with phonetic instruction using Jolly Phonics methodology.
- Developed outdoor-learning opportunities for an inquiry-based curriculum, including mathematical and scientific investigations.
- Guided learners in play-based learning with a growth mindset delivery.
- Attended regular CPD meetings and lead holiday camps.
Communications Specialist
Syneos Health
06.2016 - 06.2019
- Evaluated and trained employees in phonetic decoding of English terminology in a medical and marketing context.
- Developed educational programs to support ESL language development within the workforce, by encouraging 'English-hour' lunches and English language social events.
- Performed conference calls, transcription services and copywriting duties for medication inserts.
- Supported the marketing department with media relations, specifically digital and print media.
- Aligned US marketing values with the Japanese market.
Primary School Teacher (ESL Specialist)
Aoba-Japan International School
09.2009 - 06.2016
- ESL CURRICULUM and PHONICS LEAD
- Designed EAL curriculum for Japanese students according to state standards.
- Conducted pull-out enrichment classes in EAL literacy and phonetic instruction.
- Taught small group classes of 1-12 students.
- Fostered parental involvement in learning through PTA-run booths for school fairs and information sessions to support English language acquisition at home.
- Developed Schemes of Work related to oracy, writing, comprehension and exam preparation goals.
- Immersed students in unfamiliar cultures by devising hands-on activities.
Senior Marketing and Subscriptions Executive
Granta Publications
05.2008 - 07.2009
- Represented GRANTA (UK) at the Southbank Centre, Charleston Literary Festival and the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
- Identified trends and assessed opportunities to improve processes and execution.
- Developed marketing communications alongside in-house editors, PR departments and sales.
- Produced online content for the company website and social platforms.
- Planned events for company stakeholders, authors and media houses.
Primary School Teacher
Season Arts Educational Institute
02.2006 - 12.2007
- English language teacher at a bilingual school using the student-centred Reggio Emilia approach in Taiwan
- Ensured the individual needs of the Mandarin-speaking students were met with strong pastoral care and regular, effective parent-teacher communication
- Enabled students to become active, self-directed learners in a nurturing art-centric environment
- Led extracurricular activities such as morning yoga, Lego builds, and outdoor scavenger hunts
- Participated in school trips to Sun Moon Lake and nearby towns
Education
MA - Education
University of Sunderland
UK10.2023
PGCE -
University of Sunderland
UK12.2021
Postgraduate Honours - Marketing Management
University of South Africa
12.2009
Bachelor of Commerce - Marketing and Psychology
University of Witwatersrand
12.2005
Skills
- Interpersonal Communication
- Attention to Detail
- Calm under pressure
- Adaptability
- Teamwork
- Literacy strategies
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Cross-cultural communication
- Classroom technology
- Inclusive Settings
- Relationship building
Personal Information
- Place of Birth: South Africa
- Date of Birth: 01/02/83
- Nationality: British
Cpd
- Zones of Regulation
- Growth Mindset Strategies
- EAL and SEN
- First Aid
- Phonics (Sounds Write)
- Writing (Talk for Writing) (Kinetic Letters)
- Safeguarding
Interests
Timeline
Elementary School Teacher
International School on the Rhine (ISR)
08.2024 - Current
Primary School Teacher
The Perse School Singapore
01.2021 - 08.2024
ESL Curriculum Lead
Komozawa Park International School
07.2016 - 06.2019
Communications Specialist
Syneos Health
06.2016 - 06.2019
Primary School Teacher (ESL Specialist)
Aoba-Japan International School
09.2009 - 06.2016
Senior Marketing and Subscriptions Executive
Granta Publications
05.2008 - 07.2009
Primary School Teacher
Season Arts Educational Institute
02.2006 - 12.2007
Postgraduate Honours - Marketing Management
University of South Africa
MA - Education
University of Sunderland
PGCE -
University of Sunderland
Bachelor of Commerce - Marketing and Psychology
University of Witwatersrand
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