Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Publications And Personal Achievements
Professional Development
References
Timeline
Generic
Jillian Ma

Jillian Ma

Coquitlam,BC

Summary

Dynamic Inclusive Education Teacher with extensive experience in diverse learning environments, adept at curriculum adaptation and fostering cross-cultural communication to ensure equitable learning opportunities for all students. Proven track record in developing individualized education plans and implementing positive behavior support strategies, enhancing student engagement and success. Committed mentor, empowering colleagues through collaborative practices and trauma-informed approaches.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Summer School Teacher (Art, Grades 2 & 3)

Burnaby School District 41
Burnaby, Canada
09.2012 - Current
  • Delivered the district’s visual arts curriculum, emphasizing foundational art skills, creativity, and self-expression suitable for primary grade students
  • Created a safe and inclusive classroom atmosphere that encouraged artistic exploration and valued diverse student perspectives
  • Designed and facilitated engaging, hands-on projects that promoted critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving
  • Assessed student progress and provided constructive feedback to support artistic growth and confidence

Inclusive Education Teacher (Elementary Generalist / Learning Support)

Burnaby School District 41
Burnaby, Canada
07.2012 - Current
  • Design and implement individualized instructional strategies that address the unique learning needs of students with diverse exceptionalities, ensuring full access to the BC Ministry of Education curriculum
  • Lead the development, implementation, and continuous review of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in collaboration with School-Based Teams, including parents, educators, and allied professionals
  • Conduct Functional Behavioral Assessments and develop Positive Behavior Support plans to promote positive student behaviors and academic engagement
  • Collaborate closely with classroom teachers to provide consultative support, sharing best practices in inclusive pedagogy and behavior management
  • Facilitate open communication with families, providing regular updates and resources to support student learning and well-being at home
  • Coordinate with speech-language pathologists, school psychologists, and other specialists to deliver comprehensive student support
  • Provide mentorship and professional guidance to new and less experienced learning support teachers, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement

Inclusive Education Teacher (Learning Enhancement Program: Autism, Maternity Leave Coverage)

Burnaby School District 41
Burnaby, Canada
09.2022 - 10.2022
  • Delivered tailored 1:1 and small group instruction for students with autism, behavioral challenges, and medical needs within a specialized district program
  • Worked collaboratively with classroom teachers, educational assistants, counselors, and parents to identify student needs and develop individualized support plans
  • Conducted and supported Functional Behavioral Assessments and Individual Education Plans, analyzing student data to adapt interventions effectively
  • Led student review meetings and contributed to transition planning for students advancing between grade levels and educational settings
  • Managed administrative duties, including scheduling and documentation to ensure program compliance and effectiveness

Instructor

Daybreak Consulting
Burnaby, Canada
09.2012 - 01.2014
  • Developed and implemented individualized programs aimed at improving children’s functional skills for participation in home, school, and community settings
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams including behaviour consultants, speech-language pathologists, and clinical counsellors to coordinate services
  • Provided family coaching and support to enhance understanding and implementation of developmental strategies
  • Maintained detailed documentation of sessions and progress to ensure service quality and accountability

Learning Support Teacher / ELL (Kindergarten)

New Westminster School District
New Westminster, Canada
09.2012 - 06.2013
  • Delivered targeted support for English Language Learners focusing on language acquisition, literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development in kindergarten
  • Applied Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to create accessible and differentiated learning experiences
  • Conducted ongoing formative assessments to monitor student progress and adjusted instruction accordingly
  • Collaborated with classroom teachers, resource staff, and settlement workers to provide integrated ELL supports
  • Engaged families by communicating progress and providing resources to support language development at home

Educational Assistant 3 (Autism Support)

Burnaby School District 41
Burnaby, Canada
02.2011 - 06.2012
  • Supported students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in classroom and community settings to enhance learning and social skills
  • Assisted with the planning and implementation of Individual Education Plans, utilizing positive behavior support strategies
  • Provided personal care assistance as needed, ensuring student dignity and comfort
  • Collected data on student progress and maintained communication logs to inform instructional adjustments
  • Served as mentor to practicum students, supporting their professional development

Education

Postgraduate Certificate - Inclusive Education

Queen’s University
Ontario
01.2020

Bachelor of Education - Elementary

University of Alberta
Alberta
01.2011

TESL/TESOL/TEFL Certification -

Oxford Seminars
Edmonton, AB
01.2010

Bachelor of Arts - Double Major in Psychology and Sociology (Cooperative Education)

University of Alberta
Alberta
01.2008

Skills

  • Curriculum adaptation
  • Differentiated instruction
  • Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
  • Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)
  • Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
  • Assistive technology
  • ESL/ELL Instruction
  • Cross-Cultural Communication
  • Bilingual Communication
  • Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI)
  • Trauma-Informed Practices
  • Behavioural Regulation Strategies
  • Inclusive pedagogy
  • Student assessment
  • Mentorship and training

References

Available upon request

Publications And Personal Achievements

  • Author of four children’s books, including two autism-focused titles, with a book launched at the 2025 Hong Kong Book Fair and translated into Chinese
  • Featured guest on 'She Talks Radio' (2017) discussing inclusive education and autism awareness
  • Conducted book readings and signings at schools and bookstores, promoting literacy and inclusion

Professional Development

  • Presenter, Burnaby School District Professional Development Day, 2018–2025
  • Attendee, National Autism Conference (TACA), 2017 (yearly)
  • Certified in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), 2025
  • Ongoing professional training, Literacy and mathematics instruction, Assessment and curriculum design, Social emotional learning and mental health, Assistive technology and inclusive practices, Indigenous education and cultural competency, 2012–present

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Inclusive Education Teacher (Learning Enhancement Program: Autism, Maternity Leave Coverage)

Burnaby School District 41
09.2022 - 10.2022

Summer School Teacher (Art, Grades 2 & 3)

Burnaby School District 41
09.2012 - Current

Instructor

Daybreak Consulting
09.2012 - 01.2014

Learning Support Teacher / ELL (Kindergarten)

New Westminster School District
09.2012 - 06.2013

Inclusive Education Teacher (Elementary Generalist / Learning Support)

Burnaby School District 41
07.2012 - Current

Educational Assistant 3 (Autism Support)

Burnaby School District 41
02.2011 - 06.2012

Postgraduate Certificate - Inclusive Education

Queen’s University

Bachelor of Education - Elementary

University of Alberta

TESL/TESOL/TEFL Certification -

Oxford Seminars

Bachelor of Arts - Double Major in Psychology and Sociology (Cooperative Education)

University of Alberta

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Jillian Ma