Karena Bowman
Moncton,NB
Summary
Industrious, innovative, and caring educator with over 20 years experience teaching in Independent and Public School settings. Solid history of successfully stepping into diverse classroom environments and supporting students with well-planned lessons, discussions and activities. Ability to implement classroom management techniques to enhance student success. Trained in assessment and reporting requirements as per the B.C. Ministry of Education curriculum. Proficient in parent communication. Passionate about inquiry and project based learning. Whole-heartedly believe in the tremendous benefits of a learning environment that includes Arts in Education.
"Children do well if they can" Dr. Ross Greene
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher
Riverbend Community School
08.2023 - Current
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Increased student literacy rates by implementing targeted reading strategies in individualized instruction plans.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had equal opportunity for success.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
Vice Principal
Murrayville Academy
01.2015 - 06.2023
- Worked closely with Principal for day-to-day running of school as well as key decision making.
- Met with parents to discuss student performance and behavioral issues.
- Supported hiring, training, and disciplinary action in compliance with legal guidelines and requirements.
- Enforced disciplinary policy for both students and faculty.
- Maintained records for school and B.C.Ministry of Education requirements.
- Reviewed and selected curriculum and technology resources.
- Monitored student progress and implemented intervention strategies to support student success.
- Modeled expected and appropriate leadership to promote teaching staff and administrative personnel's positive interaction with students and families.
- Oversaw scheduling, orientation and other support areas.
Teacher
Murrayville Academy
01.2015 - 06.2023
- Kept students on-task with proactive and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Kept students engaged through whole-brain and kinesthetic teaching techniques.
- Assessed students to measure academic proficiency and understanding, providing guidance for areas of improvement.
- Participated in parent teacher and student-led conferences to discuss developments, celebrate learning of students, and increase support.
- Modified/adapted lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs such as, flexible seating options and brain breaks.
- Planned and implemented engaging lessons to meet B.C. Ministry of Education curriculum requirements
- Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
- Increased educational knowledge by participating in regular professional development.
- Implemented inquiry/project based learning to foster wonder and curiosity and to encourage student ownership and voice.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
Guidance and Communications
Glenburnie School
09.2008 - 06.2014
- Developed strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked closely with administration to develop and implement student guidance plans to foster social, behavioural and academic success.
- Provided intervention in response to emergencies, employing existing trust, and rapport to deescalate situations.
- Gathered necessary paperwork and applications for students to initiate enrollment process for high school.
- Led campus tours and met with prospective families.
- Identified and addressed concerns of incoming students and parents.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to emphasize bullying prevention and high school readiness.
- Regularly met with enrolled students to maintain positive rapport and success and identify problem areas.
- Maintained positive relationships with students, faculty, alumni, and administration.
- Helped students develop organizational, time management and study skills.
- Collaborated with parents, school faculty and social workers to address problems and grow student success.
- Collaborated with parents and teachers to help students reach potential.
Drama Teacher
Glenburnie School
06.2004 - 06.2014
- Planned and implemented drama lessons adhering to Ontario Ministry of Education, Arts in Education curriculum
- Facilitated lessons for students in pre-school to Grade 8
- Implemented effective classroom management techniques to provide safe, yet fun learning environment.
- Planned lessons to reflect group and individual student needs utilizing creative instruction.
- Evaluated student assignments and projects with comments to guide future growth.
- Held afterschool meetings and rehearsals in preparation for shows.
- Produced 2 theatrical performances each year.
- Attended department meetings and collaborated with other fine arts teachers.
- Scheduled shows and performances in accordance with school calendar.
- Demonstrated strong communication, organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Founder and Director Arts Express
Arts Express
07.1995 - 05.2004
- Founded company that facilitates arts in eduction opportunities for students and educators through in-studio classes, after-school sessions, in-class workshops, and professional development.
- Shaped solutions and approaches by leveraging trends in customer marketplaces and industries.
- Secured sufficient funds to cover business obligations by tracking expenses and budgeting accurately.
- Created and monitored promotional approaches to increase sales and profit levels.
- Established organizational mission statement through extensive collaboration and review.
- Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Developed innovative sales and marketing strategies to facilitate business expansion.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Worked with accountant and book keeper to prepare annual budgets with controls to prevent overages.
- Created organization's mission and vision statements for use by employees.
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
- Founded performance- and merit-based evaluation system to assess staff performance.
- Oversaw marketing, advertising and new program development.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with customers and partners.
- Established, optimized and enforced business policies to maintain consistency across industry operations.
- Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
- Devised and presented business plans and forecasts to advisory board.
Education
Drama and Theatre Arts
George Brown College
Toronto, ONEarly Childhood Education
Loyalist College
Belleville, ONSupervisory Skills-Levels 1, 2, &3
Fraser Valley Continuing Education
Langley, BCEntrepreneurial Studies
Business Development Centre
Toronto, ONSkills
- Grades and subjects taught: Kindergarten, K/1, 4/5, K-5 Core French, 6/7Novel Study and Health and Career, K-8 Drama
- Student-Centered Learning
- Group and Individual Instruction
- Online Learning Platforms during Covid
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Social-Emotional Learning Training
- Positive Atmosphere Promotion
- Team Teaching and Collaboration
- Directed over 20 school plays
- Driven and dedicated
Additional Information
-Professional Development including, but not limited to: Mean Girls, Boys on the Edge, Erase Bullying and Digital Threat Assessment, Elementary literacy programs such as, Science of Reading, Heggerty phonics, Introduction to Orton Gillingham, Ignite Literacy, J'adore Francais!, and Think Langley Kindergarten Conference.
-Developed and facilitated a program entitled, "Smart Moves" to help girls learn to be more supportive of girls and to provide guidance in situations of relational aggression
-Served on several Board of Directors including: Cow over Moon Theatre, Meadowvale Music Theatre, Arts Etobicoke, and Lower Mainland Synchronized Skating Club
-Governance Training
-Past member of the Chamber of Commerce in Toronto and Oakville, Ontario
-Past member of Rotary International -Etobicoke, Ontario
-Served as PAC President for 2 years
Timeline
Teacher
Riverbend Community School
08.2023 - Current
Vice Principal
Murrayville Academy
01.2015 - 06.2023
Teacher
Murrayville Academy
01.2015 - 06.2023
Guidance and Communications
Glenburnie School
09.2008 - 06.2014
Drama Teacher
Glenburnie School
06.2004 - 06.2014
Founder and Director Arts Express
Arts Express
07.1995 - 05.2004
Drama and Theatre Arts
George Brown College
Early Childhood Education
Loyalist College
Supervisory Skills-Levels 1, 2, &3
Fraser Valley Continuing Education
Entrepreneurial Studies
Business Development Centre
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