LIZA THOMSEN
Calgary
Summary
Passionate Teacher with experience developing and implementing diverse curriculums covering wide range of subjects. Highly skilled at motivating students through positive encouragement and reinforcement of concepts via interactive classroom instruction and observation. Successful in helping students develop strong literacy, numeracy, social and learning skills. Compassionate, creative and effective Teacher with valuable experience in classroom administration, professional development and project planning. Equipped with extensive background in versatile education environments. Student-centric instructor and academic facilitator. Competent at performing independently or as member of teaching team. Well-versed in classroom and online technologies.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Humanities 7
W.G. Murdoch School
08.2023 - 06.2024
- Created a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Incorporated Universal Design for Learning in all lesson planning.
- Included Indigenous Ways of Knowing into curriculum outcomes with Rocky View Schools Indigenous Learning Specialists with a focus on Alberta learner competencies and curricular outcomes.
- Collaborated with Rocky View Schools Learning Specialist for Level Up Inquiry Unit Plan.
- Embedded "Cultivating Student Agency to Develop Creative & Critical Readers and Writers" into lesson and unit planning.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with all learning abilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Implemented positive behavior interventions and supports strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Assessment rubrics relating to learner outcomes.
- Real-time reporting using formative and summative assessment feedback.
Drama 10, 20, 30, 8 & 9
W.G. Murdoch School
08.2023 - 06.2024
- Created a student centered program.
- Lead role in mainstage production, overseeing directing, performance, and technical elements.
- Students wrote and created their own plays for an invited audience.
- First time Rocky View Lodge was invited to see plays and gave positive feedback.
- Maintain a positive and productive learning environment, while encouraging all students to participate.
Grade 6 Literacy Support
W.G. Murdoch School
02.2024 - 06.2024
- Created a safe and nurturing environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Provided small group support for students with all learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their literacy skills.
- Developed comprehensive reading strategies to improve student engagement and comprehension.
- Applied differentiated reading techniques to meet individual student needs.
Art 8 & 9
W.G. Murdoch School
02.2024 - 06.2024
- Incorporated Indigenous Ways of Knowing with the Niitoyis (Blackfoot for Tipi) Project which is a collaboration between Clarence Wolfleg Jr. and myself.
- Created a program of studies relating to learner outcomes.
- Developed learner activities with a specific budget.
- Delivered a program with consideration for all learners.
- Assisted with the Spring Art Show and Sale.
Study Skills 7
W.G. Murdoch School
08.2023 - 01.2024
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
English 10-1
Chestermere High School
01.2023 - 06.2023
- Received recognition from the Rocky View School Superintendent of Schools, Greg Luterbach, for teaching.
- Incorporated Indigenous Ways of Knowing for the Level Up Inquiry Project with Elder Saa'Kokoto as a classroom guest.
- Collaborated with Rocky View Schools Learning Specialist for Level Up Inquiry Unit Plan with a focus on Alberta learner competencies and curricular outcomes.
- Promoted skill development in reading, writing, speaking, and listening through various instructional methods tailored to individual needs.
- Adapted lesson plans to accommodate different learning styles and abilities within the classroom setting for optimal comprehension of material covered.
- Used effective teaching techniques and learning strategies in translating lesson plans into productive student learning experiences.
- Cultivated a positive learning environment by fostering open communication, mutual respect, and active listening skills among students.
- Incorporated Rocky View Schools assessment rubrics relating to learner outcomes.
- Provided formative and summative feedback for learning.
English 20-2, 20-2, 30-2 & Social Studies 30
Summit Trails Online High School
11.2022 - 12.2022
- Promoted skill development in reading, writing, speaking, and listening through various instructional methods tailored to individual needs.
- Adapted lesson plans to accommodate different learning styles and abilities within the classroom setting for optimal comprehension of material covered.
- Cultivated a positive learning environment by fostering open communication, mutual respect, and active listening skills among students.
- Used effective teaching techniques and learning strategies in translating lesson plans into productive student learning experiences.
Learning Support Teacher
Chestermere High School
10.2022 - 11.2022
- Monitored student progress in their studies.
- Delivered diverse Knowledge and Employability English class.
- Focused on Universal Design for Learning for students with all abilities.
World Geography 30 & General Sociology 20
Summit Trails Online High School
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Supported students in understanding the course material through online format only.
- Contacted students and parents through emails, zoom calls, and telephone calls
- Provided one-on-one support for students with all abilities.
Art 10, 20, 30
Summit Trails Online High School
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Incorporated Indigenous Ways of Knowing with learning about Canadian Indigenous artists.
- Created an engaging art program for all students with no budget.
- My current program is used for the Rocky View Schools online art course.
- Created a virtual art show for everyone to view.
- Contributed to a positive relationships with students and parents through emails, telephone calls, and zoom sessions.
- Discovered ways of embedding Universal Design For Learning for online learners.
English 10-2
Chestermere High School
08.2021 - 01.2022
- Promoted skill development in reading, writing, speaking, and listening through various instructional methods tailored to individual needs.
- Adapted lesson plans to accommodate different learning styles and abilities within the classroom setting for optimal comprehension of material covered.
- Used effective teaching techniques and learning strategies in translating lesson plans into productive student learning experiences
- Cultivated a positive learning environment by fostering open communication, mutual respect, and active listening skills among students.
Career and Life Management
Chestermere High School
08.2021 - 01.2022
- Collaborated with teachers for guest speakers.
- Real-life practical skills were demonstrated for student learning.
- 100 percent of students having success in passing the course.
Cosmetology
Chestermere High School
08.2021 - 01.2022
- Extreme safely procedures and protocols as this was taught during Covid 19.
- First time allowing Learning Support Students in Cosmetology.
- Continuously improved technical skills through regular practice sessions, allowing for increased confidence in performing advanced cosmetology procedures.
- Demonstrated proficiency in various cosmetology skills, ensuring high-quality results for each student.
- Enhanced student learning by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world examples in cosmetology lessons.
- Understanding of modules in a Career and Technology Studies course.
Art 10, 20, 30
Rocky View Schools Online School
02.2021 - 06.2021
- Incorporated Indigenous Ways of Knowing with the Niitoyis (Blackfoot for Tipi) Project which is a collaboration between Clarence Wolfleg Jr. and myself.
- Provided an enriched High School Art program relating to learner outcomes.
- Collaborated with Learning Lead on art rubrics relating to new Rocky View School's learner outcomes.
- Worked with Learning Lead focusing on student engagement for online learning.
- Program was successful with no budget.
Film and Media Art 15, 25, 35
Rocky View Schools Online School
02.2021 - 06.2021
- Created an engaging online program for students to complete at home.
- Program consisted on no budget.
- Included collaboration with students and families.
- Worked with Learning Lead on student engagement.
- My program is currently used for online Rocky View Schools film class.
Cosmetology
Chestermere High School
09.2020 - 01.2021
- Continuously improved technical skills through regular practice sessions, allowing for increased confidence in performing advanced cosmetology procedures.
- Demonstrated proficiency in various cosmetology skills, ensuring high-quality results for each student.
- Enhanced student learning by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world examples in cosmetology lessons.
- Adhered to strict Covid 19 protocols for the Rocky View School Division.
Grade 6 and 8 French as a Second Language
C.W. Perry School
08.2019 - 06.2020
- Enhanced student learning by using drama as a foundation. Students learnt the material and acted out in small and large group settings.
- Enhanced students' language proficiency by utilizing diverse teaching methods and materials.
- Increased student confidence through regular feedback and personalized instruction.
- Developed and taught French as a Second Language curriculum to improve students' conversational abilities.
Grade 8 Science
C.W. Perry School
08.2019 - 06.2020
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with all abilities to be successful in their learning.
- Supplied spcialized activities for learning support students.
Learning Support Teacher
C.W. Perry School
08.2019 - 06.2020
- Collaborated with teaching colleagues to develop curriculum aligned with course learner outcomes.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing online classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Communicated positively with students, teachers, and families.
Grade 6 Forensic Science and Amazing Race Option
C.W. Perry School
08.2019 - 06.2020
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations and consistently enforcing rules and consequences.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Created engaging Career and Technology Foundations studies courses.
Work Experience
W.H. Croxford High School
02.2018 - 06.2018
- Supported the Assistant Principal with completing the Work Experience Program.
- Invited Green Certificate Program for the first time to W.H. Croxford school.
- Increased the Registered Apprentice Program enrollment.
- Contributed to a positive team environment by collaborating with the learning community.
- Gained valuable experience working within the community.
- Sorted and organized files, spreadsheets, and reports.
- Ensured student success in completing course and graduation requirements.
Dance 9 & Music Appreciation 9
W.H. Croxford High School
02.2018 - 06.2018
- Created engaging programs for students relating to learner outcomes.
- Volunteered for dance and music extracurricular activities for the school.
- Foster positive relationships with students and the learning community.
Learning Support
W.H. Croxford High School
02.2018 - 06.2018
- Provided essential learning support to aid student success.
- Implemented a variety of accommodations, including visual schedules and modified materials, to support students'' diverse learning needs effectively.
- Collaborated with teachers for delivering support.
- Provided individualized support to students with diverse learning needs, fostering an inclusive classroom environment.
- Monitored student progress and provided learning support for students.
- Participated in professional development activities to stay current on educational trends and enhance skills as a Learning Support teacher.
Substitute Teacher
Rocky View Schools
08.2016 - 06.2019
- Preferred substitute teacher by several teachers in the Rocky View School Division.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
Education
Bachelor of Education (Master of Teaching Program) - Secondary Education
University of Calgary
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Drama
University of Lethbridge
Skills
- Superintendent of Schools, Greg Luterbach, Recognition Letter of Teaching at Rocky View Schools
- Rocky View Student Showcase: Level Up Calgary Season 2 Minecraft Design Challenge Presentation to Rocky View Schools Board of Trustees
- Level Up Season2 Division 4 Winner & Level Up Season 3 Division 3 Finalists
- Recognized for incorporating Indigenous Ways of Knowing into course development at Rocky View Schools
- Curricular development for Online Art and Film Studies
- Teacher for in-person and online delivering engaging courses
Course Certifications
- Certificate in French Language and Culture - FSL Foundations, University of Calgary, 03/2021
- Introduction to Literacy and Numeracy Progressions e-course, Calgary Regional Consortium, 12/2021
- Inside Learning Disabilities for Educators Course, 03/2019
- Education for Reconciliation: Assembling Strength, eCourse, Calgary Regional Consortium, 03/2018
- First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Collaborative Community "Education for Reconciliation and Calls to Action", Calgary Regional Consortium, 11/2017 - 06/2018
- Mental Health First Aid Canada Certification, 09/2018
Professional References
- Lisa Schultz, Assistant Principal, Chestermere High School, (403) 701-8808, lschultz@rockyview.ab.ca
- Christian Robertson, Principal, Chestermere High School, (403)272-8868, crrobertson@rockyview.ab.ca
- David Smith, Principal, Summit Trails Online High School, (403)945-4197, davidsmith@rockyview.ab.ca
- Erhayat Ozcan, Former Assistant Principal, Chestermere High School, (403)948-5969, eozcan@rockyview.ab.ca
- Alison Turner, Learning Specialist - Technology, Rocky View Schools, aturner@rockyview.ab.ca
Professional Development
- Cultivating Student Agency to Develop Creative & Critical Readers and Writers, Rocky View Schools, 10/2023 - 04/2024
- Divisional Writing Assessment Tools, Rocky View Schools, 10/2023
- Minecraft Education Inquiry collaborating with RVS Learning Specialists, Rocky View Schools, 12/2022 - 06/2023
- Blanket Exercise with Elder Saa'kokoto, Rocky View Schools, 03/17/2023
- Digital Storytelling, Palliser Teacher's Convention, 02/23/2023
- Where Do I Start? Differentiated Instruction and Assessment, Palliser Teacher's Convention, 02/2023
- Write On Hands-on activities to get your students going, Palliser Teacher's Convention, 02/2023
- Engaging All Students- Moving from fact-based to concept based learning environments, Palliser Teacher's Convention
- Minecraft: Social-emotional skills and digital citizenship in Minecraft education, 12/13/2022
- Literacy Professional Learning: Using mentor texts to build confident, independent writers in Middle and High School classes, 12/5/2022
- Outcomes Based Learning, 12/1/2022
- Thinking Processes and other literacy practices while reading, 11/2022
- Standards Based Learning in Action (Moving from Theory to Practice) by Tom Schimmer, Read the book and had PL discussions at Summit Trails
- MyBlueprint with Alison Turner RVS Technologist Specialist, Throughout the school year
- Learning Moodle with Alison Turner RVS Technologist Specialist, 02/2022 - 12/2022
- Stressing Wisely with Dr. Robyn Hanley-Defoe, 02/2022
- Supporting Culturally and Linguistically diverse students through culturally responsive practice. With Pauline Novak and Luisa Zimich, 02/2022
- The benefits of visualizing, verbalizing, and verifying in literacy and numeracy with Tackaberry and Dechant, 02/2022
- Finding our way in Indigenous Education: Connecting Hearts and Minds with Bruisehead
- Google Read and Write and Orbitnote courses, RVS, 01/2022
- Public Professor Series talk: The Comeback: The Parallel Experiences of the Blackfoot and the Buffalo with Dr. Leroy Little Bear, University of Lethbridge, 10/2021
- Empowering Allyship and Increasing Inclusion, RVS, 10/2021
- French as a Second Language and Culture -FSL Intermediate, University of Calgary, 01/2021 - 04/2021
- Indigenous Educator Incubator, RVS, 06/2021
- Connecting with Michael Barbour: Follow UP Engagement and Social Opportunities, 05/2021
- Connecting with Michael Barbour: UDL and Supporting Online Students, Year End Celebrations, Creating Opportunities for Social Connections for Students, and Student Engagement, 04/2021
- A Conversation with Sandra Manyfeathers, 03/2021
- Supporting ELL online, 02/2021
- ELL Benchmarks, 02/2021
- UDL Online Environment, 01/2021
- Digital Online Resources, 01/2021
- Assessment in Online Learning, 01/2021
- French Conversation Group Webinar, Calgary Regional Consortium, 03/2020 - 06/2020
- Two Teachers and the Quest to Engage and Empower Adolescent, Penny Kittle, 05/2020
- Les Strategies de littératie multidisciplinaires; un outil efficace d'enseignement , Palliser District Teachers' Convention, 02/2020
- Tom Schimmer Assessment, RVS, 03/2018
Extracurricular Activities
W.G. Murdoch School, Minecraft Education Club, Fine Arts evenings teacher support, Chestermere High School, Ultimate Frisbee Teacher Representative, Dance Club Organizer, Jr. Girls Volleyball Teacher Representative, Chestermere High School Graduation Volunteer, Homecoming Volunteer Summit Trails Online High School, Grad Committee Organizer, School Culture Committee Member C.W. Perry School, French Café Club, French Carnival Organizer, Teacher Representative for Jr. A Boys Volleyball W.H. Croxford High School, New Student Orientation (Grade 9 Band and Dance Student Performances), SADD Teacher Sponsor, Show and Shine (Music Organizer), Croxford Cabaret (Grade 9 Music Organizer), Student Exhibition of Learning (Dance and Music Organizer)
Certification
- Certificate in French Language and Culture – FSL Foundations, from the University of Calgary (March 2021)
- Introduction to Literacy and Numeracy Progressions e-course, Calgary Regional Consortium (December 2021)
- Inside Learning Disabilities for Educators Course (March 2019)
- Education for Reconciliation: Assembling Strength, eCourse Calgary Regional Consortium (March 2018)
- First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Collaborative Community “Education for Reconciliation and Calls to Action”,
- Calgary Regional Consortium (November 2017 to June 2018)
- Mental Health First Aid Canada Certification (September 2018)
Timeline
Grade 6 Literacy Support
W.G. Murdoch School
02.2024 - 06.2024
Art 8 & 9
W.G. Murdoch School
02.2024 - 06.2024
Humanities 7
W.G. Murdoch School
08.2023 - 06.2024
Drama 10, 20, 30, 8 & 9
W.G. Murdoch School
08.2023 - 06.2024
Study Skills 7
W.G. Murdoch School
08.2023 - 01.2024
English 10-1
Chestermere High School
01.2023 - 06.2023
English 20-2, 20-2, 30-2 & Social Studies 30
Summit Trails Online High School
11.2022 - 12.2022
Learning Support Teacher
Chestermere High School
10.2022 - 11.2022
World Geography 30 & General Sociology 20
Summit Trails Online High School
01.2022 - 06.2022
Art 10, 20, 30
Summit Trails Online High School
01.2022 - 06.2022
English 10-2
Chestermere High School
08.2021 - 01.2022
Career and Life Management
Chestermere High School
08.2021 - 01.2022
Cosmetology
Chestermere High School
08.2021 - 01.2022
Art 10, 20, 30
Rocky View Schools Online School
02.2021 - 06.2021
Film and Media Art 15, 25, 35
Rocky View Schools Online School
02.2021 - 06.2021
Cosmetology
Chestermere High School
09.2020 - 01.2021
Grade 6 and 8 French as a Second Language
C.W. Perry School
08.2019 - 06.2020
Grade 8 Science
C.W. Perry School
08.2019 - 06.2020
Learning Support Teacher
C.W. Perry School
08.2019 - 06.2020
Grade 6 Forensic Science and Amazing Race Option
C.W. Perry School
08.2019 - 06.2020
Work Experience
W.H. Croxford High School
02.2018 - 06.2018
Dance 9 & Music Appreciation 9
W.H. Croxford High School
02.2018 - 06.2018
Learning Support
W.H. Croxford High School
02.2018 - 06.2018
Substitute Teacher
Rocky View Schools
08.2016 - 06.2019
Bachelor of Education (Master of Teaching Program) - Secondary Education
University of Calgary
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Drama
University of Lethbridge
Similar Profiles
Emmonti PayneEmmonti Payne
Student Teacher at W.G. Sanders Middle SchoolStudent Teacher at W.G. Sanders Middle School
Andrea SteeleAndrea Steele
Senior Lecturer, full-time tenured appointment at Murdoch University, School of PsychologySenior Lecturer, full-time tenured appointment at Murdoch University, School of Psychology
Simon MinaeeSimon Minaee
Lecturer at School of Business, Murdoch UniversityLecturer at School of Business, Murdoch University
Ethan KingEthan King
Founder at Aventro AIFounder at Aventro AI
Josephine CarlosJosephine Carlos
Licensed Practical Nurse at AgeCare SetonLicensed Practical Nurse at AgeCare Seton