Melissa Kullman
Nanaimo,BC
Summary
Dedicated and results-driven educational leader with over 17 years of experience in fostering academic excellence while championing justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Proven track record of elevating teaching standards, curriculum development, and student achievement in diverse educational settings. Skilled in leading collaborative teams, implementing data-driven instructional strategies, and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement with a strong focus on equity and inclusion. Passionate about leveraging technology and best practices to enhance teaching and learning outcomes equitably. Committed to advocating for justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of education. Known for building strong relationships with stakeholders and fostering a supportive learning environment for both students and educators.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher-Librarian
Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools
01.2021 - Current
- Increased library usage by developing engaging reading programs and promoting library resources to students, teachers, and staff.
- Collaborated with faculty to design curriculum-aligned research projects, fostering critical thinking among students.
- Implemented technology integration initiatives to enhance collaboration between librarianship services and classroom instruction practices.
- Coordinated special events such as virtual author visits, student contests and tournaments, and the Living Library to heighten community engagement within the library setting.
- Spearheaded efforts to incorporate emerging pedagogical theories into core competencies, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
- Sought out leadership opportunities to improve school culture and student learning practices. Examples include inquiry-learning mastermind, chair of the technology committee, staff committee, and various curriculum-focused small groups.
TTOC
Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools
11.2020 - Current
- 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.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
Teacher
Surrey School District
06.2018 - 03.2019
- Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Promoted learning through play with engaging activities, games and lessons.
Teacher- Grade 2
Surrey Christian School
09.2015 - 05.2017
- Taught through the Teaching For Transformation lens which emphasizes student inquiry, community-centered experiences, student mastery, and critical thinking.
- Collaborated with colleagues for curriculum development, sharing best practices, and creating interdisciplinary units.
- Incorporated social-emotional learning into daily lessons, promoting empathy, self-awareness, and responsible decision-making among students.
- Developed strong relationships with parents, maintaining open communication to support student success both inside and outside the classroom.
Teacher- Grades 3, 4, 6/7, Elementary Head Teacher
White Rock Christian School
09.2009 - 06.2014
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
- Facilitated the exploration and selection of diverse educational programs, subsequently supporting educators in implementing chosen initiatives.
- Oversaw the hiring process for new staff members to ensure that qualified candidates were selected to promote academic excellence within the school community.
- Oversaw scheduling, orientation of new staff, attended IEP meetings, and led professional development workshops.
Teacher- Grades 2, 2/3, 3, 3/4, 4, 5/6
Langley School District
05.2006 - 06.2009
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into various classroom environments.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Participated in parent-teacher conferences to discuss developments of students and increase support.
Education
Professional Masters of Education - Classroom Specialist
Queen’s University
Kingston, ON08.2024
Graduate Diploma - Teacher-Librarian
Queen's University
Kingston, ON04.2021
Bachelor in Education - Elementary Education
Trinity Western University
Langley, BC05.2007
Bachelor of Arts - History, Psychology
Trinity Western University
Langley, BC05.2006
Skills
- Continuously exploring innovative teaching methods to meet the needs of all students
- Inquiry-based learning
- Decolonized teaching strategies
- EL Education practices
- Universal Design for Learning
- Curriculum Auditing
- Workshop presenter
- Instructional Coaching
- Course design
- Innovative literacy and digital literacy curriculum
Timeline
Teacher-Librarian
Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools
01.2021 - Current
TTOC
Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools
11.2020 - Current
Teacher
Surrey School District
06.2018 - 03.2019
Teacher- Grade 2
Surrey Christian School
09.2015 - 05.2017
Teacher- Grades 3, 4, 6/7, Elementary Head Teacher
White Rock Christian School
09.2009 - 06.2014
Teacher- Grades 2, 2/3, 3, 3/4, 4, 5/6
Langley School District
05.2006 - 06.2009
Professional Masters of Education - Classroom Specialist
Queen’s University
Graduate Diploma - Teacher-Librarian
Queen's University
Bachelor in Education - Elementary Education
Trinity Western University
Bachelor of Arts - History, Psychology
Trinity Western University
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