Tamara Hansen
Duncan,BC
Summary
Experienced educator with a strong background in creating inclusive learning environments and leading collaborative teams. Excited about the opportunity to contribute to district-wide inclusive learning initiatives and support student success as District Coordinator of Inclusive Learning Support (Grades 4–8).
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Intermediate Classroom Teacher, Grade 5-7
Drinkwater Elementary
12.2013 - Current
- Designed and implemented inclusive classrooms that promoted student engagement and success through research-based, hands-on learning experiences. Prioritized foundational skills and core competencies while empowering all learners with opportunities for voice, choice, and meaningful participation.
- Collaborated as part of a dynamic team to implement targeted literacy and numeracy skills groups, and project-based learning to meet the diverse needs of all learners
- Worked closely with multidisciplinary teams to support students with significant complex learning and social-emotional needs within my classroom
Learning Assistance/Resource Teacher, Grades K-7
Drinkwater Elementary
01.2005 - 01.2014
- Managed a large caseload of students and team of Educational Assistants, navigating fast-paced challenges with effective decision making. Created a supportive atmosphere where staff team members, parents and students felt respected, heard and valued
- Case-managed collaborative teams of school staff, families, students, and community partners to design and monitor effective learning and support plans tailored to individual student needs
- Delivered targeted group instruction in functional skills to support the diverse needs of individual students
- Worked collaboratively with classroom teachers to co-plan and co-teach inclusive learning experiences
- Coordinated transitional planning for students with diverse needs, supporting both kindergarten entry and the transition to secondary school
Various Teaching Positions
Cowichan Valley School District
01.2000 - 01.2005
- Learning Assistance and Resource Teacher at both Elementary and Secondary level
- Librarian
- Partners in Learning (a partnership of school and home-school programming K-7)
- Itinerant District Resource Teacher
Family Support Worker
Ministry for Children and Families
01.1997 - 01.2000
- Contracted by the Ministry of Children and Families in the Cowichan Valley to support teens with developmental disabilities and their families in addressing significant behavioural challenges at home and in school
Educational Support Worker
Alice Richard
01.1995 - 01.1997
- Collaborated with Clinical Counsellor Alice Richard in Victoria to facilitate functional skills groups for adolescents with developmental disabilities and complex behavioural and emotional needs, working closely with families and school teams to promote meaningful growth and development
Education
Master's Degree - Special Education
Vancouver Island University
06-2023
Bachelor of Education - With Distinction
University of Victoria
06-1995
Skills
- excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- an ability to build a team and rally others behind positive initiatives
- strong work ethic
- excellent organizational skills
- ability and desire to execute ideas into action
- reflective of my educational practices and seek to improve them through continual learning
- training in Level B assessments
References
- Brenda Stevenson, Principal, Drinkwater Elementary, bstevenson@sd79.bc.ca, 250-748-9232
- Sheryl Koers, (former, now retired) Associate Superintendent Facilities Transition Manager, skoers@sd79.bc.ca, 250-701-7490
- Karen Petersen, (former, now retired) District Principal, Inclusive Education Support, kjpetersen@shaw.ca, 250-732-0316
Accomplishments
Award for innovative research as part of my Master's Thesis, Hearing our Students' Voices - an Exploration of Young Adolescent Students' Perspectives on Inclusive Teaching Practices
Timeline
Intermediate Classroom Teacher, Grade 5-7
Drinkwater Elementary
12.2013 - Current
Learning Assistance/Resource Teacher, Grades K-7
Drinkwater Elementary
01.2005 - 01.2014
Various Teaching Positions
Cowichan Valley School District
01.2000 - 01.2005
Family Support Worker
Ministry for Children and Families
01.1997 - 01.2000
Educational Support Worker
Alice Richard
01.1995 - 01.1997
Master's Degree - Special Education
Vancouver Island University
Bachelor of Education - With Distinction
University of Victoria
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