TESSA HIGNEY
1009-228 E 7TH AVE, VANCOUVER BC
902 220 8101 – tessa.higney@gmail.com
ObjectiveMy career objective as a new teacher entering the work force is to obtain an elementary school teaching position which will allow me to further develop my teaching philosophy and work collaboratively with other teachers. I wish to have the opportunity to work abroad to gain valuable insights and experiences from other cultures, and to incorporate these new discoveries into my teaching practice. |
Summary of Competencies |
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EDUCATION
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UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Vancouver, BC |
BACHELOR OF EDUCATION (ELEMENTARY)
Specialization in Montessori Education (AMS) |
DALHOUSIE UNIVERISTY
Halifax, NS 2009 – 2013 |
BACHELOR OF ARTS (THEATRE)
Received honors degree in Costume Design Program |
PARKVIEW EDUCATION CENTRE
Bridgewater, NS 2005 – 2008 |
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
French Immersion Certificate |
Teaching experience
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LORD TWEEDSMUIR ELEMENTARY
New Westminster, BC
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GRADE 4/5 MONTESSORI CLASSROOM
· Completed 2 week practicum, focused on student led research project on subject of habitats · Executed lessons focusing on food chains, human impacts and the various attributes of different habitats · Leading class in gymnastics unit for their physical education component · Supporting students in individual math lessons and managing self-paced mathematics material · Collaborating with colleague in writers workshop lessons with grade 5/6 students · Collaborated with colleague in community development time with grades 3/5/6 |
Relevant Work Experience
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ARBUTUS CLUB
Vancouver, BC Sept. 2015 – Present |
GYMNASTICS INSTRUCTOR
· Develop and implement effective lesson plans to accommodate athletes of many different skill levels including those with learning differences · Collaborate with other coaches to provide the best possible service to all participants · Communicate with parents or guardians concerning the progress of their child to ensure a high quality experience for all parties · Evaluate athletes development through National CanGym guidelines |
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CITY OF WHITEHORSE
Whitehorse, YT May 2015 – Sept. 2015 |
SUMMER DAY CAMP COORDINATOR
· Facilitated training period for camp counsellors so as to foster a cooperative, motivated and hard-working staff · Oversaw camp activities for 4 summer camp groups (80 children per week ages 4-12 year) in collaboration with Recreational Program Coordinator and Leadhand · Planned and coordinated all out of facility outings for all camps and completed risk assessments for each, ensuring safe and incident free field trips |
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HALIFAX REGIONAL SCHOOL BOARD
Halifax, NS Sept. 2014 – Apr. 2015 |
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR – EXCEL PROGRAM
· Supervised children ages 4 – 11 in a variety of settings (gymnasium, classroom, outdoor playground, library) to ensure safety and well being · Designed and implemented recreational programs to encourage physical literacy and personal growth in students · Collaborated with colleagues to design weekly and monthly themes for after school programming · Promoted to supervisor on occasions when supervisor was absent |
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POLARETTES GYMNASTICS CLUB
Whitehorse, YT May 2013 – June 2014 |
RECREATIONAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR/ ADMINISTRATOR
· Executed general administrative duties in a timely and professional fashion (answering phone calls, responding to emails, communicating with parents) · Managed a coaching staff of 6, provided training and professional development seminars for coaches · Directed instruction for gymnastics classes for a variety of different groups including high school students, French elementary students, Montessori students, special needs students and advanced gymnastics groups · Spearheaded the first trampoline and tumbling program in the Yukon |
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POLARETTES GYMNASTICS CLUB
Whitehorse, YT May 2013 – June 2014 |
SUMMER DAY CAMP COORDINATOR
· Organized weekly camp themes, activities and outings for 35-40 children (ages 5-11 years) and 8-10 children (ages 3-4 years) · Managed all participant registration (online ITSportnet and in person) to ensure appropriate staff to participant ratio · Supervised all supporting staff members and completed time sheets and pay cheques · Collaborated with head coach to ensure effective use of gymnasium and smooth operation of all activities in the facility
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Volunteer Experience
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BIG BROTHER BIG SISTERS YUKON
Whitehorse, YT
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GO GIRLS PROGRAM FACILITATOR
· Facilitated weekly meetings for female youth between ages 9 – 14 years · Promoted the development of health body image through discussion around social media, societal expectations and peer pressure · Acted as a mentor for 2 supporting staff members involved with the project · Educated youth on healthy eating habits and the importance of physical activity |
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GIRL GUIDES OF CANADA
Whitehorse, YT
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SPARKS LEADER
· Guided a group of 8 girls ages 5 – 6 years in a variety of activities to promote self-discovery and the development of independence · Collaborated with fellow leaders to develop weekly meeting plans and informed parents of the schedule · Managed various field trips around Whitehorse to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants |
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Research |
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UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Vancouver, BC Sept. 2015 – Present |
TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION INQUIRY
· Exploration of the many benefits and downfalls technology poses in a modern classroom setting · Evaluating studies that suggest electromagnetic frequencies are detrimental to the development of children’s physiological and cognitive systems · Comparing and contrasting a wide range of information many consider to be controversial in nature, developing well rounded opinions on current issues that connect directly to classroom practice |
DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY
Halifax, NS 2014 |
HONOURS DISSERTATION
· Extensively researched the benefits of the second hand clothing industry in relation to pursuing a sustainable fashion industry · Compared and contrasted companies who claim to support sustainable practices · Defined and extrapolated the definition of ‘sustainable’ in terms of the fashion industry · Submitted 25 page written dissertation and presented findings in multi-modal format to class and guests at graduation ceremony |
Research Interests |
- Benefits of outdoor, experiential learning comparison to traditional classroom setting
- How to introduce responsible use of technology in educational settings
- How can technology assist in language acquisition
- The influence of economics on the evolution of curricular content
Awards and Distinctions |
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UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Vancouver, BC January 2016 |
RECIPIENT OF EMILY LONGWORTH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
· Received funding to implement a theatre arts unit with grade 4/5 class during practicum · Focus of theatre arts unit is exposing students to drama and storytelling techniques as a form of expression and the connections between theatre arts and various cultures throughout the world |
References |
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Anjum Khan
UBC Adjunct Teaching Professor
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(email) anjum.khan@ubc.ca
(ph) 604 700 7876 |
Catherine O’Donovan
Polarettes Gymnastics Head Coach
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(email) Mrs.catherine.odonovan@gmail.com
(ph) 867 333 0167 |
Mona Atkins
EXCEL Program Coordinator
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(email)
(ph) 902 789 4046 |