Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Affiliations
Certification
Contactable references
Timeline
Generic
Bernadine Reynolds

Bernadine Reynolds

Sharjah,UAE

Summary

Engaging Teacher with vast experience teaching various subjects across all levels. Knowledgeable and hard-working team player. Dedicated with an internal drive to deliver excellence. Passionate about fostering a love for literature, learning and critical thinking skills in students. Dedicated to creating a supportive and stimulating learning environment that promotes academic excellence and personal growth.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience
15
15
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification

Work History

Secondary English Teacher

The Military High School & SABIS International
Sharjah, UAE
08.2024 - Current
  • Teach English to Emirati students using the SABIS curriculum. This includes grammar principles for better written communication skills, literature and written work.
  • Identified key Learning Objectives and provided lesson breakdown to set expectations.
  • Integrated technology into instruction, added an interactive dynamic to lessons.
  • Preparing students for the EMSAT and IELTS exams, ensuring their readiness and confidence in taking the tests. The EMSAT has since been cancelled and SABIS are using the GCSE curriculum.
  • Assess speaking using the IELTS band scores and internal rubric in preparation for IELTS testing.
  • Teach extra English lessons to students who require additional academic support.
  • Encouraged critical thinking to increase students' analytical abilities.
  • Minimised low level disruption by enforcing classroom policies and the military rules.
  • Work closely with the grade supervisor and academic quality controllers.


English, Tourism and Mathematics Literacy Teacher

Beaconhurst School
East London, South Africa
01.2020 - 08.2024
  • Taught English HL to Grade 10 – 12.
  • Head of Grade 11 English.
  • Planned lessons according to national standards to cover all requirements and prepare for standardised tests.
  • Taught Grade 11 Tourism and was responsible for the grade.
  • Encouraged creative thinking through various writing exercises.
  • Taught Grade 8 LO and was responsible for the grade. Also taught Grade 10 LO in 2021.
  • Taught Mathematics Literacy to Grade 11 (2023)
  • Responsible for Grade 11 Mathematics Literacy (2023)
  • Taught Mathematics Literacy to Grade 10 (2024)
  • Responsible for Grade 10 Mathematics Literacy (2024)
  • Class teacher - performed all the teacher administration functions –communication with parents (meetings, telephonically etc), report comments and mark submission.
  • Provided constructive feedback on students' work, enabling them to make improvements where necessary.
  • Created a Google Classroom to provide the students with further information and study material.
  • Adapted quickly to remote teaching methods during the pandemic lockdown without compromising on quality of instruction.
  • Designed creative lesson plans for enhanced understanding of literature.
  • Facilitated group discussions about literature, instilling critical thinking abilities among learners.
  • Addressed and quickly resolve classroom conflict through prompt intervention and proper punishment.
  • Fostered a positive learning environment with open communication and mutual respect.

Grade 7 Educator

Beaconhurst School
East London, South Africa
01.2018 - 12.2019
  • Taught Grade 7 English HL to the entire grade.
  • Subject Head for English (Intermediate Phase - Grades 4 - 7) and for Natural Science (Grade 7).
  • Performed all the teacher administration functions required by a class teacher – communicate with parents (meetings, telephonically etc), report comments, mark submission, Arcadia (special school dealing with learning disabilities) applications.
  • Student Teacher Host
  • School Marketing Committee member
  • Maintained detailed records of student learning progress, providing individualised feedback for challenges.
  • Supported students to identify problems impeding education.
  • Managed classroom behaviour and activities to maintain order in full classrooms.
  • Implemented technology in lesson plans for enhanced understanding and retention of subjects taught.
  • Planned lessons according to national standards to cover all requirements.
  • Used illustrative activities to help students explore concepts.
  • Cultivated a love for learning amongst students by presenting subjects in exciting ways which captured their interest level.
  • Engaged students fully with interactive lessons and hands-on learning opportunities.
  • Taught students important points to prepare for examinations and assessments.
  • Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
  • Created an inclusive classroom environment, promoting diversity and mutual respect amongst students.

Grade 4 Educator

Beaconhurst School
East London, South Africa
03.2014 - 12.2017
  • Taught a Grade 4 class the following subjects: English HL (Subject Head for the grade), Afrikaans, Mathematics, Social Science and Natural Science.
  • Performed all the class teacher administration functions –communicated with parents (meetings, telephonically etc), report comments, mark submission, Arcadia applications.
  • Hosted student teachers: 2016 and 2017
  • Tracked student attendance and performance, intervening early in concerning issues.
  • Worked collaboratively with other teachers to review data and develop instructional strategies to address student learning objectives.
  • Advised, criticised and encouraged students to develop abilities.
  • Managed classroom behaviour and activities to maintain order in full classrooms.
  • Encouraged intellectual curiosity and exploration of new concepts to inspire student engagement.
  • Used illustrative activities to help students explore concepts.
  • Fostered a creative environment by implementing innovative teaching methodologies.
  • Created an inclusive classroom environment, promoting diversity and mutual respect amongst students.
  • Updated course materials, content and delivery.
  • Maintained detailed records of student learning progress, providing individualised feedback for challenges.
  • Evaluated students using standardised criteria to determine abilities and learning needs.
  • Employed variety of mediums to convey learning concepts.
  • Applied differentiated teaching methods to cater to varied learning styles within one class.
  • Engaged students fully with interactive lessons and hands-on learning opportunities.
  • Taught students various art techniques in the Art Academies for the Foundation Phase and Intermediary Phase and later for the Senior and FET Phase.
  • Assisted with Early Act on Friday afternoons
  • Assisted as a Tennis coach for the Grade 4 - 7 students.

Remedial Teacher's Aide

Beaconhurst School
East London, South Africa
06.2012 - 02.2014
  • Assisted the remedial teacher with learner's paperwork.
  • Set up files and made up workbooks.
  • Communicated with the various student teachers.
  • Acted as a stand-in teacher for teachers who were absent etc.
  • From January 2013 - Responsible for Grade 4 and 5 Mathematics and English (Comprehension & reading; Phonics & Spelling) Remedial classes.
  • First and Third Term of 2013 – Took Grade 6 Remedial Mathematics classes.
  • Preserved the confidentiality of student records and information at all times.
  • Provided reading and writing instruction to special needs students.
  • Assisted with IQ assessments and base-line tests.

Healthcare Assistant

NFB Financial Services Group
East London, South Africa
10.2008 - 07.2011
  • Managed diary for Healthcare Consultant.
  • Handled telephonic/email queries from clients and institutions.
  • Processed all new business to completion.
  • Drew up renewal schedules for clients.
  • Submitted claims for clients to various institutions manually, by email or facsimile.
  • Filing.
  • Commission – drew up schedules for Sub-Agents.
  • Attended product launches for various Healthcare organisations.
  • Provided customer service assistance, resulting in increased client satisfaction.
  • Liaised efficiently with healthcare providers to clarify ambiguous or incomplete information in patient records.

Marketing Assistant

NFB Financial Services Group
East London, South Africa
06.1998 - 09.2008
  • Managed Employee Benefits administration department.
  • Typed Agenda's, Minutes, Trustee Reports, Proposals, Client Letters, Emails, Forms (includes designing) & Graphs.
  • Checked Asset Statements.
  • Filing.
  • Dealt with client queries.
  • Mailing Functions.
  • Assisted with life insurance business – quotations, applications, portfolio updates and collating legal requirements.

Secretary/Personal Assistant

Alexander Forbes Consultants and Actuaries
East London, South Africa
08.1997 - 05.1998
  • Responsible for typing up and layout of letters, graphs, minutes, overheads, agenda documents, presentations, trustee report booklets and email.
  • Keeping of Trustee Minute Books
  • Taking of Minutes: typing and mailing to Trustees
  • Stated Benefit Policies – annual renewals, claims and payments
  • Fund Asset Statements – checking, forwarding to clients and sorting out queries
  • Monthly accounts – requesting payment from Head Office and arranging payments
  • Office stationery – orders (controlling stock)

Administrator

Alexander Forbes Consultants and Actuaries
East London, South Africa
12.1993 - 07.1997
  • Processing all types of claims, payments, annual revisions, medical requirements and queries for funds.
  • Set up client files.
  • Improved record keeping system with attention to detail and thoroughness.
  • Interacted with various insurance company consultants.
  • Interacted with customers professionally by phone, email and in-person to deliver accurate service information.

Receptionist/Typist

Alexander Forbes Consultants and Actuaries
East London, South Africa
08.1993 - 11.1993
  • Typing for the Administrators.
  • Answering the switchboard.
  • Mailing functions.
  • Maintained an organised reception area for a professional business environment.
  • Coordinated office supplies orders to keep necessary materials available at all times.
  • Upheld confidentiality with sensitive information handling procedures.

Education

Bachelor of Education - Education

University of South Africa
South Africa
07.2011 - 05.2015

N4 - Accounting and Computer Practice

East London Technical College
South Africa
02.1993 - 05.1993

Matric with Exemption - English HL, Afrikaans FAL, Accounting, Biology, Mathematics, Physical Science

Stirling High School
South Africa
01.1988 - 05.1992

Primary School Education - Primary subjects

Lilyfontein Primary School
South Africa
01.1981 - 05.1987

Skills

  • Time management in classroom
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Strategic thinking
  • Interactive teaching methods
  • Educational software proficiency
  • Class behaviour management and positive reinforcement techniques
  • University preparation
  • Literary analysis techniques
  • Project-based learning
  • Analytical-thinking
  • Safety consciousness
  • Documentation and strategic planning
  • Marking assignments and assessments
  • Organisational ability and self-motivation
  • Standardised testing familiarity
  • Worksheet development
  • Critical evaluation

Languages

English
Proficient (C2)
Afrikaans
Upper intermediate

Affiliations

  • Reading
  • Photography
  • Cross-stitch and sewing
  • Various art activities
  • Dog training - German Shepherd Club

Certification

Courses attended:

  • Educanda – Learning difficulties in the classroom (2014)
  • ThinkAHead – iTeacher event (15/04/2015 and 2016)
  • GEG workshop (30/05/2015)
  • Gavin Keller workshop 2015
  • EDTech Summit Africa 2015 (22/8/2015) (part of the CLC EdTech Africa Group)
  • EDTech Summit Africa 2016
  • Crazy Croc Course 2016
  • First Aid Level - 1 April 2016 / 17 March 2020
  • Teachmeet March 2017
  • Schoolbased workshop with Mr Truter15/08/2017
  • EDTech Summit Africa 2017 – in Pretoria
  • Attended as a EDTech Summit Fellow
  • SAOU Empowerment session: Challenging behaviour and bullying behaviour / No teacher left behind / Rights of educators 12 February 2019
  • Seesa Leadership & Mentoring Course 20 May 2021
  • Certificate in Online English Language Teaching – British Council & Department of Education September to December 2021
  • Buswell and Associates: When bad things happen to good kids: (Sexual offences/Dealing with Abuse/Cyber safety/Dealing with suicide and depression/Gender equality and Sexual orientation/Gender workshop) May 2023 – September 2023
  • SABIS Schools Workplace Etiquette - 26 August 2024
  • Child Protection Policies - 26 August 2024

Contactable references

  • Mrs Lynette van Greunen

     FET Phase Head and Vice Principal - Beaconhurst School

     Email:  FET@beaconhurst.co.za    Cell:  +27 833847748

  • Mrs Tristan Terry

     BASIS International School Shenzen 

     Cell: +86 188 0267 7115

  • Mrs Renee Muller

     Senior Phase Head / Management Committee - Beaconhurst School 

     Email: sp@beaconhurst.co.za   Cell: +27 825788665

  • Mr Werner Oosthuizen

     Deputy Principal - Baysville School of Skills

     Email: renrewploeg@gmail.com   Cell: +27 730892261

  • Mrs Jean Shaw

     St Joseph’s Preparatory and College

     Ex Beaconhurst School and Lilyfontein Primary School

     Email: xperilab@gmail.com    Cell: +27 732152852

Timeline

Secondary English Teacher

The Military High School & SABIS International
08.2024 - Current

English, Tourism and Mathematics Literacy Teacher

Beaconhurst School
01.2020 - 08.2024

Grade 7 Educator

Beaconhurst School
01.2018 - 12.2019

Grade 4 Educator

Beaconhurst School
03.2014 - 12.2017

Remedial Teacher's Aide

Beaconhurst School
06.2012 - 02.2014

Bachelor of Education - Education

University of South Africa
07.2011 - 05.2015

Healthcare Assistant

NFB Financial Services Group
10.2008 - 07.2011

Marketing Assistant

NFB Financial Services Group
06.1998 - 09.2008

Secretary/Personal Assistant

Alexander Forbes Consultants and Actuaries
08.1997 - 05.1998

Administrator

Alexander Forbes Consultants and Actuaries
12.1993 - 07.1997

Receptionist/Typist

Alexander Forbes Consultants and Actuaries
08.1993 - 11.1993

N4 - Accounting and Computer Practice

East London Technical College
02.1993 - 05.1993

Matric with Exemption - English HL, Afrikaans FAL, Accounting, Biology, Mathematics, Physical Science

Stirling High School
01.1988 - 05.1992

Primary School Education - Primary subjects

Lilyfontein Primary School
01.1981 - 05.1987
Bernadine Reynolds