Matthew Phillips
Abu Dhabi
Summary
Dynamic and enthusiastic educator with a proven ability to integrate technology, foster student engagement, and build strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Passionate about creating inclusive, diverse learning environments where every child feels valued and empowered to thrive. Skilled in implementing innovative teaching strategies, managing classroom dynamics with exceptional organizational skills, and promoting academic and personal growth. Dedicated to continuous professional development and enriching cultural awareness through thoughtfully designed curriculum and extracurricular initiatives.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher, Grade 5
Al Salam Charter School
08.2023 - Current
- Designed and delivered differentiated lessons tailored to individual student needs, fostering academic growth and a love of learning, within an American curriculum framework.
- Successfully taught second-language learners, implementing targeted strategies to build language proficiency and academic skills.
- Incorporated UAE culture and heritage into the curriculum, enhancing cultural awareness and fostering a sense of national identity.
- Utilized ICT and innovative, student-centered teaching strategies to create engaging and interactive learning experiences.
- Assessed and reported on student progress, providing clear, actionable feedback to support continuous improvement.
- Built strong professional relationships with parents and colleagues to ensure open communication and collaborative support.
- Contributed to whole-school initiatives, including extracurricular activities, curriculum planning, and collaborative improvement.
- Actively engaged in professional development to refine teaching practice and stay current with educational best practices.
Primary Teacher
Murrays Bay Intermediate
04.2018 - 07.2023
- Full-time teacher delivering English, Math, Science, Physical Education, and Health programs to a classroom of 30 Year 7 and 8 (Grade 6 and 7) students.
- Established rapport with students, parents, and key family members, leveraging strong English communication skills as needed.
- Guided and motivated students through inquiry-based learning journeys, fostering transferable skills, critical thinking, problem-solving in authentic contexts, and promoting student agency by encouraging self-directed learning and responsibility.
- Enhanced student engagement through concept-based unit planning, ensuring meaningful and relevant learning experiences.
- Observed, planned, taught, and assessed practices to inform and adapt instruction for multicultural classes with varying ability levels.
- Collaborative practitioner in an innovative learning environment, sharing responsibilities for planning and delivering the New Zealand curriculum to a class of 59 students.
- Experienced in developing and delivering educational programs in online learning environments.
Extracurricular Responsibilities
- Water Polo Coordinator Organized trials for five water polo teams at Murrays Bay Intermediate School, including coordinating trials, team selections, and appointing coaches and managers.Managed tournament registrations, including the annual North Island Tournament. Served as manager of the NZAIMS Water Polo Team in 2022.
- Swimming Sports School Coordinator Oversaw the annual school swimming sports, including registration and processing results for 72 competitors.
Education
Bachelor of Teaching And Learning (Primary) - Education
University of Canterbury
New Zealand03-2018
Skills
- I cultivate positive relationships with students, staff, families, and the wider community through my approachable, caring, and calm demeanor My strong written and verbal communication skills foster these connections and support clear, effective collaboration
- I excel at adapting teaching plans and methods to meet the diverse needs of my students I confidently modify lessons in real time to create meaningful, reflective, and personalized learning experiences that maximize student engagement and success
- I am committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all students I maintain a vigilant and proactive approach to child protection, ensuring concerns are identified, recorded, and reported in line with school policies and procedures I prioritize creating a safe, inclusive environment where students feel secure, respected, and supported
Relationships and Communication
Adaptability
Safeguarding
- As a lifelong learner, I consistently reflect on my teaching practice to ensure it supports the wellbeing and outcomes of my students Ongoing personal and professional reflection drives my growth as an educator and as a contributing member of society
- Over the past three years, I have worked with diverse learners, including English Language Learners (ELL) and students with behavioral challenges I create a supportive classroom environment by setting clear expectations and using positive reinforcement My approach ensures all students feel valued and are able to succeed both academically and socially
- I prioritize student wellbeing by building trusting relationships and responding thoughtfully to students’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs I take a proactive pastoral approach, supporting students’ personal development, resilience, and confidence to ensure they are ready to learn and thrive both in and beyond the classroom
Reflectiveness
Classroom Management
Student Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Additional Information
Head Age Group Swimming Coach
Phoenix Aquatics
Northcote College | 2017-2023
As head age group coach at Phoenix Aquatics, I have the privilege of coaching competitive age group swimmers, including a number who have won national titles and competed for New Zealand at an age group level. I utilize my swimming and teaching background to develop the skills, speed, and knowledge around swimming for them to become the best athletes they can be. My own background as an elite swimmer and national titleholder has also allowed me to pass on my expertise and knowledge to these swimmers.
Timeline
Teacher, Grade 5
Al Salam Charter School
08.2023 - Current
Primary Teacher
Murrays Bay Intermediate
04.2018 - 07.2023
Bachelor of Teaching And Learning (Primary) - Education
University of Canterbury