Allison Van Herk

(403) 818-6510 • vanherkallison@gmail.com

Online portfolio: http://avjobportfolio.weebly.com/

Teaching Student centered educator that scaffolds student learning and supports curiosity.
Philosophy A strong advocate of helping students acquire life-long learning skills and
making the classroom experience meaningful and engaging.

Skills Teaching: compassionate, devoted life-long learner as demonstrated in Grade 3

Summary teaching, volunteering and practicum experiences.
Conflict management and problem solving: build relationships with students in
order to understand student actions and deal mindfully with each student and
situation. Consistent and clear in creating a safe environment for all students.

Education Concurrent, 2011- 2016

Bachelor of Education
Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary
Specialization: Elementary Visual Arts
Bachelor of Arts
University of Calgary
Major in Communication and Culture Multidisciplinary, Minor in Visual Art and
Art History

Teaching Substitute Teacher

Experience Calgary Board of Education
January 2019 – current
• substitute teacher for all grades in schools throughout Calgary

Grade Three Teacher

Calvin Christian School
August 2016 – December 2018
• created valuable relationships with students by commitment to student
centred learning, trust and respect
• differentiated instruction through assessment of and for learning
• inspired and developed critical thinkers through creative and organized
lesson plans in various subject areas
• coordinated guided reading groups which encouraged comprehension
strategies and fostered reading fluency
• created inclusive environments for special needs students
• organized and volunteered on various school committees and was
involved in hosting community events
• maintained parent involvement through classroom newsletters, emails,
phone calls, conferences and open houses
Practicum Grade One and Two Practicum Teacher
Experience Cranston School, March/April 2016 and November/December 2015
• developed effective planning strategies to help create meaningful and
engaging lessons
• expanded my knowledge of technology in the classroom and applied it to
lessons
• participated in team teaching, which developed my communication and
cooperation skills

Grade Five and Six Practicum Teacher

Mountain Park Middle School, April 2014
• enthusiastically and patiently worked with a group of students that
struggled with reading
• created lessons that met students’ needs and promoted reading strategies

Volunteer Elementary Assistant/Educator

Experience Providence Christian School, May/June 2015
• established relationships with the whole school community, collaborated
and gained valuable knowledge from various educators
• planned and facilitated math lessons for grades three and five
Education Assistant
Providence Christian School, May 2015
• worked one-on-one with struggling students from grade two and grade 12
• built sincere relationships with students characterized by passion,
creativity and respect
Kindergarten Assistant/Educator
Heritage Heights School, 2014-2015
• guided (one-on-one and group) student learning and assessed students
• planned and facilitated inquiry-based lessons under teacher supervision

Professional Workshops
Development • Visual Schedules for the Inclusive Classroom/Social Stories, Design
Thinking Mindset, Autism and Trauma, Outdoor Inquiry, Guided
Reading, Classroom Management, Engaging Students in Thoughtful
Global Citizenship, Improving Movement in the Classroom, Substitute
Teacher Roles and Responsibilities, Children’s Literature, What is
Inquiry? Why Inquiry?, Time to Teach and Speaking to the Heart - The
Importance of Understanding the First Nations, Métis and Inuit
Perspectives for School Communities
Conferences
• Private Christian School Conference (Chilliwack, BC; 2018)
• Association of Independent Schools & Colleges in Alberta conference
(Calgary, AB; 2018)
• Private Christian School Conference (Norwich, ON; 2016)
• Palliser Teachers’ Convention (Calgary, AB; 2016)
 Presentations
• Presented benefits and examples of brain/body breaks at a local
conference (Lethbridge, AB; 2016)
• Presented a poster on “Why Do We Think What We Think: A Grade 12
Interdisciplinary Unit” at the Palliser Teachers’ Convention (Calgary, AB;
2016)

Memberships/ • Permanent Professional Certificate

Certifications • Education Students’ Association (2013-2016)
• Standard First Aid and CPR/AED level C