ESPERANCE: Understanding the important role of an Educational Assistant

Karen joined the Inclusive Education team in April 2020 after over 20 years of working in the Independent Education sector. Her previous experience in education was in Early Childhood [EC] and Primary leadership, teaching, curriculum, pastoral management, support coordination, and teaching; where her responsibilities included professional learning for staff and parents, pastoral care of students, staff, and parents, implementation of child protection and well-being programs, policy writing, EC screening and parent information sessions enabling effective cohort placement and student tracking, and the coordination and overseeing of education assistants for [SWD]. Karen has completed a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education majoring in literacy support, a Master of Educational Leadership with a focus on action research in EC, data research analysis, and regional school systems and leadership; and the National Deputy Principal's Colloquium [NESLI], where her project focus was implementing RTI within the primary school. 

Karen is an active Committee Member of the WA chapter of the Australian Association of Special Education [AASE]. She continues to develop professional learning for schools as part of the IE team to best assist and support schools. Karen is passionate about assisting all children, and young people to reach their full potential, and ensuring quality, equitable and safe education.