Tania James

Background

About Tania James

I am an Early Childhood trained, instructional leader with a Master in Educational Leadership and Management [Notre Dame University] and Professional Certificate in Instructional Leadership [University of Melbourne, First Class Honours] having trained under Professor John Hattie and Professor Stephen Dinham. I have experience as a change agent, having worked on a leadership team that strategically planned to implement a whole school teaching and learning philosophy, resulting in significant academic gains and two commendations by Australia’s national body for curriculum and assessment [ACARA] two years in a row. I worked closely with Dr. Lorraine Hammond [2016 Award for Teaching Excellence in the Social and Behavioural Sciences & 2017 Certificate of Excellence in Educational Leadership] over a two-year period, to develop my coaching skills. It was here, after my time with Dr Hammond, that the Lead Teacher Initiative was born to ensure all teachers were implementing high-impact instructional practices. This resulted in the development of a performance development culture at the school. My training with Hattie & Dinham resulted in the implementation of several key initiatives which included; • establishing a K-6 whole school, systematic approach to teaching and learning (Whole school teaching philosophy), • implementing the Lead Teacher Initiative (a coaching model) • establishing Staff Committees (school improvement teams) and • implementing processes and protocols to ensure better workplace communication and relationship building, such as 10min rounds. Formerly Vice-President of the Catholic Assistant Principals’ Association of Western Australia (CAPA W.A.). I have experience working with children of trauma, collaborating with social workers, families and community services. I've had opportunities as Acting Principal which is outlined in my experience and work history sections.