Kimberly Ritchie
Isleworth,HNS
Summary
I’m a passionate Visual Arts educator with over 20 years of experience inspiring students from all over the world to explore their creativity and find their artistic voices. At the heart of everything I do is my belief in building strong, meaningful relationships with my students—creating a space where they feel valued, supported, and excited to express themselves through art. For the past 8 years, I’ve had the joy of teaching internationally, adapting to the diverse needs of students from all walks of life and helping them grow both as artists and individuals.
I design vibrant, hands-on art curricula that spark students' creativity and encourage them to explore new techniques, mediums, and ideas. My classrooms are places of imagination, where students take artistic risks, express their individuality, and gain the confidence to develop their own voices. I’m passionate about helping students fall in love with the creative process and guiding them on a journey of self-expression through art.
Skilled in crafting engaging lessons and creating a dynamic, inclusive classroom atmosphere, I ensure all students feel inspired and supported. Whether beginners or advanced, my goal is to provide a space where everyone can thrive, take pride in their work, and leave each class excited for the next artistic adventure.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Art Teacher
Australian International School
01.2019 - 12.2024
- Lead Art Teacher for Years 6-12, responsible for all aspects of the art program, including curriculum design, ordering and organising materials, and maintaining a well-equipped, inspiring art studio
- Developed and implemented comprehensive HSC Art Theory and Practical Programs, guiding Year 12 students through their major projects and preparing them for external exams, consistently achieving high success rates
- Delivered Art History lessons to all students, with a more in-depth focus for senior students, integrating theory with practical application to foster a deep understanding of historical and contemporary art movements
- Created inclusive art programs that catered to a range of skill levels and artistic backgrounds, ensuring every student could explore and develop their creativity through diverse mediums and techniques
- Cultivated a student-centered learning environment that encouraged independent thinking, creative risk-taking, and personal expression, helping students build both technical skills and confidence
- Worked with students from diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds, adapting teaching strategies to foster an inclusive, globally minded classroom where all students felt valued and supported in their artistic growth
- Fostered strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, creating a collaborative and supportive atmosphere conducive to artistic and academic growth
Art Instructor
Private Art Classes
07.2017 - 01.2019
- Provided art instruction to children aged 4+ and adults in multiple mediums, customising lessons to individual skill levels and interests
- Mentored students on their individual projects, providing constructive feedback and guidance for improved artistic expression
- Enhanced student creativity by implementing diverse art techniques and mediums in lessons
- Cultivated a safe and inclusive classroom environment where all students felt comfortable expressing themselves through art
Nanny
Private Family
07.2016 - 01.2019
- Provided dedicated care to two young children, aged 6 and 4 at start
- Organised daily routines, school drop-offs and pick-ups, homework assistance and interactive activities
- Collaborated closely with parents in establishing boundaries/rules within household which helped maintain consistency across all environments
- Enhanced children''s emotional well-being by providing attentive care and nurturing relationships
- Supported household routines and managed meal preparation, promoting healthy habits and family bonding
- Traveled with family throughout South East Asia on school holidays when required
Trainer and Assessor in Education Support
Customised Training
09.2011 - 06.2016
- Facilitated Certificate III and IV in Education Support through both distance and classroom training, offering comprehensive support to trainee educators specialising in special needs education
- Evaluated the effectiveness of training initiatives by tracking participant progress and gathering feedback for continuous improvement
- Enhanced trainee engagement through interactive workshops and hands-on activities
- Delivered dynamic presentations to facilitate learning and retention among diverse audiences
- Improved learning outcomes with application of adult learning principles in all training programs
Homework Tutor Coordinator
The Gathering Place
09.2010 - 12.2015
- Coordinated and led an after-school homework program tailored for disadvantaged Aboriginal primary and secondary students in the western suburbs of Melbourne
- Created a warm and nurturing environment by providing nutritious meals and fostering a sense of community among students
- Developed and prepared resources and activities to meet the unique learning needs of each student
- Offered both academic assistance and personal support to enhance student well-being and engagement
- Collaborated with parents and schools to monitor and improve students’ academic progress and personal development
- Monitored student progress closely, adjusting instructional approaches as needed to maximize learning outcomes effectively
Art and English Teacher
Noosa District High School
01.2008 - 07.2008
- Assumed all responsibilities of regular classroom teacher and undertook responsibilities associated with subject coordinator's role within school
- Planned budgets and organised art events and excursions for students in Years 8 through 12
- Integrated technology into curriculum, supplementing lectures and developing students' skills
- Taught wide range of art courses including drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking
- Encouraged students to express themselves through art, resulting in increased sense of self-esteem and confidence
- Left position due to pregnancy complications
English and Math Tutor
Kip McGrath Education Centre
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Tutored students in Math and English in one-on-one and small group settings, using Kip McGrath methodologies
- Developed tailored lesson plans to meet individual learning needs and enhance understanding
- Created a supportive environment to boost student engagement and academic performance
- Monitored progress and adjusted teaching strategies to ensure effective learning outcomes
Art Coordinator/Senior English Teacher
Toogoolawah State High School
01.2005 - 12.2006
- Assumed all responsibilities of a regular classroom teacher and undertook responsibilities associated with the subject coordinator's role within the school
- Planned budgets and organized art events and excursions for students in Years 8 through 12
- Integrated technology into the curriculum, supplementing lectures and developing students' skills
- Taught a wide range of art courses including drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking
- Encouraged students to express themselves through art, resulting in an increased sense of self-esteem and confidence
Nanny
Private Families, Canada and Australia
01.1997 - 12.2002
- Provided dedicated care for multiple families in Canada and Australia managing school routines, meal prep, and light housekeeping
- Supported children's educational and personal development through activities and routines
- Organized children's schedules and ensured timely completion of tasks such as homework, bath and bedtime
- Provided transportation for the children to and from school and activities
- Developed positive relationships with the children's parents and other family members, ensuring open communication and collaboration
Education
Certificate III and IV - Education Support
Customised Training
Melbourne, Australia2011
Certificate IV - Training and Assessment
Customised Training
Melbourne, Australia2011
Bachelor - Visual Arts and English
Queensland University of Technology
Brisbane, Australia01.2002
Bachelor - Secondary Education
Queensland University of Technology
Brisbane, Australia01.2002
Skills
- Ability to Multitask
- Ability to Work in a Team
- Communication Skills
- Student Engagement
- Adaptability
- Collaborative projects
- Artistic techniques
- Classroom management
- Student mentoring
- Art history
References
- Aaron Wise (Principal) principal@aism.edu.my +60389495000, Australian International School
- Leigh Janet (Nanny Employer) leighj@aism.edu.my +601114296352, Australian International School
- Matthew Fisher (Head of Arts) matthewf@aism.edu.my +60122562618, Australian International School
Hobbies and Interests
Cycling, Walking, Traveling, Swimming, Cooking and Art
Other
- AIS International Police Check, Malaysia (Completed November 2024)
- Queensland Teacher Registration
Timeline
Art Teacher
Australian International School
01.2019 - 12.2024
Art Instructor
Private Art Classes
07.2017 - 01.2019
Nanny
Private Family
07.2016 - 01.2019
Trainer and Assessor in Education Support
Customised Training
09.2011 - 06.2016
Homework Tutor Coordinator
The Gathering Place
09.2010 - 12.2015
Art and English Teacher
Noosa District High School
01.2008 - 07.2008
English and Math Tutor
Kip McGrath Education Centre
01.2006 - 01.2007
Art Coordinator/Senior English Teacher
Toogoolawah State High School
01.2005 - 12.2006
Nanny
Private Families, Canada and Australia
01.1997 - 12.2002
Certificate III and IV - Education Support
Customised Training
Certificate IV - Training and Assessment
Customised Training
Bachelor - Visual Arts and English
Queensland University of Technology
Bachelor - Secondary Education
Queensland University of Technology
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