John Daniel O’Leary

12209 88A St. Grande Prairie, AB T8X 1N1  Tel. (780) 381-4084 dannyoleary@gpcsd.ca

Teaching skill summary

I approach education with the understanding that the person in the class who speaks the most will learn
the most. As such, I design lessons and units where students are able to engage with each other as they explore
ideas and problems. In this way, students have the opportunity to discover curricular outcomes, as opposed to
having them delivered by the teacher. They are also able to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.
When students have the chance to discuss material and make connections, their learning is deeper and more
likely to transfer to new situations.
I feel that school should be a safe place where students feel free to take risks and make mistakes. My
ability to build culture in my classroom and contribute to the overall school culture is guided by the principles
of respect and empathy. Through open communication with students, staff, parents and administrators, I am
able to develop and share this culture beyond the classroom. I have a passion for literacy and numeracy and I
share that passion and specific set of skills that goes along with it with my students. Through the common
bonds of shared experiences, we grow and learn together.
Education
2018-2020 Masters of Education, Simon Fraser University
(Ongoing) Specialization: Elementary Numeracy
1999 - 2003 Bachelor of Education, University of Alberta
Major: Social Studies
Minor: Teaching English as a Second Language
Summary of Experience
2019 – 2020 Grade Six Classroom Teacher
St. Catherine, Grande Prairie, AB. GPCSD
2017 – 2019 Instructional Coach
Central Office, Grande Prairie Catholic Schools
2016 – 2017 Grade Six Classroom Teacher
St. Catherine, Grande Prairie, AB. GPCSD
2014 – 2016 Grade One Classroom Teacher
Holy Cross Catholic School, Grande Prairie, AB. GPCSD
2010 – 2014 Grade Five Classroom Teacher
St. Martha, Ft. McMurray, AB. FMCSD
2006 – 2010 Grade Four-Five Classroom Teacher
Sister Mary Philips, Ft. McMurray, AB. FMCSD
2004 – 2006 Physical Education/Kindergarten ESL Classroom Teacher
Canada International School, Seoul, South Korea
Involvement in School and District Initiatives
2019-2020 Member of School Based Leadership Team
o Help to plan and deliver monthly professional development for staff, with a focus on
arts-integration
o Work collaboratively to help teachers implement strategies in their classroom
2017-2019 Instructional Coach to New Teachers
o Helped teachers grow in their knowledge and abilities in a variety of education
topics such as; balanced literacy, student-centered math instruction, classroom
management, differentiated instruction and student engagement
o Observed teachers in their classrooms and provided both written and oral feedback
o Modeled lessons for teachers to show them innovative, research-backed
pedagogical strategies
o Planned and delivered professional development for new teachers based on their
individual needs
o Planned and delivered professional development for schools based on the needs of
their staff
2017-2019 Leadership Academy
o Participated in an ongoing, professional development group focused on building
leadership skills for current and aspiring administrators
2017-2019 Member of District Education Leadership Team
o Helped to create three-year strategic plan for the district, primarily focusing on how
the district would support teacher professional development
o Met monthly with Superintendents and District Lead Teachers to assess progress on
three-year strategic plan
o Provided advice and feedback on various district initiatives
2010 – 2020 Mentor Teacher for Education Students
o Worked with 5-week and 9-week practicum student teachers
o Provided student teachers with feedback, advice and coaching on a variety of topics
o Completed formal and informal evaluations for student teachers
o Worked closely with university facilitators to provide uniform feedback and to
ensure that student teacher experiences were positive and meaningful
2012 - 2014 Co-Chairperson, Professional Development Committee, Fort McMurray ATA Local 48
o Oversaw the planning and execution of Institute Day, a professional development
day for the teachers of both Fort McMurray teaching districts
o Helped to redesign the intent and structure of Institute Day, moving from specific
sessions taught by teachers to a broader, symposium-style, featuring key-note
speakers and breakout discussion groups
o Organized and chaired meetings of the committee
o A member of the ATA local executive committee
2010 - 2013 Lead teacher – IEPT Pilot project
o Provided staff members with ongoing PD about the Inclusive Education Planning
Tool and aided them in the creation and updating of IEPTs throughout the year
o Met with Alberta Education staff to provide feedback on the IEPT
Professional References

Shelley Lacroix
Principal, St. Catherine School
Grande Prairie
780-532-0010

Jessie Shirley
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning
Grande Prairie Catholic Schools
780-532-3013

Greg Miller
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Grande Prairie Catholic Schools
780-532-3013

Caroline Richards
Vice Principal, St. Gerard School
Grande Prairie
780-532-5398