Ambrose University College, Bachelor of Education

PERSONAL RESUME OF
DZENANA TAHMISCIC
A.K.A. Mrs. T.
Cell: (587) 896 6880
Address: 304 1726 W 11th Ave, Vancouver
Email: [email protected]

Mrs. Tahmiscic maintains the environment that is warm and welcoming while being organized and efficient. It is
clear that students feel that this is their classroom and move easily around using the tools to help them learn.
Classroom management is a big focus for Mrs. Tahmiscic. She is nurturing while having clear expectations for
behavior. During lessons, she breaks down instructions into manageable pieces so that students are clear and then
she checks for understanding. She supports students by encouraging them and redirecting them when needed. This is
a particular strength and it is evident that her students care for and are very attached to Mrs. Tahmiscic.
~ Michelle Doz
Principal Sarah Thompson Elementary
Mrs. T is an enthusiastic and passionate teacher who motivates and engages her students. She provides an
environment that is supportive and addresses their individual learning needs. She approaches each learner with
compassion and understanding. She takes pride in her unit and lesson plans centered around 21 st century learner
competencies. She pays close attention to providing meaningful opportunities for the diverse group of learners in her
classroom. Her lessons are thoughtful and well paced to ensure that knowledge is acquired and curriculum
outcomes are met in a timely manner.
~Simon Pols
Principal R.J. Hawkey Elementary
A real strength of Dzenana's is her warm personality. Successful learning, especially for younger children, is
founded on strong relationships. Dzenana has this engaging way of speaking to children. Her tone of voice,
intonation, and body language, communicates a genuineness to which children immediately respond. I give this a
special mention because it is disarming and comforting to children. New learning often involves risk-taking and
children will do this much more readily when they are working with the kind of comfort level that Dzenana creates.
Children in her class feel safe in the socio-emotional sense. They feel safe asking and answering questions knowing
that whatever their response, accurate or otherwise, they will receive a dignified, helpful answer.
~Peter Waldron
University Consultant

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE____________________________________________________________
Strong commitment to develop nurturing relationships with students while enabling them to reach their
full potential, academically and socially
Determination to promote positive relationship with colleagues, parents, and the community so as to
expand learning beyond the classroom
Extensive knowledge and experience in lesson planning around goals and intended learning outcomes of
the Program of Studies
Well rounded inquiry based learning scenarios to foster critical skills and develop positive self-concepts
in students

CAREER OBJECTIVE
Throughout my life I have been blessed with opportunities to work with children and youth, and so a love and
enthusiasm has grown in me for these individuals. I am able to cooperate and interact with all kinds of
personalities, and will continue to do so throughout my career. Through various jobs and volunteer positions I
have learned the value of having a teachable spirit, dependability and trustworthiness. I am determined to do
my personal best to display these qualities in my workplace. My goal as a teacher is to educate students in a
way that develops the competencies of the 21 st century learner, while meeting their unique developmental and
educational needs in a safe environment. Providing learning experiences in which students can collaborate as
engaged thinkers, develop digital literacies, and mature into ethical and entrepreneurial citizens will equip
students with the competencies they need to be successful in the 21st century.

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
I believe that students learn through interaction, exploration and inquiry. As a teacher I strive to cultivate
creative and questioning minds in all my students through a differentiated and student centered learning
environment. Facilitating their learning and providing students with applicable, interactive and integrative
curriculum will equip them with the critical thinking skills required by the 21st century learner. Using the
constructivist approach I will try to help them expand their knowledge and experience in all subject areas, and I
will encourage them to question, engage and take ownership of their learning.

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Education
Faculty of Education, Ambrose University College
Graduated with honours-Summa Cum Laude.

September 2010-April 2012

Calgary, Alberta

English Language and Literature Courses

September 2006-April 2009
Faculty of Philosophy, University of Sarajevo
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Completed various courses in English Literature and History.
Bachelor of Journalism
Faculty of Political Science, University of Sarajevo
Minor in Marketing and Mass Media.

Dzenana Tahmiscic

September 2004-March 2009

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

[email protected]

(587) 896-6880

School of German Language

September 2003June 2004
University of Vienna
Vienna, Austria
Studied German language in a fully immersed language environment

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Sarah Thompson School
Kindergarten, Grade One

September 2013 Present

Langdon, Alberta

Designed learning units around emergent, project-based (i.e. Reggio Emilia inspired) approach to
curriculum with an emphasis on learning through exploration, collaboration and play
Mentored first year beginning teachers
Implemented and empowered students through Leader in Me Program
Personalized Daily 5 Literacy Program to foster early literacy development
Piloted the Communication of Student Learning document
Organized purposeful events within the community and school (Cookie Fundraiser for Red Cross,
victims of the floods in Balkans in 2014)
Created local and global learning experience for students by partnering up with a school in Bosnia
and Herzegovina
Coordinated and directed Educational Assistants to facilitate the learning needs of students requiring
additional support

RJ Hawkey Elementary School

September 2012 June 2013

Kindergarten

Airdrie, Alberta

Delivered differentiated instruction and embraced targeted teaching frameworks that improved
students literacy and numeracy skills
Enhanced students motivation and personalized learning through an inquiry-based and supportive
learning environment
Engaged in professional development by attending two Community of Practices, Early Childhood
Education Conference, Beginning Teachers` Conference, and professional visits to different schools.
Joined Reggio Calgary Association

Dzenana Tahmiscic

[email protected]

(587) 896-6880

RELATED EXPERIENCE

Rocky View Schools Division

May 2012- June 2012
Substitute teacher - Various grade levels
Calgary and Area
Adapted to different circumstances and environments to deliver learning experiences that were
accessible, purposeful and engaging for all students
River Valley School Division
April 2012-June 2012
Internship - Kindergarten
Calgary, Alberta
Maintained responsibilities of the teaching and administrating of different assessment practices
Rainbow Creek Elementary
November 2011-February 2012
Practicum - Grade 3
Chestermere, Alberta
Instructed 100% of the time and assumed control of the classroom. Implemented innovative
approach to teaching
Foundations for the Future Charter Academy
March 2011-April 2011
Grade 1 Practicum
Calgary, Alberta
Instructed half-time from the beginning of the second week through to the conclusion of the
practicum

RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE______________________________________________________

Tutor Doctor
March 2011-May 2012
Deliver tutoring services to K-3 students by personalizing programs and using a broad range of
learning resources.

VOLUNTEER HISTORY

______________________________________________________

Big Brother Big Sister

October 2011-December 2012

Mentored and tutored a young girl to help her reach her

full potential both socially and academically.

Bowcroft Elementary School

October 2011-January 2012

Each student felt validated and

encouraged during his or her
learning with Mrs. T and I know
she will transfer her skills into her
job teaching.
Partner teacher Alana Thomson

October 2011January 2012

Assisted kindergarten teacher in various daily activities

Dzenana Tahmiscic

[email protected]

(587) 896-6880

CIWA (Calgary Immigrant Womens Association)

July 2009-August 2010
Assisted in administration work and ESL classes.
Facilitated newcomers with brochures and programs.
UNICEF (The United Nations Children`s Fund)
July 2009- August 2010
Fundraised for various events (i.e. ``Trick or Treat campaign) by presenting throughout various
elementary schools in Calgary.

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
Michelle Doz
Principal of Sarah Thompson Elementary School
[email protected]
(403) 936-6141 (work)

Simon Pols
Principal of Banded Peak School
[email protected]
(403) 949 -2292 (work)

Bernie Potvin
Dean of Education, Ambrose University College
[email protected]
(403) 410-2000 ext. 5912

Dzenana Tahmiscic

[email protected]

(587) 896-6880