Gayani Dewundara

Teaching Portfolio

Humanities & Social Studies Educator | Curriculum Developer | Inclusive Education Practitioner

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I am an educator with over a decade of experience teaching Humanities and Social Studies across elementary and secondary levels. I currently teach Economics, Contemporary Indigenous Studies, 20th Century World History, and advanced ELL courses at the high school level in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Teaching Philosophy

I believe education is most powerful when students feel seen, challenged, and empowered to think independently. My role as a teacher goes beyond delivering content; I design learning experiences that build critical thinking, curiosity, and confidence—skills that extend well beyond the classroom.

My teaching practice is student-centered and inquiry-based. I encourage students to question assumptions, analyze multiple perspectives, and connect academic learning to real-world contexts. Through discussion, reflection, and evidence-based reasoning, students develop higher-order thinking skills and a strong academic voice.

Assessment is an integral part of learning, not an endpoint. I use clear criteria, transparent expectations, and timely feedback to guide growth and help students self-assess, refine their work, and take ownership of their progress—preparing them for post-secondary success.

I am committed to inclusive education and student empowerment. I foster classrooms where diversity is respected, collaboration is encouraged, and students feel safe to take intellectual risks. As an educational leader, I value reflection, mentorship, and professional growth, with the goal of preparing students for academic success, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning.

Professional Experience

Humanities & Social Studies Teacher (Middle and Secondary Years)
Curriculum Developer - Team Leader
Middle School Social Studies, History and Geography Teacher
Elementary School Classroom Teacher

Classroom Practice and Learning Samples

Below are selected examples of my classroom practice, illustrating inquiry-based instruction, inclusive strategies, and assessment for learning in Social Studies and ELL classrooms.

This essay-writing lesson emphasized Indigenous land belongingness in Canada while developing students’ academic writing skills. Annie’s article on BC First Nations land belongingness was recognized as the Article of the Month and displayed as evidence of student learning.

While technology enhances learning, physical, hand-created timeline presentations encourage active participation and reinforce long-term memory.

Committed to anti-racist education that uplifts Indigenous students and fosters inclusive school communities through a student-led poster campaign promoting anti-racism and belonging.

My teaching emphasizes a balanced approach to learning. While I actively integrate technology to support research, collaboration, and assessment, I intentionally use traditional, paper-based instruction to increase student focus, participation, and critical thinking. This approach encourages meaningful interaction, reduces distractions, and allows students to engage more deeply with content through discussion, writing, and hands-on tasks. (Photo credit: Annie, CLC Project)

Thesis_Statement_Lesson (1)

The essay writing workshop supported students in practicing academic writing through Social Studies perspectives, strengthening their ability to develop clear arguments, thesis statements, and structured responses.

Extending learning beyond the classroom to the UBC Museum of Anthropology, studying historical artifacts proved to be an effective way to deepen understanding of Canadian history and culture.

ELL students worked collaboratively with word cards to identify subjects, verbs, and objects, strengthening their understanding of sentence structure through hands-on learning.

From Ideas to Stories – ELL Collaborative Writing Activity: This activity helped students to build confidence in writing by sharing ideas, expanding vocabulary, and structuring stories collaboratively.

Inclusive Practice

Extensive experience supporting students with ASD, intellectual disabilities, physical impairments, and diverse learning needs.
Application of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and strength-based approaches.
Development and implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Safety Plans, and Positive Behaviour Support Plans.
Use of assistive technology and adaptive strategies to enhance accessibility.
Collaborative work with interdisciplinary teams, families, and support staff.

Leadership & Community Engagement

Head of Department – Social Studies, providing academic leadership and curriculum oversight
Mentored teachers and supported collaborative planning and professional growth
Coordinated curriculum initiatives and educational programs
Experience in community outreach and support work, contributing to student well-being and equity-focused practices

Professional Learning & Certifications

Master’s Degree in Leadership in Education
Postgraduate Diploma in Education
Bachelors Arts Degree in International Studies and Modern Languages
Diploma in Education, Curriculum And Instructional Studies (in Progress)
TESOL (In progress)
Special Education Certification from International Institute of Special Education
Certificate on Indigenous Canada - University of Alberta
Mental Health First Aid Certification
First Aid, Emergency Preparedness, Workplace Safety, and Violence Prevention Certifications

Contact

Email: gaya.manimendri@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gayani-d
Teaching Portfolio: www.msgayani.ca

References available upon request.

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