Gayani Dewundara

Teaching Portfolio

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

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I am a dedicated educator with over a decade of experience teaching Humanities and Social Studies across elementary and secondary levels. I currently teach Economics, Indigenous Studies, 20th Century World History, and advanced ELL courses at the high school level in Vancouver, British Columbia. I believe students learn best in classrooms where they feel supported, challenged, and genuinely respected.

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that meaningful learning occurs when students are actively engaged, supported, and challenged to think critically about the world around them. I view the classroom as an inclusive and respectful learning space where students’ identities, experiences, and perspectives are valued.

I design instruction using inquiry-based, student-centred approaches that encourage questioning, discussion, and reflection. In Social Studies, I emphasize historical thinking, multiple perspectives, and connections between past and present to help students understand complex social, political, and economic issues.

Guided by the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), I provide multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression to ensure equitable access for all learners, including English language learners and students with diverse learning needs. Assessment is used as a tool for learning, combining ongoing formative feedback with authentic performance-based summative tasks.

Professional Experience

Humanities & Social Studies Teacher (Middle and Secondary Years)

Planned and delivered inquiry-based Social Studies and History lessons aligned with international and national curricula.
Designed unit plans emphasizing historical thinking, source analysis, and evidence-based argumentation.
Developed formative and summative assessments including essays, projects, presentations, and debates.
Differentiated instruction using UDL strategies to support English language learners and students with IEPs.
Fostered inclusive classroom environments that promoted collaboration, respectful dialogue, and student voice.

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 First Nations land belonging 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.

Committing to anti-racist education that uplifts Indigenous students and fosters inclusive school communities.

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

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 in Arts in International Studies
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
Mental Health 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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