Aja Cirillo
Summary
Energetic teacher with 20 years experience. Successful at individualizing instruction to boost student motivation and meet learning needs. Skilled in designing engaging lessons and integrating technology in a fast-paced learning environment. Dedicated to elevating academic performance, boosting social skills, and advancing character development.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Second and Fourth Grade Teacher
Sonoma Valley USD
08.2019 - Current
- Developed lesson modifications and provided scaffolding for students with special needs as part of an integrated classroom
- Provided immediate intervention in response to crises, employing existing trust and rapport to deescalate situations
- Implemented and encouraged a debate-style classroom environment to increase student engagement and promote critical thinking
- Piloted Benchmark and Wonders English Language Arts programs to assess effectiveness in teaching state standards
Kindergarten and Third Grade Teacher
El Segundo USD
08.2015 - 06.2019
- Challenged students to persevere, think critically, and maintain a growth mindset to work through difficult tasks
- Drove student learning by establishing clear group objectives as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal
First and Second Grade Teacher
Torrance USD
09.2011 - 06.2015
- Differentiated instruction for learners in a combination class, within a Title 1, low economic, culturally diverse setting
- Promoted celebration of diversity, tolerance, and respect for others, both inside and outside of the classroom
- Designed and conducted lessons to address various learning styles while capitalizing on student strengths
ESL Teacher
Various Schools
06.2010 - 01.2011
- Cultivated linguistic advancement in children, teenage, and adult English Language Learners, at the elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels, using ESA methodology
- Boosted student morale by utilizing positive reinforcement techniques
- Established a positive learning environment by providing structure while encouraging student choice and creativity
TK, Kindergarten, and First Grade Teacher
Torrance USD
08.2004 - 06.2010
- As a master teacher, observed and formally evaluated student teacher performance on a daily basis
- Guided groups in cooperative learning to advance communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills
- Encouraged and prepared students to become independent readers through multi-sensory instruction in phonemic awareness and phonics
- Frequently and consistently communicated with parents, colleagues, and administrators regarding students' growth and well-being
Education
Masters of Education - Curriculum And Instruction
Concordia University
Irvine, CA2014
TEFL/TESOL Certificate -
TEFL International/Escola Mediterrani
Barcelona, Spain2010
Multiple Subject CLAD Teaching Credential -
California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA2003
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Applied Developmental Psychology
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA1998
Skills
- Recipient of the Japanese Business Association's 2007 Educator Award
- Trained in Readers and Writers Workshop, Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), Bridges Math
- Skilled in implementing SMART Board technology and employing student Chromebooks and Ipads
- Experienced in gathering, recording, and tracking student data for Response to Intervention (RTI)
- Effective at utilizing student online programs: Formative Loop, Accelerated Reader, Deambox, Lexia, Mystery Science
- Led English Language Learner Committees and Student Success Teams, and was Grade Level Chair for Common Core Math Leadership Team
- Certified to administer and interpret the Gesell Developmental Observation, determining TK/K readiness
Timeline
Second and Fourth Grade Teacher
Sonoma Valley USD
08.2019 - Current
Kindergarten and Third Grade Teacher
El Segundo USD
08.2015 - 06.2019
First and Second Grade Teacher
Torrance USD
09.2011 - 06.2015
ESL Teacher
Various Schools
06.2010 - 01.2011
TK, Kindergarten, and First Grade Teacher
Torrance USD
08.2004 - 06.2010
Masters of Education - Curriculum And Instruction
Concordia University
TEFL/TESOL Certificate -
TEFL International/Escola Mediterrani
Multiple Subject CLAD Teaching Credential -
California State University-Long Beach
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Applied Developmental Psychology
University of California-Los Angeles
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