Alanna Desmond
North Kingstown,RI
Summary
Professional educator with extensive experience in teaching exceptional learners. Strengths in creating a collaborative learning environment to help students achieve their educational goals. Skilled in curriculum development, differentiated instruction, and student assessment. Recognized for flexibility, reliability, and effective collaboration with teams. Committed to making a positive impact in the field of inclusive personalized education. Credentialed in Art, English, and Special Education.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Westerly Public Schools
Westerly, RI
08.2025 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans tailored to student needs.
- Implemented behavior intervention strategies to enhance classroom management.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support student learning outcomes.
- Trained staff on effective instructional techniques for diverse learners.
- Taught Recourse Classes
- Co-Taught tenth grade Geometry,English, and Spanish classes.
- IEP Case management.
- Conducted three year educational evaluations.
Special Education Teacher
Amergis
East Greenwich, RI
04.2025 - 08.2025
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Assigned to service students in grades 6-8 during the school year and students in grades K-2 during ESY.
Substitute English Teacher
ESS
North Kingstown, RI
12.2024 - 04.2025
- Assisted students in mastering subject material and preparing for tests.
- Collaborated with other educators to plan and review instruction.
- Developed creative instructional strategies to keep students engaged and motivated.
- Taught both regular education and special education classes.
- Worked with students in grades 9-12.
Art Teacher
Gilbert Stuart Middle School
Providence, RI
08.2023 - 06.2024
- Taught Visual Arts for grades 6-8.
- Established a positive and inclusive classroom environment that encouraged open communication and collaboration among students.
Girls Soccer Coach
Gilbert Stuart Middle School
Providence, RI
09.2023 - 12.2023
Art Teacher for Gifted Enrichment
Medici Enterprises Learning Center
Costa Mesa, CA
08.2014 - 08.2023
- Taught Painting and Mixed Media Art Classes for students in grades 2-12 for a Gifted Enrichment program.
Teacher of Record, HQT, Head of Fine Arts Department and Art Teacher
Excel Academy
Irvine, CA
08.2014 - 06.2023
- Taught Painting and Mixed Media Art Classes for students in grades 2-12
- Oversaw students in a homeschool charter school. Chose their curriculum for all subjects, in collaboration with parents.
- Served as an advisor for other teachers with students with learning differences on their rosters.
- Tailored comprehensive educational programs for students with and without learning differences.
Art Teacher
Medici Enterprises Learning Center
Costa Mesa, CA
08.2014 - 03.2020
- Taught after school gifted enrichment and weekend workshop art classes.
Educational Specialist
K&M Center
Santa Monica, CA
01.2004 - 01.2015
- Tutored and administered educational therapy programs such as PACE, LIPS, Seeing Stars, Read Naturally, Executive Functioning and Great Leaps in students' homes.
- Worked as an Educational therapist, helping students to build their underlying academic skills and self esteem through one on one educational therapy.
- Worked with students in K-12.
Special Education Teacher: Art,English,Yoga
The Westview School
Los Angeles, CA
09.2002 - 11.2012
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
One on one assistant
The Beth Jacob Congregation
Beverly Hills, CA
01.2004 - 10.2007
- One on one assistant for a boy with autism at The Beth Jacob Congregation's children's' program.
Student Teacher
Bishop Stang High School
Dartmouth
01.2002 - 05.2002
- Taught and assisted in teaching both introductory and advanced Painting and Drawing classes.
Tutor and Writing Fellow
UMASS Dartmouth Writing and Reading Center
Dartmouth, MA
01.1999 - 05.2002
- Tutored and Fellowed University Students in Writing, Study Skills, English as a Second Language, and all liberal arts subjects, individually and in groups.
- Edited, photographed for and wrote for W.R.C Newsletter.
Education
PhD Candidate - Educational Leadership
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA12-2027
Level II Special Education Credential Program Graduate -
California State University Northridge
California06-2008
MA - Mild to Moderate Special Education
California State University Northridge
California12-2007
BFA - Art Education, Photography, English Minor in Writing Communication
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
06-2002
Skills
- Collaborative teamwork
- Public speaking confidence
- Curriculum alignment
- Creative teaching strategies
Accomplishments
- Deans or Chancellor's list every semester at UMASS Dartmouth.
- Participated in the Commonwealth Scholar of Massachusetts Program, 1997 - 06/01/02.
- Represented the UMASS Chapter of the Golden Key International Honor Society at the International Convention, Dallas, Texas, 04/01/02.
- Presented an Interdisciplinary project in Poetry and Computer Graphics at the Honors Program Convention, Brooklyn, New York, 04/01/01.
Languages
Spanish
Elementary
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Westerly Public Schools
08.2025 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Amergis
04.2025 - 08.2025
Substitute English Teacher
ESS
12.2024 - 04.2025
Girls Soccer Coach
Gilbert Stuart Middle School
09.2023 - 12.2023
Art Teacher
Gilbert Stuart Middle School
08.2023 - 06.2024
Art Teacher for Gifted Enrichment
Medici Enterprises Learning Center
08.2014 - 08.2023
Teacher of Record, HQT, Head of Fine Arts Department and Art Teacher
Excel Academy
08.2014 - 06.2023
Art Teacher
Medici Enterprises Learning Center
08.2014 - 03.2020
Educational Specialist
K&M Center
01.2004 - 01.2015
One on one assistant
The Beth Jacob Congregation
01.2004 - 10.2007
Special Education Teacher: Art,English,Yoga
The Westview School
09.2002 - 11.2012
Student Teacher
Bishop Stang High School
01.2002 - 05.2002
Tutor and Writing Fellow
UMASS Dartmouth Writing and Reading Center
01.1999 - 05.2002
PhD Candidate - Educational Leadership
Regent University
Level II Special Education Credential Program Graduate -
California State University Northridge
MA - Mild to Moderate Special Education
California State University Northridge
BFA - Art Education, Photography, English Minor in Writing Communication
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Clubs And Activities
- Yearbook advisor and photographer for school events, The Westview School, 09/01/02 - 11/30/12.
- Recording Secretary of the UMASS Dartmouth Chapter of the Golden Key International Honor Society, 2000 - 06/01/03.
- Member of the National Art Education Association.
- Supervised Afterschool Musical Production of Matilda Jr., Gilbert Stuart Middle School, Providence, RI, 01/01/24 - 05/30/24.
- Member of the Women's Vision's Project, a club for women in the creative fields.
Community Work
- Sunday School Teacher and Nursery Care Worker, Great Bridge Presbyterian Church, 02/01/13 - 06/30/13
- Organized an Intergenerational Mural Project with inner city children, UMASS Dartmouth Women's Resource Center, Fall 2001 - 06/01/02
- Girls Soccer Coach, Gilbert Stuart Middle School, Fall Season 2023
Teaching Credentials
Art, English, and Special Education.