Alyson Kerrissey
Leicester,MA
Summary
Dynamic educator with extensive experience at Sutton Public Schools, specializing in differentiated instruction and fostering strong parent-teacher communication. Proven ability to enhance early reading skills and implement effective behavior management strategies, creating a positive learning environment that supports diverse learners. Committed to collaboration and continuous improvement in student progress and whole child development.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Kindergarten Teacher
Sutton Public Schools
08.2014 - Current
- Build positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
- Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines.
- Collaborate with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
- Implement differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of all students.
- Promote learning through play with engaging activities, games and lessons.
- Promote a positive learning environment with the use of collaborative group work and hands-on activities.
- Deliver lesson plans, implemented school curriculum and use data to create, monitor, and establish a personalized learning plan for each student.
- Improve student reading skills by implementing Science of Reading instruction and WIN/RTI tiered instruction as needed.
- Implement individualized educational plans and accommodations for students with special education needs.
- Recognize children's physical, emotional and social needs for personalized support.
- Utilize assessment data to modify instruction and target areas of weakness for individual students.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Implemented positive behavior support strategies, promoting a respectful and inclusive classroom culture.
Kindergarten Special Education Teacher
Sutton Public Schools
08.2012 - 11.2013
- 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.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
First Grade Teacher
Sutton Public Schools
08.2011 - 06.2012
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring all students made progress towards academic goals.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of need for individual students and adjust teaching methods accordingly.
- Assessed student progress regularly using formative assessments and modified instruction accordingly for optimal growth.
- Established strong relationships with parents through effective communication about their child''s academic progress and social-emotional development.
- Improved student reading comprehension by incorporating engaging phonics activities and guided reading sessions.
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Developed students'' critical thinking skills through inquiry-based learning activities and group projects.
- Implemented positive behavior support strategies, promoting a respectful and inclusive classroom culture.
- Enhanced classroom management techniques, resulting in a more focused and productive learning environment.
- Administered various reading tests and determined student reading levels based on assessment findings.
- Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
Preschool Teacher
Sutton Public Schools
08.2004 - 06.2010
- Developed strong relationships with parents and caregivers, providing regular updates on their child''s progress and addressing any concerns proactively.
- Designed creative lesson plans that incorporated hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences to foster curiosity and engagement in young learners.
- Ensured a safe and nurturing environment for all students, adhering to health and safety guidelines in the classroom.
- Applied play-based strategies and applied behavioral analysis techniques to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Boosted children''s social development by promoting positive interactions among peers through group activities and collaborative projects.
- Monitored students' academic, social, and emotional progress and recorded in individual files.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning needs within the classroom setting without sacrificing overall quality of education provided to all students.
- Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans.
- Collaborated with related service providers to ensure consistency of support for students across all areas of development.
- Incorporated sensory strategies into daily routines to promote self-regulation and increase focus during instructional time.
- Evaluated incoming students from early intervention to assess the need for Individual Education Plan.
- Conducted home visits to establish rapport and relationships with incoming students from early intervention
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
Assumption University
Worcester, MA05-2004
Master of Science - Communication Disorders
Worcester State University
Worcester, MA05-1999
Skills
- Adapted learning approaches
- Proactive parent outreach
- Curriculum design
- Childhood development expertise
- Effective classroom management
- Effective technology integration
- Behavior management training with New England Center for Children
- Experience in behavior modification techniques
- Team-based faculty engagement
- Group and individual instruction
- Skilled in formal and informal evaluation techniques
- Experienced in developing strategies for English language learners
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Kindergarten Teacher
Sutton Public Schools
08.2014 - Current
Kindergarten Special Education Teacher
Sutton Public Schools
08.2012 - 11.2013
First Grade Teacher
Sutton Public Schools
08.2011 - 06.2012
Preschool Teacher
Sutton Public Schools
08.2004 - 06.2010
Master of Arts - Special Education
Assumption University
Master of Science - Communication Disorders
Worcester State University
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