Alyssa Rivera
Brooklyn,NY
Summary
Dedicated educator specializing in instructional design and collaborative teaching. Skilled in implementing differentiated instruction and data-driven assessments to support diverse learners. Expertise in curriculum development and student engagement enhances achievement and well-being. Integrates Social-Emotional Learning into instruction to create inclusive environments tailored to varied learning needs.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Science Learning Specialist (6th & 8th)
Unity Preparatory Middle School
Brooklyn, NY
08.2023 - Current
- Provide in-class and small-group academic support in 6th and 8th grade science, differentiating instruction to ensure access to rigorous, NGSS-aligned curriculum.
- Collaborated with lead teachers to support a diverse student population in Bedford-Stuyvesant, scaffolding content and addressing varied learning needs.
- Acted as 8th Grade Lead Science Teacher for a full academic year during maternity leave, assuming complete responsibility for lesson planning, instruction, assessment, and family communication.
- Integrated Social-Emotional Learning objectives into science instruction, enhancing collaborative problem-solving, self-advocacy, and mental health awareness.
- Created structured classroom environments that fostered intellectual curiosity, accountability, and respectful discourse.
High School Psychology Teacher
Inwood Academy for Leadership Charter High School
New York, New York
08.2017 - 06.2022
- Designed and built the school’s Psychology Department, developing a comprehensive curriculum aligned to college-readiness standards.
- Cultivated engaging, discussion-based classrooms that emphasized critical thinking, research literacy, and real-world application.
- Monitored academic and social growth through data-driven assessments, providing targeted feedback to support student development.
- Collaborated with families and administrators to enhance student achievement and well-being through proactive communication and support.
- Collaborated on interdisciplinary programming, including development of a dramatic arts initiative to expand creative expression opportunities.
- Provided mentorship and support for students pursuing advanced studies in psychology.
- Fostered a supportive classroom environment that encouraged respect, empathy, and open dialogue, promoting student engagement and collaboration.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
New York University
New York, NY01-2022
Bachelor of Science - Adolescent To Young Adult Education/English
University of Dayton
Dayton, OHSkills
- Curriculum development
- Instructional design
- Assessment strategies
- Data analysis
- Middle School Science
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Integration - High School and AP Psychology
- Student engagement
- Culturally Responsive Teaching
- Collaborative Teaching Models
- Classroom management
- Google Workspace & Microsoft Office Suite
- Critical thinking
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Integration
- High School English
- Respectful discourse
Affiliations
AmeriCorps Literacy Tutor - Dayton, OH (2008-2010)
Timeline
Science Learning Specialist (6th & 8th)
Unity Preparatory Middle School
08.2023 - Current
High School Psychology Teacher
Inwood Academy for Leadership Charter High School
08.2017 - 06.2022
Master of Science - Special Education
New York University
Bachelor of Science - Adolescent To Young Adult Education/English
University of Dayton