Amanda J. Figueroa
Mountainside,NJ
Summary
Expert in creating inclusive, high-performing learning environments that cater to diverse student needs. Experienced in facilitating collaborative planning sessions and mentoring educators to implement evidence-based instructional strategies that support individual learning goals and drive schoolwide excellence.
Overview
1
1
Certification
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Administrative Assistant and Teacher PreK-8
Mountainside School District
Mountainside, NJ
01.2025 - Current
- Leveraged extensive classroom and instructional leadership experience to sustain high-quality teaching and learning across grade levels and content areas
- Modeled best practices in instruction and student engagement, fostering high expectations for student learning
- Executed and adjusted lesson plans to ensure instructional coherence, rigor, and alignment with learning goals
- Applied advanced classroom management and relationship-building strategies to establish immediate structure and productive learning environments
- Collaborated with administrators and staff to ensure seamless transitions and maintain educational continuity during teacher absences
Second Grade Teacher and Curriculum Writer
Philip's Academy Charter School (Formerly St. Philip's)
Newark, NJ
01.2018 - 01.2025
- Develop cohesive math curricula using Math in Focus (Singapore Math) and Eureka Math, ensuring vertical alignment and consistency with school-wide instructional goals. Integrate multiple pedagogical models, including structured literacy and workshop approaches, to deliver evidence-based ELA and Math instruction using UFLI, The Writing Revolution, Fishtank, decodable texts, and systematic phonics strategies. Coordinated grade-level Curriculum PLCs and facilitated professional development initiatives focused on curriculum alignment, instructional consistency, assessment practices, and implementation of evidence-based ELA and Math resources. Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to colleagues on instructional and classroom management issues, fostering a collaborative and solution-focused team culture.
- Led curriculum design and review cycles using Grant Wiggins' Understanding by Design framework, refining unit plans, instructional strategies, and culminating projects to support standards-based instruction across grade-level classrooms.
- Spearheaded the adaptation of Fishtank Learning and The Writing Revolution for Language Arts instruction, guiding faculty in customizing these resources for classroom implementation.
- Revamped phonics scope and sequence to align with UFLI and Words Their Way methodologies to ensure coherence with student performance data.
- Engineered engaging, standards-based lesson plans for diverse learning needs, integrating data analytics to inform instructional strategies and improve student outcomes.
- Administered and analyzed assessment data from CORE, DRA2, iReady, SENA, Teachers College Spelling/Writing, and Forefront Math to monitor student progress, guide targeted instruction, and improve curricular scope and sequence.
- Applied robust assessment tools, including anecdotal records, conferencing, student portfolios, and rubrics to monitor performance and guide small-group, targeted instruction.
- Liaised between grade-level staff and administration, conveying team insights and advocating for resources to enhance instructional efficacy.
- Partnered with Special Education teachers to analyze student needs, adapt learning goals and instructional practices, and implement individualized strategies aligned with IEPs to support student growth and achievement.
Third Grade Teacher
E. Orange Community Charter
East Orange, NJ
01.2007 - 01.2018
- Delivered differentiated instruction and conducted comprehensive assessments for a class of 26 students with diverse academic abilities and learning needs. Collaborated with the Language Arts Literacy (LAL) Supervisor to integrate Balanced Literacy practices into a school lacking a formalized literacy curriculum, subsequently mentoring colleagues in its effective classroom implementation. Conducted in-depth research on instructional best practices and participated in Grant Wiggins' Understanding by Design (UBD) workshops to enhance curriculum design proficiency.
- Worked collaboratively with Special Education staff to differentiate instruction, modify learning objectives, and develop targeted strategies that supported students' individual IEP goals and promoted meaningful academic progress.
- Authored scope and sequence frameworks, unit plans, and instructional resources that empowered faculty to effectively embed balanced literacy strategies across grade-level instruction.
- Conducted professional development sessions for teachers on Guided Math implementation and reflective teaching practices, enhancing instructional effectiveness through data-driven small group instruction.
- Designed and facilitated parent workshops, including Go With the Flow and Math in Focus Parent University, fostering family engagement and equipping parents to support learning at home.
Third-Grade Science and Social Studies Teacher
The Schomburg Charter School
Jersey City, NJ
10.2006 - 12.2006
- Designed and facilitated interactive learning activities, including hands-on experiments and historical re-enactments.
- Coordinated with grade-level teams to align instructional strategies for cohesive curriculum delivery.
- Communicated academic progress and student concerns to parents and staff.
- Led mid-year instructional initiatives in science and social studies for 60 third-grade students.
- Developed engaging lesson plans emphasizing critical thinking and historical analysis.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to promote student participation and diverse perspectives.
- Implemented assessment tools to evaluate student understanding and learning outcomes.
Third-Grade General Education Teacher
NYC Department of Education
New York, NY
01.2005 - 01.2002
- Student Enrichment & Program Leadership
- Facilitated summer school program to enhance literacy skills for struggling readers.
- Secured funding for recess materials through DonorsChoose.org to enhance student play and engagement; obtained 10 Chromebooks through Tynker Grant to increase hands-on computer time and improve computer literacy; raised funds via GoFundMe.org for a second-grade field trip to see The Lion King on Broadway.
- Coordinated parent educational workshops including Do The Math, Read Naturally, Saturday Academy, Parent Involvement Reading Night, Math in Focus Parent University, and Go with the Flow Academy to foster parent engagement in student learning.
- Afterschool/Enrichment: Crazy 8's by Bedtime Math-after-school math enrichment; CODING class for K-2 and 3-5 afterschool, which taught the basics of coding on sites like Tynker.com and CODE.org; Afterschool Tutoring
Education
Post-Master's Certification - Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, K-12
Kean University
Union, NJMaster of Science - Education with a Focus in Literacy, Birth - Gr.6
Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NYBachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Ed. | Minor: Studio Art
Salve Regina University
Newport, RISkills
- Curriculum design
- Assessment strategies
- Instructional data use
- Classroom management
- Instructional coaching
- Collaborative planning
- Instructional leadership
Certification
New Jersey State Standard Teaching Certificate- Elementary School Teacher K-5, Post-Master's Certificate: Supervisor: Educational Leadership and Management Pre-K - 12, Pending: New Jersey State Standard Teaching Certificate- Middle School ELA 5-8
Areas of Expertise
- Curriculum Design & Mapping
- Instructional Leadership
- Data-Driven Instruction
- Teacher Mentorship & Coaching
- Standards-Based Curriculum Alignment
- Differentiated Instruction Strategies
- Literacy & Math Intervention Programs
- Educational Assessment & Analysis
- Professional Development Facilitation
- Instructional Best Practices Integration
- Collaborative Team Leadership
- Classroom Management Strategies
- Pedagogical Model Implementation
- Grant Writing & Resource Acquisition
- Schoolwide Instructional Planning
Timeline
Substitute Administrative Assistant and Teacher PreK-8
Mountainside School District
01.2025 - Current
Second Grade Teacher and Curriculum Writer
Philip's Academy Charter School (Formerly St. Philip's)
01.2018 - 01.2025
Third Grade Teacher
E. Orange Community Charter
01.2007 - 01.2018
Third-Grade Science and Social Studies Teacher
The Schomburg Charter School
10.2006 - 12.2006
Third-Grade General Education Teacher
NYC Department of Education
01.2005 - 01.2002
Post-Master's Certification - Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, K-12
Kean University
Master of Science - Education with a Focus in Literacy, Birth - Gr.6
Brooklyn College
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Ed. | Minor: Studio Art
Salve Regina University