Well-qualified Reading Specialist with proven success in improving operations and solving problems. Highly proficient in building lasting relationships with key decision makers, customers and team members to further company goals. Ready to leverage training and experience to take on new professional challenges.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ELA Interventionist
Clifton T. Barkalow Middle School
Freehold, NJ
01.2022 - Current
Grades 6-8
Worked with students within the lowest 20% on MAP scores to improve their reading skills
Utilized Reader’s/Writer’s Workshop small group instructional model to address reading and writing deficits in the middle school classroom
Worked with teachers in 7th and 8th grade to improve student learning using a push-in intervention model
Utilized MAP data and Fountas and Pinnell data to work drive instruction
Member of the I&RS committee monthly committee to advocate for students’ needs
Received training from Teacher’s College on small group instruction
Just Words trained as of 7/29/2022
Created spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel for daily, weekly and monthly reporting
Led projects and analyzed data to identify opportunities for improvement
Collaborated with team members to achieve target results
Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule
Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere
Teacher
Perth Amboy High School
Perth Amboy, NJ
10.2020 - 01.2022
Taught in a remote learning environment
Utilized a variety of online programs to drive instruction and engage students including: Google Meet, Nearpod, Kami, Break out rooms, Google Slides, Google Forms, Albert IO, STAR testing, KAHOOT- IT and Performance Matters
Developed student centered lessons specifically focusing on differentiated instruction
Ran professional development workshops for colleagues on many Ed-Tech platforms such as Newsela, Nearpod, Kami and Google slides.
Reviewed curriculum and devised alternate approaches to presenting lessons to increase student understanding
Held conferences with parents to address questions, discuss academic progress and encourage learning goals
Enhanced student knowledge of technology by integrating various web-based applications for research and assignments
Collaborated with faculty to develop after-school tutoring program for struggling students
Piloted program to address proposed state subject area competencies and standards
Reading Specialist
James J. Flynn School
Perth Amboy, NJ
01.2016 - 01.2020
Utilized DRA2, CORE Press, Words Their Way Spelling Inventory, Orton- Gillingham, District Sight Word list and Star test to gather data on student to make data driven decision making for each lesson
Create individualized instruction for each student based on their data
Created a successful virtual leaning environment fully remote including platforms such as Google Meet, Kami, Google Classroom, Google Slides, Google Forms, Reading A-Z, Loom, and Flip Grid
Logged and kept record of student’s growth throughout the year using many assessments as listed above to implement best practiced needed for mastery of skill
Using anecdotal notes for sufficient data and presenting to CST, each year 2-4 children were accepted into special services
Organized and Facilitated Literacy Nights for each season/ holiday by finding teacher volunteers and inviting all students and families
Ran the “Read Across America Day” program by inviting community members to read to students
Created parent workshops through community outreach programs to educate parents on ways to help their students with literacy skills
Was a member of the I&RS/ SST weekly meetings to advocate for student’s needs
Active leader in the Climate Committee
Helped run the Scholastic Book Fair every year
Implemented specific strategies and modifications to enhance learning for ELL students and special needs students
Created and implemented professional development workshops for teachers to enhance their skills in phonics, dyslexia and other literacy skills.
Wrote and delivered customized instruction to individual students and groups
Built positive and productive relationships with teachers to drive improvements to reading programs
Developed goals and realistic plans for achieving each target
Performed assessments and analyzed results to spot students in need of further help
Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents
Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction
Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts
Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education
Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation
Language Arts Teacher
Samuel E. Shull School
Perth Amboy, NJ
09.2011 - 06.2016
Designed a Reading Intervention scope and sequence program targeting the bottom 20% of the student body
Utilized a variety of diagnostic tools such as the DRA2, STAR test and Spelling Inventory to develop a curriculum that is data driven and specific for each individual student
Differentiating and executing lessons for students of various learning abilities, such as Gifted and Talented, General Education, and Special Education students Created and implemented district Professional Development for schools: Guided Reading; Annotating using Newsela for middle school language arts teachers
Motivating “high risk” and “bubble students” through small group and individualized instruction
Teaching through a variety of strategies such as word sorts, hands on learning, and multiple exposures to texts.
Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth.
Assisted 4-6 children per station during small-group learning periods.
Integrated Smartboard and other instructional technologies into classroom.
Established positive rapport with all students and parents through home calls, emails and Parent Teacher Club.
Utilized group and hands-on learning experiences for proficient teacher evaluation score.
Adjunct Professor of English
Middlesex County College
Edison, NJ
09.2014 - 05.2016
Taught adult learners how to utilize reading skills productively to enhance their college experience.
Used McGraw-Hill technology lab programs to enhance writing skills and grammar.
Evaluated students' abilities and grasp of English language, keeping appropriate records and preparing progress reports.
Developed interesting lectures and educational activities to maximize learning within classroom.
Initiated, facilitated and moderated classroom discussions for college-level English students.
Designed and developed instructional activities using data from student learning style assessments.
Defined and articulated goal learning outcomes, performance metrics and changes to improve student learning.
Expanded student understanding of texts by spearheading in-depth discussions and assigning exploratory essays to help students articulate knowledge
Made use of available technologies in daily learning, such as McGraw Hill and NoRedInk.
Sourced optimal curricula and developed lesson plans to fully cover target material for each course.
Selected and prepared educational resources, taking account of students' interests and cultural backgrounds
Education
Master of Arts - Reading Specialist
New Jersey City University
Jersey City, NJ
05.2014
Supervisor Certificate, P-12 -
New Jersey City University
Jersey City, NJ
8.2022
Bachelor of Art - English
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ
5.2009
Skills
Managed classroom routine, procedure, and enriched student culture environment at high performing level Certified Responsive Classroom representative for social and emotional needs embedded in daily routine
Qualified in Orton Gillingham, Writers Workshop, Reading Horizons, DRA, CORE assessment, Sue Dixon phonics, Fountas and Pinnell Level Literacy Program, Reading Wonders, Just Words and SIOP Model
Proficiency in technology platforms and ran professional development for staff including: Newsela, CommonLit, Genesis, Schoology, Performance Matters, Frontline Products, Google Classroom, Seesaw, Kami, Nearpod, Jam board, Epic books, I-Ready, Performance Matters, Star Literacy, Remind app, Class Dojo, and Infinite Campus
Interactive Media
Behavior Modeling
Educational Support
Individual Education Plan Expertise
Individualized Lesson Plans
Teacher Training
Remote Assistance
Accomplishments
Received a 4 SGP score/ highest test scores in the Perth Amboy School district
CORE Literacy Team Member
James J
Flynn SST member and I&RS
James J Flynn Climate Committee Member
District Professional Development Committee
2014-2015
2016- 2020
2018-2020
2020-2021
Certification
Reading Specialist k-12
Supervisor Certificate P-12
Just Words 4-8
Orton-Gillingham Trained
Fountas and Pinnell Leveled Literacy Instructor
Timeline
ELA Interventionist
Clifton T. Barkalow Middle School
01.2022 - Current
Teacher
Perth Amboy High School
10.2020 - 01.2022
Reading Specialist
James J. Flynn School
01.2016 - 01.2020
Adjunct Professor of English
Middlesex County College
09.2014 - 05.2016
Language Arts Teacher
Samuel E. Shull School
09.2011 - 06.2016
Master of Arts - Reading Specialist
New Jersey City University
Supervisor Certificate, P-12 -
New Jersey City University
Bachelor of Art - English
Montclair State University
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