Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Committees And Teaching Experience
Certifications And Endorsements
Timeline
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Amy Ciokajlo (Soper)

Middlebury,IN

Summary

Dedicated and passionate Reading Specialist and Title I Interventionist with extensive experience in supporting struggling readers, including students with dyslexia and other reading challenges. Committed to fostering literacy development using evidence-based practices, including the Science of Reading (SOR) approach, which is central to my teaching philosophy. Deeply passionate about not only teaching struggling readers how to read but also mentoring teachers on how to implement best practices and effective strategies for teaching reading. Skilled in data analysis, differentiation, and providing tailored interventions to meet the diverse needs of all learners. Possesses an extensive understanding and practice in assessment, curriculum development, RTI models, parent and community involvement, professional development, educational technology, student success, collaboration with Special Education and ELL teams, and literacy initiatives. Certified in specialized reading programs like Orton-Gillingham and Wilson Reading System.

Qualified literacy professional with background in developing and implementing effective reading programs. Adept at diagnosing reading difficulties and creating individualized strategies that enhance student literacy. Demonstrated ability to foster love for reading and improve student outcomes through innovative teaching techniques and collaborative efforts.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Reading Specialist & Title I Interventionist

Middlebury Community Schools
01.2014 - Current
  • Provide targeted reading intervention using research-based methods to support struggling readers
  • Collaborate with classroom teachers to develop individualized learning plans
  • Analyze student data to guide instruction and monitor progress
  • Serve as a mentor teacher, supporting colleagues in the implementation of Structured Literacy
  • Participate in PLC meetings to share best practices and promote continuous learning

Kindergarten Teacher

Middlebury Community Schools
01.2008 - 01.2014
  • Delivered engaging, differentiated instruction across all subject areas
  • Developed foundational literacy skills using a systematic phonics approach
  • Fostered a nurturing learning environment that promoted student confidence and growth

Kindergarten Teacher

Paragon Charter Academy
08.2005 - 06.2008
  • Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
  • Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of all students.

Sixth Grade Teacher & Kindergarten Teacher

Paragon Charter Academy
01.2003 - 01.2008
  • Taught sixth-grade students across multiple subject areas, emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving
  • Designed and implemented curriculum that catered to diverse learning needs
  • Taught general kindergarten, fostering early literacy skills and social-emotional development
  • Built strong relationships with students and parents to support educational growth

Education

Master’s Degree - Curriculum Design and Instruction with an Emphasis in Dyslexia

Western Governors University
Millscreek, UT
04-2023

Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI
12-1997

Skills

  • PLC Development Leadership
  • Explicit Literacy Teaching
  • Data-Informed Strategy Development
  • Dyslexia Educational Interventions
  • Educator Development Assistance
  • Assessment Proficiency
  • Educational Program Development
  • RTI Program Execution
  • Stakeholder Collaboration
  • Effective Technology Integration
  • Enhancing Student Outcomes
  • Special Education and ELL Support
  • Literacy Program Development

Committees And Teaching Experience

  • Indiana Department of Education - English Language Arts, K-2 Committee
  • Indiana Department of Education - Standard Reduction Committee
  • Marian University – Presenter for Implementation of Common Core Standards
  • District Language Arts Committee – Contributed to curriculum development and instructional strategies.
  • District Reading Adoption Committee
  • Mentor Teacher – Provided guidance and support to fellow educators, promoting best practices.

Certifications And Endorsements

  • Early Literacy Endorsement
  • Early Childhood Education Endorsement

Timeline

Reading Specialist & Title I Interventionist

Middlebury Community Schools
01.2014 - Current

Kindergarten Teacher

Middlebury Community Schools
01.2008 - 01.2014

Kindergarten Teacher

Paragon Charter Academy
08.2005 - 06.2008

Sixth Grade Teacher & Kindergarten Teacher

Paragon Charter Academy
01.2003 - 01.2008

Master’s Degree - Curriculum Design and Instruction with an Emphasis in Dyslexia

Western Governors University

Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education

Western Michigan University