Amy Gongaware
Mount Pleasant,PA
Summary
Accomplished Reading Specialist with a proven track record at Norwin School District that enhances literacy through data-driven interventions, collaboration with colleagues, and parent-teacher collaboration. Dedicated to enhancing student literacy and fostering a love for reading. Known for collaborative teamwork and achieving impactful results in dynamic educational environments. Skilled in assessment, data-driven instruction rooted in reading science, and student engagement.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Reading Specialist K-4
Norwin School District
08.2007 - Current
- Analyzed data to identify areas of need and inform instructional decision-making processes related to reading interventions.
- Provided ongoing support for struggling readers through small group instruction using research-based intervention planning and materials.
- Served as a resource for educators by providing professional development workshops and leading Professional Learning Community meetings on best practices in literacy instruction.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, adjusting instruction as needed to optimize growth.
- Contributed to the development of school-wide literacy initiatives aimed at improving achievement for all students.
- Cultivated a supportive learning environment that encouraged students to take risks and develop confidence in their reading abilities.
- Implemented morning peer buddies to encourage students to support each other's literacy growth.
- Increased access to reading materials by securing grants for multisensory learning tools.
- Partnered with parents and guardians to support reading development at home, providing resources and guidance.
- Conducted comprehensive reading assessments to identify student needs and tailor instruction accordingly.
- Monitored and evaluated effectiveness of reading interventions, making data-informed adjustments as needed.
- Created a positive and inclusive reading environment, where students felt comfortable taking risks and sharing their thoughts.
- Coordinated with the local library to promote reading and literacy outside of school hours.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
Reading Specialist
Ringgold School District
08.2006 - 06.2007
- Analyzed data to identify areas of need and inform instructional decision-making processes related to reading interventions.
- Provided ongoing support for struggling readers by offering support in the classroom and during small group instruction.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, adjusting instruction as needed to optimize growth.
- Increased student engagement through the use of technology integration.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Built positive and productive relationships with colleagues to best meet the needs of our shared students during push-in time to the classroom.
- Monitored and evaluated effectiveness of reading interventions, making data-informed adjustments as needed.
Secondary Social Studies Teacher 10-12
Ringgold School District
08.2003 - 06.2006
- Created lesson plans and made adjustments based on overall class performance throughout year.
- Established and supported positive educational environment for student learning.
- Established and communicated clear learning objectives and expectations to students.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and enhance teaching effectiveness in the social studies domain.
- Improved student comprehension by incorporating a variety of instructional strategies, differentiating instruction to meet diverse learning needs.
- Evaluated student understanding through formative and summative assessments, providing feedback and adjusting instruction as needed to ensure mastery of course content.
- Attended department meetings to develop and update course curricula.
- Completed documentation of attendance, grades, and other required details.
Education
Certification - Educational Leadership
California University of Pennsylvania
California, PA08-2015
Certification - Elementary Education K-6
California University of Pennsylvania
California, PA08-2012
Master of Education - Reading Specialist K-12
California University of Pennsylvania
California, PA12-2006
Bachelor of Arts - Secondary Education Social Studies 7-12
University of Pittsburgh
Johnstown, PA05-2003
Skills
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Progress monitoring
- Intervention planning
- Group and individual instruction
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Data collection
- Student remediation
- Multisensory teaching
- Student engagement
Accomplishments
- 2023-2024 Educator Innovation Grant Recipient - Multisensory Learning: Forming Pathways to Enhance Reading Achievement
- 2024-2025 Educator Innovation Grant Recipient - Fun with Phonics: Using a Science of Reading Approach to Impact the Reading Achievement of At-Risk Readers
- Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) Training - Completion Date March 2025
2023-2024 Grant Recipient - Multisensory Learning: Forming Pathways to Enhance Reading Achievement
With the manipulatives purchased through this grant, the Title I Reading Specialists added multisensory approaches for learning to the explicit and systematic intervention that is provided daily to our at-risk readers in order to enhance the students’ learning and achievement.
Timeline
Reading Specialist K-4
Norwin School District
08.2007 - Current
Reading Specialist
Ringgold School District
08.2006 - 06.2007
Secondary Social Studies Teacher 10-12
Ringgold School District
08.2003 - 06.2006
Certification - Educational Leadership
California University of Pennsylvania
Certification - Elementary Education K-6
California University of Pennsylvania
Master of Education - Reading Specialist K-12
California University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts - Secondary Education Social Studies 7-12
University of Pittsburgh
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