Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Amy Ignacio

Lincoln,RI

Summary

Special Educator with extensive experience in curriculum development and program management across multiple grade levels. Known for my collaborative approach, I work closely with educators, service providers, staff and families to create inclusive, effective learning environments that support the diverse needs of all students. With a strong focus on student-centered practices, I strive to foster academic growth and emotional well-being while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. My expertise spans curriculum development, staff management and training and the implementation of specialized programs to promote educational success.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Special Education, Inclusion Teacher

Henry B. Burkland School
08.2018 - Current
  • Collaborated with general education teachers to modify lesson plans and assessments, ensuring accessibility for all students.
  • Enhanced student learning by implementing differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
  • Conducted regular progress monitoring to identify areas of improvement and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
  • Implemented behavior management techniques, promoting positive classroom culture and reducing disruptions in the learning process.
  • Chaired Annual and Amendment IEP meetings.
  • Coordinated services and consultations with related service providers such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and counselors.
  • Maintained open lines of communication with parents, guardians or agencies in providing regular updates on student progress and achievements.
  • Participated in building MTRSS meetings by observing students in class, researching school record and collaborating to support classroom teachers in developing and implementing interventions.

Special Education Teacher, TLC Program

Henry B. Burkland
08.2014 - 08.2018
  • Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians through weekly or daily communications.
  • Instructed students with social, emotional and behavioral disabilities.
  • Supported students in development of social emotional skills in a safe learning environment.
  • Developed program schedules between two classrooms, ESP's, related service providers and the program adjustment counselor.
  • Collaborated with service providers including speech and occupational therapists, behavior specialists, and counselors to provide individualized support and services to students.

Teacher Leader

Henry B. Burkland
09.2020 - 06.2022
  • Served as a grade-level representative at Leadership meetings contributing to decisions regarding curriculum development, assessment practices, and school-wide initiatives.
  • Chaired Grade Level PLC meetings and developed positive Team culture by maintaining a professional level of respect and support for my colleagues.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular units of study, maximizing student understanding of interconnected concepts.
  • Planned and organized grade level field trips, events and end of year 5th grade celebrations.
  • Provided professional and personal support to my Team during our pandemic hybrid year.

Mentor Teacher

Henry B. Burkland
09.2018 - Current
  • Implemented mentoring program for new teachers, improving their classroom management skills and teaching effectiveness.
  • Observed and provided feedback to mentees and helped them develop personal and professional goals.
  • Maintained open, honest and confidential communication during and after the mentee has graduated the program.
  • Provided support in preparing for administrative observations and the Teacher Evaluation process.

Special Education Teacher, Math and Science

Reed Academy
09.2005 - 06.2014
  • Math, science and SEL teacher for boys ages 8-18 living in a therapeutic, residential environment.
  • Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual, learning, health, emotional and co-morbid disabilities in a highly structured, therapeutic learning environment.
  • Collaborated with a team of educators, paraprofessionals, service providers and counselors to develop and implement individualized learning and behavior plans.

Education

Master of Arts - Special Education

Framingham State University
Framingham, MA
12-2012

Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education

Framingham State University
Framingham, MA
12-2002

High School Diploma -

Blackstone Millville Regional High School
Blackstone, MA
06-1998

Skills

  • Data-driven decision making
  • Collaborative leadership
  • Team supervision
  • Team motivation
  • Problem-solving
  • Instructional leadership

Additional Information

*Licensure in Special Needs, Mild to Moderate, Pre-K to 8

*Certification of completion for 45 hours of Comprehensive Orton Gillingham Training along with additional training in phonological awareness, vocabulary and comprehension

*Currently completing certification in the Orton Gillingham Method through the Institute for Multisensory Education

*Training in the Lesley Workshop Model of Reading and Writing

*Training by Susan Looney in providing multimodal, hands on approaches to learning

*Professional development Inclusion training by Deb Harris of Deborah Harris, Inc.

*Participation in summer curriculum development work for the district

*Volunteer participant in Team Vision, a regular meeting to develop and implement plans to achieve school and district goals

*Regular volunteer for school events including: the HBB Big Blast, Spaghetti Supper, Parents Night Out and the 5th Grade Ice Cream Social


Timeline

Teacher Leader

Henry B. Burkland
09.2020 - 06.2022

Mentor Teacher

Henry B. Burkland
09.2018 - Current

Special Education, Inclusion Teacher

Henry B. Burkland School
08.2018 - Current

Special Education Teacher, TLC Program

Henry B. Burkland
08.2014 - 08.2018

Special Education Teacher, Math and Science

Reed Academy
09.2005 - 06.2014

Master of Arts - Special Education

Framingham State University

Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education

Framingham State University

High School Diploma -

Blackstone Millville Regional High School
Amy Ignacio