Amy Johnson-Comestro
NASHVILLE,TN
Summary
Thriving public school educator and curriculum developer transitioning to a career in higher education supporting admissions and the advancement of knowledge and educational growth. Impenetrable passion for helping students reach academic goals. Creates engaging learning experiences tailored to meet individual student needs. Smart candidate develops strategies to help students bolster academic performance especially when building relationships with students that help them engage in the learning process.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Reading Tutor
Vanderbilt University
02.2024 - Current
- Maintained accurate records of tutoring sessions, tracking attendance, goals achieved, and areas requiring continued focus.
- Identified learning needs and implemented fun and engaging learning activities to help students advance.
- Structured activities for interactive learning, reading understanding and fluency skills.
- Assessed student progress using Dibels, Woodcock Johnson IV, Towre-2
Teacher
Irvine Unified School District
09.2011 - 06.2023
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed a roster of 600-800 students per school year spanning 5-7 diverse school sites within the district with a fully inclusive learning environment including English Learners, and all students with special needs.
- Designed, created, edited and implemented a comprehensive music curriculum for PK-3rd grade with a commitment to increase music literacy, cross-curricular development and ensure their readiness for upper grade music and success in instrumental instruction.
- Worked cooperatively with middle school and high school colleagues, classroom teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
- Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
- Responsible for guiding and instructing students on creating, exploring, analyzing and performing music using the National Core Standards in music education, and data driven assessments to check for understanding.
Customer Specialist, Account Specialist
Aflac New York
09.2001 - 01.2003
- Verified accuracy of customer account information and updated when necessary.
- Responded to customer inquiries via phone, email and web-based platforms.
- Provided customers with detailed information on company products, services and materials.
- Identified customer issues with products or coverage, investigated causes and initiated resolutions.
- Requested escalation for unresolved issues.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve escalated customer concerns promptly.
- Enhanced overall customer happiness index through empathetic handling of difficult situations or complaints.
Customer Service Specialist & Regional Dispatcher
Nec Business Network Solutions
04.1997 - 08.2001
- Handled escalated calls calmly, finding resolutions that satisfied both the company and the customer''s needs.
- Managed high call volume while maintaining a courteous and professional demeanor.
- Assisted new employees with training, sharing best practices for handling difficult situations and achieving positive outcomes.
- Adapted quickly to changes in company policies or procedures ensuring consistency in delivering accurate information to customers.
- Ensured timely follow-up on pending cases, reducing the number of unresolved issues significantly over time.
- Provided comprehensive support during periods of high call volume by adjusting schedules to accommodate increased needs efficiently.
- Applied basic sales strategy to engage customers and present solutions to suit individual needs.
- Utilized customer service software to manage interactions and track customer satisfaction.
- Delivered exceptional customer service to every customer by leveraging extensive knowledge of products and services and creating welcoming, positive experiences.
Education
K-12 Credential Certification - Education/ Music Education
National University
San Diego, CA06.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Education/ Applied Studies
Brandman University
Irvine, CA06.2016
Undergrad - Music Education & Performance
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY1995
Skills
- Reading level analysis
- Patience and Empathy
- Reading Strategies
- Assessment skills
- Individualized Learning
- Multisensory Teaching
- Lesson Planning
- Curriculum Development
- Music Literacy
- Professional Development
- Communication & Organization of schedules and student data
Accomplishments
- 2022 Outstanding Arts Educator Award
- OCDE- Orange County Music and Arts Award
- Won consistent referrals and high marks for quality of instruction.
- Praised by administrators for exemplary teaching strategies.
- Developed and implemented full elementary music program across the district
- Achieved equitable and diverse instruction
- Competent educator with a strong connection to students and an explicit understanding of instruction and learning strategies
- Experience creating and delivering professional development to my peers on various subjects including use of technology in the classroom and creation of virtual learning materials and modules.
- Experience developing, designing, creating and editing a comprehensive curriculum for students with determined desired outcomes based on Nation Core Educational Standards
- Credentialed in the state of California to teach grades K-12
Technology & Software
Movave, Quaver Ed, Flipgrid, Nearpod, Naviance, Office 365, Canva, Kahoot, Screencastify, Soundtrap, Transperfect, Google Workspace
Timeline
Reading Tutor
Vanderbilt University
02.2024 - Current
Teacher
Irvine Unified School District
09.2011 - 06.2023
Customer Specialist, Account Specialist
Aflac New York
09.2001 - 01.2003
Customer Service Specialist & Regional Dispatcher
Nec Business Network Solutions
04.1997 - 08.2001
K-12 Credential Certification - Education/ Music Education
National University
Bachelor of Arts - Education/ Applied Studies
Brandman University
Undergrad - Music Education & Performance
Ithaca College
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