Angela Acocella
Whitestone,NY
Summary
Special Education Teacher equipped with positive attitude and patience vital to teaching children with special needs. Extensive experience creating innovative lesson plans and comfortable learning environments. With a focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
New York City Department Of Education
09.2010 - 10.2021
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Created culturally responsive classroom environment, acknowledging and celebrating diversity among students.
- Provided one-on-one support for students struggling in specific areas, resulting in marked improvement in their understanding of the subject matter.
- Led after-school tutoring sessions to provide additional support for students in need of extra help.
Special Education Paraprofessional
New York City Department Of Education
11.2003 - 09.2010
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside classroom setting.
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- Assisted in implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in more focused and positive classroom environment.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
Literacy Professional
New York City Department Of Education - PS 79
03.1998 - 11.2003
- Enhanced student learning by collaborating with teachers to develop differentiated instruction strategies.
- Collaborated with colleagues to plan school-wide literacy events, cultivating culture of shared responsibility for student success in reading and writing.
- Implemented research-based approaches such as guided reading groups to deliver differentiated instruction tailored to individual learner needs.
- Provided targeted professional development opportunities for teachers on literacy instruction techniques and strategies.
Education
Master of Science - Dual Masters in Childhood And Childhood Special Ed
St. John's University
Jamaica, NY01.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Queens College of The City University of New York
Flushing, NY09.2010
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts (Initial Certificate in Early Ed.)
Queensborough Community College of The City University of New York
Oakland Gardens, NY09.2004
Skills
- Differentiated Instruction
- Classroom Management
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Small Group Instruction
- Co-teaching Experience
- Lesson Planning
- Parent Communication
- Autism Spectrum Knowledge
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
New York City Department Of Education
09.2010 - 10.2021
Special Education Paraprofessional
New York City Department Of Education
11.2003 - 09.2010
Literacy Professional
New York City Department Of Education - PS 79
03.1998 - 11.2003
Master of Science - Dual Masters in Childhood And Childhood Special Ed
St. John's University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Queens College of The City University of New York
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts (Initial Certificate in Early Ed.)
Queensborough Community College of The City University of New York