Athena Sadowski
Augusta,NJ
Summary
Emerging elementary educator currently completing clinical teaching experience in a kindergarten classroom. Skilled in developing engaging lessons, supporting diverse learning needs, and fostering inclusive, positive learning environments. Experienced in lesson planning, formative assessment, and strategies that promote student engagement and growth.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Student Teaching (Clinical II)
Catherine A. Dwyer
Rockaway, New Jersey
01.2026 - 05.2026
- Plan and deliver daily instruction in literacy, math, and interdisciplinary lessons aligned with kindergarten learning standards.
- Design and implement engaging, hands-on lessons that support diverse learning styles and developmental needs.
- Differentiate instruction and provide small-group and individualized support to reinforce foundational literacy and numeracy skills.
- Assess student understanding through observations, guided practice, and formative assessments to inform instructional decisions.
- Collaborate with the cooperating teacher to maintain classroom routines, management strategies, and a positive learning environment.
- Participate in grade-level meetings and professional discussions to support student learning and school-wide initiatives.
Clinical I Field Experience
Catherine A. Dwyer
Rockaway, New Jersey
09.2025 - 12.2025
- Observed instructional strategies and classroom management practices in an elementary classroom setting.
- Assisted the cooperating teacher with classroom routines, student engagement, and instructional activities.
- Provided individualized and small-group support to reinforce lesson concepts and assist students during independent work.
- Gained experience supporting diverse learners and observing effective teaching practices and classroom organization.
Paraprofessional
Frankford Township School
Branchville, NJ
09.2022 - 06.2025
- Provided one on one instructional and behavioral support to an assigned student across kindergarten and a self contained Multiple Disabilities classroom, implementing individualized strategies to support academic, communication, and behavioral development.
- Supported students who were nonverbal by modeling and reinforcing communication through iPad based augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems to promote language development.
- Implemented Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, personalized learning plans, and fluency programs to promote academic growth, consistency, and skill mastery.
- Assisted the teacher with classroom organization, management, and behavior support, reinforcing school expectations and responding appropriately to student behaviors across instructional settings.
- Provided individualized and small group academic support to reinforce lesson concepts and help students build understanding and confidence.
- Facilitated instruction in functional life skills and daily classroom routines to support independence, positive peer and staff interactions, and participation in everyday school activities.
- Prepared and utilized instructional supports and teaching aids to help students access lessons more effectively and engage in classroom learning.
Pre Clincial Placement
Delia Bolden
Maplewood, New Jersey
02.2025 - 05.2025
- Observed and participated in daily instruction within a co-taught fifth-grade classroom led by both general and special education teachers.
- Supported students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) through guided practice, redirection, and reinforcement of academic tasks.
- Gained experience in inclusive teaching practices and differentiated instruction to meet diverse student learning needs.
Substitute Teacher
Frankford Township School
Branchville, NJ
12.2021 - 05.2022
- Implemented lesson plans provided by classroom teachers to maintain continuity of instruction and daily classroom routines.
- Developed and facilitated instructional activities when lesson plans or emergency materials were not available, ensuring students remained engaged in meaningful learning.
- Maintained a respectful, structured, and positive classroom environment while reinforcing school expectations and behavior guidelines.
- Adapted support for students with diverse learning needs, providing clarification and guidance during independent and group work.
- Served as a long-term substitute teacher in a first-grade classroom for approximately six weeks, independently managing daily instruction, classroom routines, and student engagement during an unexpected teacher leave.
Teachers Aid
Rainbows of Learning
Augusta, NJ
03.2018 - 08.2020
- Supported the care and supervision of children ranging from 6 months to 4 years old across infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms.
- Fostered a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment that supported children’s social, emotional, and early learning development.
- Assisted with daily care routines, including diapering, toileting support, meals, and sanitation procedures to maintain a healthy classroom environment.
- Engaged children in age appropriate activities and play based learning experiences that encouraged early cognitive, language, and motor skill development.
- Collaborated with teachers and communicated with families regarding children’s needs, routines, and developmental progress.
- Supported children in working toward developmental milestones through guided interaction, play, and structured classroom activities.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Elementary Education
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ05-2026
Associates Degree -
Sussex County Community College
Newton, NJ01-2021
High School Diploma -
High Point Regional School
Wantage, NJ01-2020
Skills
- Positive and Encouraging
- Classroom Management & Student Engagement
- IEP Implementation & Inclusive Practices
- Differentiated Instruction
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Visual Learning Materials & Classroom Displays
- Problem Solving
- CPR and First Aid Certified
Certification
- CPI
- CPR
Languages
American Sign Language (ASL) - Intermediate proficiency; used in classroom settings to support student communication.
Timeline
Student Teaching (Clinical II)
Catherine A. Dwyer
01.2026 - 05.2026
Clinical I Field Experience
Catherine A. Dwyer
09.2025 - 12.2025
Pre Clincial Placement
Delia Bolden
02.2025 - 05.2025
Paraprofessional
Frankford Township School
09.2022 - 06.2025
Substitute Teacher
Frankford Township School
12.2021 - 05.2022
Teachers Aid
Rainbows of Learning
03.2018 - 08.2020
Bachelor's Degree - Elementary Education
Montclair State University
Associates Degree -
Sussex County Community College
High School Diploma -
High Point Regional School