Briana Costa
Pelham
Summary
Dynamic, student-centered educator with New Hampshire K–8 certification, skilled in differentiated instruction and fostering strong parent-teacher partnerships. At Pelham Elementary School, I strengthened early literacy through targeted, phonics-based instruction and created an inclusive classroom environment using the Responsive Classroom approach—supporting the growth and success of every learner. In addition to my classroom role, I serve as our school's Mentor Facilitator, providing guidance, coaching, and support to new teachers as they transition into the profession.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Kindergarten Teacher
Pelham Elementary School
06.2021 - Current
- Builds positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
- Enhancs classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines based in Responsive Classroom principles.
- Collaborates with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
- Promotes learning through play with engaging activities, games, and lessons.
- Improves student reading skills by implementing phonics-based instruction rooted in the Science of Reading.
- Monitors and evaluated student progress through regular assessments and observations, including the iReady Diagnostic assessment.
Mentor Facilitator
Pelham Elementary School
08.2021 - Current
- Collaborative Leadership – Foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and reflective practice among mentors and mentees.
- Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) – Facilitate structured PLCs focused on professional improvement and fostering a positive school culture.
- Adult Learning Strategies – Apply principles of adult learning to engage teachers in meaningful growth conversations and goal-setting.
- Onboarding & Induction Support – Guide new teachers through the school’s culture, expectations, and instructional models during their first year.
- Conflict Resolution & Communication – Navigate difficult conversations with professionalism and empathy, supporting mentee well-being and retention.
First Grade Teacher
Pelham Elementary School
08.2016 - 06.2021
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring all students made progress towards academic goals.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of need for individual students and adjust teaching methods accordingly.
- Assessed student progress regularly using formative assessments and modified instruction accordingly for optimal growth.
- Established strong relationships with parents through effective communication about their child''s academic progress and social-emotional development.
Third Grade Teacher, Long-Term Substitute
Pelham Elementary School
08.2015 - 06.2016
- Promoted a positive learning environment by implementing effective classroom management strategies and maintaining consistent expectations.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share best practices, resulting in a more cohesive instructional approach across grade level teams.
- Assessed student understanding regularly using various formative assessment techniques, adjusting instruction accordingly for optimal results.
Long-Term Substitute Teacher, First/Second Grade
Pelham Elementary School
11.2014 - 06.2015
- Took over class for regular classroom teacher, managing assignments, student needs, and recordkeeping.
Title I Tutor
Pelham Elementary School
12.2012 - 11.2014
- Conducted one-on-one and small group sessions to provide targeted support, fostering a positive learning environment and boosting confidence and skills in reading and mathematic abilities.
Education
Master of Education - Early Childhood Education
American College of Education
Indianapolis, IN05-2025
Master of Science - Instruction And Leadership
Granite State College
Concord, NH12-2021
Bachelor of Science - Childhood Studies
Plymouth State University
Plymouth, NH12-2012
Skills
- Parent-Teacher Communication: Maintain consistent communication through phone calls, emails, conferences, and SeeSaw updates to foster strong home-school partnerships
- Developmentally Appropriate Practices: Plan and deliver engaging, play-based learning experiences aligned with early childhood milestones and standards
- Responsive Classroom Approach: Trained in social-emotional strategies to build inclusive, respectful classroom communities
- LETRS for Early Childhood Educators: Apply evidence-based literacy practices to support foundational language and reading development
Certification
- New Hampshire Elementary Education, K-8
- New Hampshire General Special Education, K-12
- First Aid/CPR Certified
Timeline
Mentor Facilitator
Pelham Elementary School
08.2021 - Current
Kindergarten Teacher
Pelham Elementary School
06.2021 - Current
First Grade Teacher
Pelham Elementary School
08.2016 - 06.2021
Third Grade Teacher, Long-Term Substitute
Pelham Elementary School
08.2015 - 06.2016
Long-Term Substitute Teacher, First/Second Grade
Pelham Elementary School
11.2014 - 06.2015
Title I Tutor
Pelham Elementary School
12.2012 - 11.2014
Master of Education - Early Childhood Education
American College of Education
Master of Science - Instruction And Leadership
Granite State College
Bachelor of Science - Childhood Studies
Plymouth State University
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