Brittany Bower
Ewing,NJ
Summary
Highly innovative and results-oriented educator seeking candidacy as an educational leader for at-risk youth in order to close the achievement gap through rigorous, research-based instructional methods and trauma-informed school systems. Motivated by the belief that all persons deserve the right to an equal and appropriate education.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant
Robbinsville School District
01.2023 - Current
- Case managed the IEPs for approximately 40 high school level students each year with a particular focus on students with specific learning disabilities.
- Presented professional development to teachers and other applicable staff on trauma-informed practices and behavior management
- Consulted on tiered interventions and supports for students as a member of the I&RS team.
- Assisted struggling students to achieve academic and/or behavioral goals by conducting weekly check-ins, observations, and data tracking.
- Conducted weekly in-person visits and home instruction for students placed within the local group home
- Met with students to conduct person-centered planning meetings to determine post-secondary goals and transition plans based on their individual strengths and core values
- Consulted with teachers and parents to gain in-depth understanding of students' needs.
- Utilized informal and established testing protocols to evaluate educational, emotional and behavioral needs of students.
- Assisted high school seniors in completing college applications and meet requirements necessary for graduation.
Special Education Teacher
Newark Public Schools
11.2021 - 01.2023
- Partnered with general education teachers of various levels of High School Math to provide differentiated instruction that aligned to content area standards and students' Individual Education Programs (IEPs)
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by providing 1:1 and small group support for instructional objectives.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement and significantly increase student attendance for each class
- Maintained weekly grade reports to record student progress towards class completion and inform parents and school administration of any at-risk failures.
- Incorporated the appropriate tier of supports to decrease end-of-year failures from over 60% (fifteen or more students) to less than 10% (three or less students) per class co-taught.
Learning Disabilities Specialist / LDTC
New Jersey Department Of Corrections
02.2021 - 11.2021
- Case managed approximately thirty student-inmates ages eighteen to twenty-one who were working towards their high school diplomas
- Used data and observations to monitor students' performance and recommend solutions for instructional improvements within the prison's learning center
- Reviewed and discussed students' academic credentials, interests and educational goals in order to plan for appropriate transition services upon graduation and future release
- Regularly met with enrolled students to discuss social/emotional or academic difficulties and reflect upon solutions that would compliment their goals
- Conducted weekly 1:1 visits to students in the restrictive housing unit to check on their well-being and academic needs.
- Supported and monitored implementation of technology-based learning programs for Biology, Geometry, and Algebra II.
- Contributed to development of comprehensive trauma-informed training for staff that relates to the needs of the students
- Facilitated policy review and revisions concerning instruction within restrictive housing units, manifestation hearings, case management, and independent study.
- Utilized formal and established testing protocols to evaluate educational, emotional and behavioral needs of incoming students.
- Created IEPs that highlight the students' learning profiles and update their educational records to meet compliance with NJ A.C. 6A:14
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant
East Amwell Township School
01.2020 - 02.2021
- Attended to the Individualized Education Programs of twenty-three students spanning Pre-Kindergarten to 8th grade
- Coached general education teachers in effective intervention strategies to enhance the reading and math abilities of at-risk students
- Consulted and resolved education-related issues and problems with students, parents and school officials.
- Monitored the implementation of special education programs and documentations to ensure all processes are in compliance with state and federal regulations
- Developed team communications and information for monthly special education department meetings.
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant
Montgomery Township School District
07.2019 - 12.2019
- Monitored the effectiveness of the Individualized Education Programs (IEP) for fifty students in the sixth grade
- Advocated for student needs within the classroom
- Evaluated students' academic achievement using a variety of education assessment tools
- Coordinated special education students' and teacher assistants' schedules with master schedule.
- Facilitated effective and cooperative IEP meetings by using family-centered, strength-based approach.
- Supported general education teachers and administrators in implementing strategies to meet needs of students with IEPs, specifically those with autism or severe dyslexia.
- Collaborated with school psychologist and BCBA to conduct behavioral assessments and intervention plans for students with IEPs.
- Coached and observed paraprofessional aides to improve instructional support techniques.
- Maintained contact with parents to address concerns and needs of children.
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (Bilingual)
Hamilton Township School District
08.2018 - 06.2019
- Case manage special education programming across three elementary schools in Title I areas
- Facilitate monthly check-ins with special education teachers to ensure program efficacy and student progress
- Develop individualized education plans which promote the success of students with varying disabilities and health impairments
- Conduct professional development workshops for all special education teachers within the district to strengthen SMART goal writing and progress monitoring
- Consult with staff on effective, research-based strategies and interventions as a member of the I&RS team
- Develop resource programming schedules in accordance with student IEPs and grade level schedules for all schools
- Maintain open communication with leadership and staff to strengthen cohesion amongst teachers and CST
- Conduct CST evaluations and meetings with parents in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:14
- Revise and assess programming within IEPs to consistently promote least restrictive learning environments
- Foster positive relationships with parents through continual attendance at family engagement events
- Coordinate with ESL teachers to ensure English Language Learners with disabilities are provided equal opportunities in the classroom and appropriate accommodations on state-mandated testing
- Maintain knowledge of community programs and services that may serve as useful recommendations for families
- Establish various school-wide shared drives which maintain useful handouts, resources, and references for staff
ESL Teacher & Program Coordinator
Paul Robeson Charter School
08.2016 - 06.2018
- Facilitated small group ELA instruction for English language learners and at-risk students at the fourth, fifth, and sixth grade level
- Co-taught fourth and fifth grade ELA classes while also providing consultation to science and social studies classes
- Fostered excellent readers and writers within daily instruction through accountable and independent reading, genre-based thinking jobs, habits of discussion, and peer revisions
- Collaborated with administration to develop an ELL program within the school
- Consulted teachers on appropriate accommodations and modifications for at-risk students and English language learners through professional development trainings and coaching opportunities
- Performed as a Spanish translator for Child Study Team meetings
- Outperformed network and peer performance on fourth grade progress monitoring assessments (ANET)
- Case managed eighty ELLs in terms of academic and behavioral progress through weekly check-ins with both students and staff
- Consistently communicated with parents of ELLs through phone calls and monthly bilingual meetings
- Implemented goal setting and self-evaluation techniques as a means of establishing high motivation and engagement in the classroom
- Screened for and assessed students with limited English proficiency using the WIDA Screener and other protocols to establish eligibility for ELL services
- Coordinated and administered state-wide WIDA ACCESS assessment for English language learners across all grade levels
- Created several supplemental guides for students to use while reading and writing to increase student awareness of task expectations in the classroom
- Generated weekly practice assessments to monitor student progress towards mastering common core standards
- Checked-in weekly with ELLs to review grades and follow-up with teachers for any missing or failing assignments
- Fostered a positive and differentiated learning environment through effective co-teaching practices and collaboration
- Completed weekly check-ins with highly qualified Reading supervisor to develop a meaningful curriculum which highlighted guided reading practices and analytical student writing.
Spanish Teacher & ELL Support
Paul Robeson Charter School
08.2015 - 07.2016
- Instructed all middle school Spanish classes including three inclusive classes at the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade level
- Provided in-class ELL/bilingual support to a student in the eighth grade for math and science on a voluntary basis
- Conducted a professional development workshop on the SIOP model for all staff to help educate peers on the implementation of ELL services
- Assisted in modifying assignments for teachers who supported ELLs, while conferencing with them on the best practices
- Utilized backwards design methods to implement meaningful and differentiated thematic units for each grade level and marking period
- Created customized learning activities which drew upon various multiple intelligences to cater to all students' interests and needs
- Used a variety of teaching methods such as cooperative learning and direct instruction to establish a motivating and engaging classroom environment
- Modified instruction to promote the success of all students, especially those with disabilities
- Produced translations of important documents and IEP meetings for Spanish-speaking parents. Also was utilized as a translator for parents during parent-teacher conferences and parent orientation
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies which promoted a "no non-sense nurturing" environment for students
- Prepared seventh grade students for state standardized testing by reviewing and practicing common core math standards during Saturday school sessions
High School Spanish & ESL Teacher
Trenton Catholic Academy
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Taught two inclusive classes of Spanish I (9th grade), two inclusive classes of Spanish II (10th grade) and two classes of English as a Second Language (all proficiency and grade levels)
- Promoted critical thinking and language acquisition through metacognitive instruction and Stephen Krashen's "i + 1" theory
- Incorporated Google Classroom into daily instruction to improve individualized formative assessment for Spanish I classes
- Provided tutoring and additional help for all students during lunch, homeroom, and after school to assist in overall student success
- Organized a week-long summer orientation program for students arriving from China to facilitate the transition from their home country to America
- Wrote curriculums for Spanish I, Spanish II, and ESL which included customized lesson plans and graphic organizers in accordance to students' needs
- Assisted in the implementation of an ESL program within the school by providing my recommendations of services. This included a blend of push-in and pull-out support as well as an implementation of a co-teacher to help differentiate instruction amongst various proficiency levels. The SIOP model was also used as a foundation of the instruction
- Conducted a workshop for staff on how to accommodate English Language Learners in their classrooms while also providing insight on the cultural perspectives of the students
- Mentored five at-risk students on appropriate behavior and academics to achieve a GPA of at least 3.0
- Lead several student activities as an advisor including cheerleading, student council, and Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica
Student-Teacher (Spanish & ESL)
Toms River High School North
10.2012 - 05.2013
- Taught three periods of Spanish I (9th grade), one period of advanced ESL (10th grade), and a double period of intermediate ESL (10th grade)
- Implemented supplemental materials and activities to differentiate instruction for all learners
- Established linguistic and cultural connections by incorporating culturally authentic materials and texts
- Assessed student progress weekly, monthly, and quarterly
Education
Master of Arts - Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant
Georgian Court University
Lakewood05.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish and K-12 Inclusive Education
Georgian Court University
Lakewood, NJ2013
Skills
- Highly Responsive Teacher Consultant
- Data-Driven Instruction
- Very Knowledgeable in NJAC 6A:14-15
- RTI Expertise
- Passionate about Growth Mindset
- Strong Progress Monitoring
- Fluent in Spanish
- Highly Proficient in Google Suite
- Fluid Parent Communication
- Trauma-Informed Instructor & Trainer
- Solutions-Oriented Mindset
- Engaging Professional Development
- Culturally Responsive Practices
- Well-Versed in UDL and PBIS
- Experience Working with At-Risk Populations
- Lifelong Learner
- Expert in Strategic Planning
- Great Collaborator
Certification
- Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant - Standard
- New Jersey Teacher of Students with Disabilities - Standard
- New Jersey K-12 Teacher of English as a Second Language - Standard
- New Jersey Teacher of Elementary Education - Standard
- New Jersey Supervisor (applied for)
- Eligible - New Jersey K-12 Teacher of World Languages (Spanish)
Timeline
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant
Robbinsville School District
01.2023 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Newark Public Schools
11.2021 - 01.2023
Learning Disabilities Specialist / LDTC
New Jersey Department Of Corrections
02.2021 - 11.2021
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant
East Amwell Township School
01.2020 - 02.2021
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant
Montgomery Township School District
07.2019 - 12.2019
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (Bilingual)
Hamilton Township School District
08.2018 - 06.2019
ESL Teacher & Program Coordinator
Paul Robeson Charter School
08.2016 - 06.2018
Spanish Teacher & ELL Support
Paul Robeson Charter School
08.2015 - 07.2016
High School Spanish & ESL Teacher
Trenton Catholic Academy
01.2014 - 01.2015
Student-Teacher (Spanish & ESL)
Toms River High School North
10.2012 - 05.2013
Master of Arts - Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant
Georgian Court University
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish and K-12 Inclusive Education
Georgian Court University
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