CATHERINE BIELLO
Middlebury,CT
Summary
Experienced special education educator with 25+ years in elementary education, specializing in IEP development, PPT processes, and program implementation. Detail-oriented leader with experience supporting staff, coordinating services, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Skilled in building collaborative partnerships to promote a growth mindset and improve student outcomes.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Resource Teacher
Cheshire Public Schools – Highland Elementary School
06.1998 - Current
- Provide specialized instruction and coordinate services for students across multiple disability classifications, ensuring individualized and effective programming
- Develop, review, and implement IEPs in compliance with IDEA and state regulations, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with student needs
- Conduct comprehensive student evaluations, analyze assessment data, and present findings at PPT meetings to support eligibility and program decisions
- Collaborate with administrators, general education teachers, related service providers, and families to design and implement appropriate student supports
- Facilitate communication among multidisciplinary teams to ensure consistency and continuity of services
- Coordinate student schedules, related services, and paraprofessional assignments to maximize program efficiency and effectiveness
- Support paraprofessionals through daily guidance, scheduling coordination, and instructional direction
- Implement behavior intervention strategies and support staff in addressing behavioral and instructional challenges
- Ensure appropriate accommodations and modifications for state-mandated assessments in accordance with student IEPs
- Foster a collaborative and supportive environment by promoting a growth mindset among staff and encouraging reflective practice
- Build trust-based relationships with families through consistent, transparent communication and collaboration
- Maintain detailed and accurate documentation of student progress, ensuring compliance and supporting data-driven decision-making
- Contribute to school-wide curriculum development and professional development initiatives, including presenting best practices to colleagues
- Serve as a TEAM Program Mentor, supporting beginning teachers through goal setting, reflection, and professional growth aligned with district and state expectations
- Served as a Cooperating Teacher, mentoring multiple student teachers by modeling instructional practices, providing feedback, and supporting their transition into the profession
- Presented at faculty meetings, sharing best practices in special education, instructional strategies, and student support
Administrative Intern / Summer School Coordinator
Cheshire Public Schools – Doolittle School
06.2000 - 07.2000
- Assisted in the administration and coordination of a summer school program, including staff supervision, scheduling, and program implementation
- Collaborated with administrators to address staffing, scheduling, and resource needs, supporting efficient program operations
- Communicated with parents, staff, and transportation personnel to ensure smooth coordination of services
- Maintained accurate student attendance and staff payroll records, demonstrating strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Supported problem-solving and decision-making processes related to student needs, staffing, and program logistics
Education
Sixth Year Diploma - Educational Leadership
Southern Connecticut State University
Master of Arts - Learning
Sacred Heart University
Master of Arts - Education
University of Connecticut
Bachelor of Science - Education
University of Connecticut
Skills
- Special Education Compliance (IDEA, IEP, PPT Processes)
- Staff Supervision, Mentorship & Professional Development
- Program Coordination & Service Delivery
- Data-Driven Decision Making & Student Assessment
- Behavioral & Instructional Supports
- Resource Allocation for School-Based Team
- Transition Planning (Elementary–Middle School)
- Family Engagement and Collaborative Team Communication
Timeline
Administrative Intern / Summer School Coordinator
Cheshire Public Schools – Doolittle School
06.2000 - 07.2000
Resource Teacher
Cheshire Public Schools – Highland Elementary School
06.1998 - Current
Master of Arts - Learning
Sacred Heart University
Master of Arts - Education
University of Connecticut
Bachelor of Science - Education
University of Connecticut
Sixth Year Diploma - Educational Leadership
Southern Connecticut State University
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Executive Board Member, Region 15 Before & After School Program (2014–Present), President (2022–2023), Member (Current), Pomperaug Gridiron, Treasurer (2017–2022), Clerk (2013–2021), Foothills BMX
LEADERSHIP & PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS
- Supported school teams in aligning student programming with district goals and best practices
- Contributed to a positive school culture through collaboration, problem-solving, and shared leadership
- Assisted in planning and implementing professional development for staff
- Promoted continuous improvement through reflective practices and data-informed instruction
Additional Experience
- Resource Room Teacher- Milford Public Schools – Harborside Middle School
- Substitute Teacher – New Fairfield Public Schools & Regional School Districts 14 & 15
- Reading Support Assistant – Hartford Public Schools
- Graduate Intern / Coordinator – Hartford Public Schools
- Student Teacher – Hartford Public Schools
- Certified Nurse’s Aide / Home Health Aide – Visiting Nurse Services of Connecticut
AWARDS & HONORS
Graduate Assistantship, Dean’s List, Husky Ambassador Volunteer of the Year (1995), Multiple Academic Scholarships and Foundation Awards