Cherifa Kitoune
Wallington
Summary
Dynamic Media Specialist with a proven track record at the Irvington Board of Education, experienced in integrating technology and fostering literacy in K–5 settings. Skilled in collaborative instructional planning, digital resource management, and bilingual communication (French and Spanish). Committed to creating engaging, inclusive learning environments that promote student achievement, digital citizenship, and a lifelong love of reading. Passionate about enhancing educational experiences through innovative and student-centered strategies.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Media Specialist
Irvington Board Of Education
Irvington
01.2025 - Current
- Plan and deliver standards-based library and media instruction for grades K–5
- Promote literacy, research skills, and responsible digital citizenship
- Integrate technology tools, coding, and multimedia resources into instruction
- Collaborate with teachers to support cross-curricular learning
- Manage library collections, organize displays, and oversee daily operations
- Lead school-wide initiatives such as author visits, reading challenges, and STEAM activities
Paraprofessional
Garfield Board of education
01.2024 - 12.2024
- Provide support to teachers in classroom activities and management
- Assist in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) for students
- Work closely with students, including those with special needs, to ensure a positive learning experience
- Foster a supportive and inclusive environment for all students
- Collaborate with teachers and staff to address the unique needs of each student
- Participate in professional development activities to enhance skills in education and support.
Contact Trace/Case Investigator
New Jersey Department of Health (Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission)
11.2020 - 05.2023
- Conducted case investigation interviews and identified individuals exposed to COVID-19
- Collect and record information using Commcare in compliance with HIPAA
- Adherence and Knowledge of N.J
- Policies and procedures
- Provide isolation guidance and identify needs to support compliance with that isolation
- Provide all those contacted with quarantine procedures, and if appropriate, connect them to testing
- Maintain daily contact with Team Supervisor and the assigned local health department
- Communicate with cases and contacts in a professional and empathic manner.
Lead Pre K Teacher
Reach Academy-Clifton
01.2020 - 06.2020
- Promote student teamwork through partnership and group activities and lessons
- Communicate classwork and lesson plans with parents to encourage incorporating instruction at home
- Create and lead instructional activities focused on physical, mental and social development.
School Social Work Intern
Reach Academy-Clifton
01.2020 - 05.2020
- Worked closely with social workers throughout the school but mostly worked with children with special needs
- Observed and Sat in group therapeutic counseling for students
- Assist Social Workers, and Office Administrators create announcements and flyers for family services training and events
- Observed IEP meetings, including: Pre-referrals, eligibility, reevaluation, and annual reviews
- Assist students who are having social/emotional problems that prevent them from succeeding in a classroom setting.
Lead Toddler Teacher
Tiny Stars-Clifton
09.2017 - 12.2019
- Create a positive learning environment
- Taught children through structured play
- Created age-appropriate lesson plans
- Taught through creative imagination stimulations
- Assisted students in developing self-esteem, confidence, and personal hygiene, as well as social skills
- Built lasting relationships with parents
- Supported special needs students within the ages of 3 years old by setting goals, implementing lesson plans, and practicing life skills.
Education
Master of Arts - Master of Education in Curriculum And Learning
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Wayne, NJ05-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Wayne, NJ05-2020
Bachelor of Science - Management Information Systems (MIS)
University Of Algeria
06-2008
Skills
- Instructional Planning and Literacy Integration
- Educational Technology and Digital Literacy
- Coding and Robotics Facilitation
- Collaboration with Teachers and Staff
- Bilingual Communication: French (Advanced), Spanish (Basic)
- Flexible, Organized, and Quick to Learn New Tools
Technology Skills:
- Proficient in integrating digital tools to support instruction across content areas
- Knowledgeable in age-appropriate coding activities and educational robotics
- Skilled in multimedia applications and interactive learning platforms
- Confident in adapting to new technologies to enhance student engagement and library programming
Activities
Food Pantry Volunteer, Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Hillside, NJ, Spring 2019, Performed volunteer hours in spring 2019., Collected and transported a variety of food donations from various community locations., Stored and organized as well as provided food for families.
Honors And Awards
Dean’s and Honors Lists, William Paterson University, Fall 2019
Timeline
Media Specialist
Irvington Board Of Education
01.2025 - Current
Paraprofessional
Garfield Board of education
01.2024 - 12.2024
Contact Trace/Case Investigator
New Jersey Department of Health (Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission)
11.2020 - 05.2023
Lead Pre K Teacher
Reach Academy-Clifton
01.2020 - 06.2020
School Social Work Intern
Reach Academy-Clifton
01.2020 - 05.2020
Lead Toddler Teacher
Tiny Stars-Clifton
09.2017 - 12.2019
Master of Arts - Master of Education in Curriculum And Learning
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Bachelor of Science - Management Information Systems (MIS)
University Of Algeria
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