Claire M. Pfalzer
Pembroke,NY
Summary
Elementary Early Childhood educator and social worker with expertise in delivering developmentally appropriate literacy and math lessons. Proficient in classroom management and collaboration with families and support staff to create a nurturing environment. Focused on enhancing student growth and self-regulation through tailored support for diverse learners.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Elementary Teacher
Alexander Elementary School
Alexander, New York
01.2011 - Current
- Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate lessons in literacy, math, and social-emotional learning to support early childhood growth and kindergarten readiness.
- Established warm, inclusive classroom environment that fostered positive behavior, independence, cooperation, and respect for diverse learners.
- Differentiated instruction according to student needs and collaborated with families, colleagues, and support staff to monitor progress and enhance learning outcomes.
- Implemented classroom management strategies and individualized supports to enable students to build routines, self-regulation, and confidence in school setting.
- Partner with special education and ELL staff to support students with diverse learning, language, and developmental needs.
Early Intervention Service Coordinator
Monroe and Genesee County Health Department
Rochester, NY
02.1994 - 03.2001
- Advocated for families to secure access to essential medical, educational, and therapeutic services, enhancing their overall well-being.
- Coordinated comprehensive evaluations and service plans for children with special needs and their families to ensure tailored support.
- Led parent support groups to empower caregivers with effective behavior management strategies for children with disabilities.
Social Work Intern
Georgetown University Child Development Center
Washington, District of Columbia
09.1992 - 05.1993
- Conducted therapeutic psychosocial assessments, supporting parents of children with special needs in navigating challenges.
- Engaged in interdisciplinary leadership training, enhancing skills in maternal and child health collaboration.
Social Work Intern
Howard University Hospital
Washington, District of Columbia
12.1991 - 05.1992
- Counseled pregnant adolescents on family, school, and pregnancy-related issues, fostering support and understanding during critical life transitions.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, and social workers to assess client needs, ensuring comprehensive care and effective resource allocation.
Social Work Intern
Dept of Human Services
Washington, District of Columbia
09.1991 - 11.1991
- Supported homeless families in obtaining stable housing, contributing to long-term stability and community integration.
- Assessed needs of families and children, connecting them with essential medical and social services to enhance well-being.
- Conducted assessments to identify client needs and develop support plans.
- Facilitated group sessions to promote social skills and emotional well-being.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive client care.
Education
Childhood/Early Childhood Certification -
D'Youville College
Buffalo, New YorkMaster of Social Work -
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DCBachelor of Arts - Sociology
Montclair State University
New JerseySkills
- Developmentally appropriate instruction
- Cultural competency
- Parent-teacher communication
- Team collaboration
- Early literacy and math readiness
- Classroom management
- Differentiated instruction
- Social-emotional learning
- Family communication
Community Service
- Camp Counselor, Christian Appalachian Project, McKee, KY
- Social worker, FOCUS INC - Montessori Pre-School, Detroit, MI
- Community Outreach Worker, Hunger Action Coalition, Detroit, MI
- Camp Counselor, Marillac Social Center, Dallas, TX
Leadership Positions
- Officer of the Board of Trustees, Corfu Free Library, Corfu, NY
- Parent representative, Pembroke Primary School Planning Committee
- Parent representative, Pembroke Primary School Health & Wellness Committee
- Founding member & Board Representative, S.T.A.N.D. (Students Toward a New Direction), Montclair, NJ
Certification
- Public School Teacher Certificate, New York, 2013
- Certified Social Worker, New York, 2002
- Certified School Social Worker, New York, Licensed (Provisional), 1999
Timeline
Elementary Teacher
Alexander Elementary School
01.2011 - Current
Early Intervention Service Coordinator
Monroe and Genesee County Health Department
02.1994 - 03.2001
Social Work Intern
Georgetown University Child Development Center
09.1992 - 05.1993
Social Work Intern
Howard University Hospital
12.1991 - 05.1992
Social Work Intern
Dept of Human Services
09.1991 - 11.1991
Childhood/Early Childhood Certification -
D'Youville College
Master of Social Work -
The Catholic University of America
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Montclair State University