Colleen Varallo
Elementary Education Teacher
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Summary
Versatile and dedicated teacher with focus on individual needs of both general and special education students. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons to address the needs of all students efficiently. Demonstrates strong classroom management skills to create a structured, yet engaging learning environment, that promotes student participation, respect, and academic success. Exceptional communication skills that foster positive relationships with teachers, parents, specialists, and administrators to meet educational needs of students.
Work History
3rd Grade Special Education Instructor
Monroe Public School District
8 2021 - Current
- Delivered engaging and personalized instruction to both general education students and those with learning disabilities, tailoring lessons to meet individual learning goals and accommodations resulting in a 25% increase in test scores for students with disabilities
- Executed effective behavior management techniques, fostering a safe, positive, & inclusive environment
- Collaborated with general education teachers, support staff, parents/guardians, and administrators to advocate for students' personalized academic needs, leading to the development and implementation of individualized education plans (IEPs)
- Participated in professional development opportunities to remain current on best practices in special education and instructional strategies
- Maintained regular communication with parents and guardians, providing updates on student progress and addressing any concerns or questions.
Substitute Teacher
Source4Teachers
05.2017 - 06.2021
- Adapted and implemented differentiated teaching strategies across various subjects for grades 2-4, effectively increasing student understanding and engagement by 30% in a special education learning environment, therefore successfully meeting the needs of all students
- Facilitated group sessions and provided one-on-one support
- Communicated effectively with administrators, fellow teachers, support staff, students and guardians
- Displayed stability in sustaining long term positions in roles such as a building based substitute, basic skills instructor, 2nd & 4th grades.
Substitute Teacher / Teacher's Assistant
Gloucester County Special Services
06.2017 - 12.2018
- Facilitated group sessions and provided one-on-one support for students with disabilities
- Fostered meaningful relationships among students and staff to promote a positive learning environment
- Offer constructive feedback to students regarding specific actions, behaviors and words
- Observed, recorded, and reported individual behaviors and actions to supervisory staff.
Scheduling and Financial Clearance Representative
Kennedy Memorial Hospital
05.2016 - 06.2017
- Advising and explaining to patients their financial responsibilities and supporting uninsured or underinsured patients by coordinating referrals to the Financial Counselors
- Interviewing and becoming acquainted with patients/guarantors to obtain demographic, confidential clinical and financial information necessary to patient health procedures.
Education
Teacher of Students with Disabilities -
Rutgers University
Bachelor of Arts in Education - Elementary Education
Stockton University
Bachelor of Science in Health Science - Public Health
West Chester University
Skills
Student Engagement
Classroom Management
Lesson Planning
Student needs assessment
Analytical and Critical Thinking
Differentiated Instruction
Empathy and compassion
Adaptability and Flexibility
Effective Communication
Relationship Building
Collaborative Teaching
IEP development
Certification
Elementary Education K-6 Teacher (Standard)