Courtney Ferraro
Florham Park
Summary
Dynamic elementary school educator and assistant principal dedicated to cultivating inclusive school environments and enhancing student outcomes. Proven ability to implement equity initiatives, foster positive school climate, and facilitate effective communication among staff, parents, and students, ensuring a supportive educational environment.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Principal
Mt. Pleasant Middle School
Livingston
08.2025 - Current
- Cultivated positive school climate through effective communication strategies among staff and students.
- Assessed student performance, behavior and social development and devised improvement strategies for struggling children.
- Managed student discipline processes to ensure a safe and supportive school environment.
- Evaluated teacher performance through observations and feedback sessions for professional growth.
- Coordinated communication among teachers, administrators, and parents to address and resolve student performance and behavioral issues.
- Led staff meetings to convey policy changes and hear employee input.
- Executed various equity initiatives to promote inclusivity within the school community.
- Coordinated and managed standardized state testing processes to ensure compliance and efficiency.
Fifth Grade Teacher- US History and ELA
Burnet Hill School
Livingston
09.2013 - 06.2025
- Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into curriculum.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Created lessons and online testing materials to facilitate remote learning.
- Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
Fourth Grade Teacher
Burnet Hill School
Livingston
09.2021 - 06.2022
- Fostered open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff to create a supportive learning community.
- Improved classroom management strategies, resulting in a focused learning environment for students.
- Promoted cooperative group work among students, cultivating collaborative skills essential for future academic and social success.
Second Grade Teacher
Burnet Hill School
Livingston
09.2006 - 06.2013
- Designed and delivered engaging lessons that focused on core subjects, enhancing personal and academic growth among students.
- Conducted regular formative assessments to monitor student progress and provided timely feedback, leading to improved academic performance.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and incorporating real-world examples.
- Facilitated development of social skills in students through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques, fostering a supportive classroom environment.
Education
Master of Education in Educational Leadership -
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Wayne, NJ12-2023
Master in The Art of Teaching -
Marygrove College
Detroit, MI12-2008
Bachelor of Arts in Early/Middle Childhood -
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ05-2006
Skills
- School safety procedures
- Community engagement
- Parent engagement and communication
- School culture
- Student relations
- Performance feedback
- Problem-Solving
- Adaptability and flexibility
Certification
CE- Principal
Standard Supervisor
Committees
Strategic Planning Committee- September 2023-present
- Teacher representative for the district appointed by the principal
- Lead a group of five staff members to complete observations, data collection , and analyzing findings
- Participate in Instructional Rounds throughout the district, observing classrooms and collecting data
- Work with the team to analyze data to create a shared vision of high quality teaching
Equity Committee- September 2023- present
- Work to promote a healthy school climate, ensuring equitable and inclusive environments for all students
- Meet monthly with the parent community
School Safety & Climate Team- August 2025-present
- Lead a multidisciplinary team implementing strategies to build positive school culture
- Collect and analyze data regarding school culture
- Organize meetings with stakeholders
Assistant to the Principal- September 2016-June 2025
- Collaborated with parents and students to coordinate school events
- Identified and recommenced changes to existing processes to improve accuracy and efficiency
- Worked on scheduling tasks
Student Council Advisor- September 2016-June 2025
- Led approximately 75 students in Grades 3-5 to organize and carry out school fundraisers/service projects
Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC)- September 2021-June 2023
- General education teacher representative for the district appointed by the Assistant Superintendent
- Worked with stakeholders to support the district's special education program and goals
Professional Development Committee- September 2023-June 2025
- Teacher representative for the district
- Designed and implemented Professional Development offerings district wide
School Climate Team- September 2022-June 2025
- Teacher representative for the school
- Worked to create a comprehensive assessment of teaching, learning, and safety within the school environment
Curriculum Writer- July 2015- July 2017
- Developed instructional units in 5th grade US History curriculum
Accomplishments
- Governor's Educator of the Year Award, 2025
Timeline
Assistant Principal
Mt. Pleasant Middle School
08.2025 - Current
Fourth Grade Teacher
Burnet Hill School
09.2021 - 06.2022
Fifth Grade Teacher- US History and ELA
Burnet Hill School
09.2013 - 06.2025
Second Grade Teacher
Burnet Hill School
09.2006 - 06.2013
Master of Education in Educational Leadership -
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Master in The Art of Teaching -
Marygrove College
Bachelor of Arts in Early/Middle Childhood -
Montclair State University