Crystal Rieff
Monahans
Summary
For as long as I can remember, teaching children has been my passion. My experiences in education over the past 20 years have led me down the path to becoming a skilled instructor in literacy, particularly in the areas of phonological awareness, phonics, spelling, reading fluency, and comprehension. Over the years, I have learned how to analyze student data to target instruction, how to create engaging lessons that help kids understand difficult concepts, and how to monitor student progress and make adjustments in my teaching. However, my passion remains with children. I love to watch the spark of joy when they "get" something for the first time. The miraculous little light bulb moments. I live for those. It has been so amazing for me to watch children who could not read a word at the beginning of 1st grade, bloom and develop into fluent readers by the middle of 2nd grade. And to know that I had a part in their growth. That is the good stuff. I hope with all my heart, to continue to have an impact in the lives of students for many years to come.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Reading and Dyslexia Interventionist
Monahans-Wickett-Pyote ISD
Monahans, TX
08.2016 - 08.2026
- Collaborated with other educators to analyze student data, in order to determine placement of 1st and 2nd grade students in a small group setting and to target literacy instruction according to student needs.
- Assessed 1st and 2nd grade students for dyslexia, using nationally normed assessments, such as the C-TOPP and the WRMT, compiled the data gained in a comprehensive report, and made recommendations in the 504 meeting about whether or not the student qualified for the dyslexia program.
- Conducted ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
- Facilitated high quality small group instruction for struggling readers, using research-based strategies to improve literacy skills, while fostering student engagement and motivation.
- Implemented the Reading by Design dyslexia program with small groups of 1st and 2nd grade students who had been identified as having dyslexia.
- Developed strong relationships with parents, fostering open communication regarding their children''s progress and needs.
- Helped students set goals for their reading fluency, gave meaningful practice during small group time as well as at home to help facilitate them reaching their goals, and monitored their progress each 6 weeks.
Reading and Math Interventionist
LaVega ISD
Waco, TX
08.2009 - 06.2016
- Developed and implemented targeted math and reading intervention strategies to support student learning needs.
- Analyzed student performance data to tailor instructional approaches and improve academic outcomes.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers to integrate intervention techniques within core curriculum.
- Monitored student progress through regular assessments, adjusting interventions as necessary for effectiveness.
3rd Grade Elementary Teacher
LaVega ISD
Waco, TX
07.2006 - 06.2009
- Developed engaging lesson plans using evidence-based strategies to target student learning and mastery of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies to enhance student behavior and engagement.
- Collaborated with colleagues and administrators to analyze student data and to make a plan for struggling students.
- Assessed student progress through formative and summative evaluations, adjusting instruction accordingly.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Wayland Baptist University
Plainview, TX12-2005
High School Diploma -
Uvalde High School
Uvalde, TX05-2001
Skills
- Classroom management
- Motivating students
- Parent communication
- Student engagement
- Relationship building
- Scaffolding and reteaching
- Phonemic awareness
- Phonics
- Reading comprehension
- Gradual release model
Certification
- Texas Educator Certificate Generalist Grades (EC-4)
- English as a Second Language Supplemental Grades (EC-4)
Timeline
Reading and Dyslexia Interventionist
Monahans-Wickett-Pyote ISD
08.2016 - 08.2026
Reading and Math Interventionist
LaVega ISD
08.2009 - 06.2016
3rd Grade Elementary Teacher
LaVega ISD
07.2006 - 06.2009
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Wayland Baptist University
High School Diploma -
Uvalde High School