Danielle D Watson
Chicago,USA
Summary
Honored as 2025 Teacher of the Year for creating student-centered environments that drive academic growth, independence, and equity.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
ESL / Wilson Diverse Learners Educator
Rufino Tamayo Charter School
Chicago, USA
04.2015 - Current
- Manage and implement IEPs and ESL service plans, including goal development, accommodations, modifications, and quarterly progress monitoring.
- Provide individualized instruction in reading and math through push-in, small group, and pull-out models aligned to student needs.
- Adapt general education curriculum to ensure accessibility for students with disabilities and English Learners.
- Deliver structured literacy and multi-sensory instruction using the Wilson Reading System to support phonics, decoding, encoding, and fluency.
- Collaborate with general education teachers, clinicians, administrators, and families to support academic and social-emotional growth.
- Lead and coordinate after-school and enrichment programs, including Student Council and leadership initiatives.
- Serve on the Equity Committee and lead civic engagement experiences, including chaperoning trips to New York City and Washington, DC.
- Supported students’ access to civic learning by coordinating and providing scholarships for educational trips.
- 2025 Teacher of the Year — Rufino Tamayo Charter School.
Special Education Teacher (Grades 4–6)
Guiding Light Autism Academy
Bolingbrook, USA
01.2015 - 04.2015
- Implemented individualized IEP goals for students with mild to moderate disabilities.
- Delivered targeted academic instruction using data-driven, measurable goals.
- Conducted formal and informal assessments to monitor progress and adjust instruction.
Special Education Student Teacher, Classroom Assistant, Site Director, & Youth Trainer
Glen Westlake Middle School
Lombard, Illinois
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Provided individualized and small-group instruction to meet IEP goals across core subjects.
- Delivered foundational phonics and hands-on math using manipulatives and visual aids.
- Facilitated classroom management, transitions, and tailored learning activities for diverse needs.
- Supervised staff and students in before- and after-school programs, ensuring safety and structure.
- Conducted job readiness, leadership, and life skills training for large youth groups.
- Cultivated strong relationships with students and families to enhance engagement and educational success.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
University of Phoenix
Chicago, IL (Online)12.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Phoenix
Chicago, IL (Online)04.2011
Some College (No Degree) -
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL (Online)Skills
- IEP and 504 compliance
- Differentiated instructional approaches
- Adaptive teaching techniques
- Inclusive educational practices
- Small group intervention models
- Push-in and pull-out support services
- Curriculum modifications
- Assessment and lesson planning
- Data tracking and progress monitoring
- Team collaboration skills
- Multi-sensory instructional methods
- Language-focused instruction
- Behavior management in classrooms
- Positive behavior support systems (PBIS)
- Intervention response strategies (RtI)
- Specialized education programming
- Development of ESL programs
Certifications And Licensure
- Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS I), Kindergarten–Grade 9
- English as a Second Language (ESL), PreK–Grade 12
- Elementary Education (Self-Contained General Education), Kindergarten–Grade 9
Endorsements
ESL/Bilingual Endorsement Program, Northeastern Illinois University, 11/01/17
References
References and Teaching Work Samples Available Upon Request
Professional Development
- CPR & First Aid Certified
- CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention
- Ongoing training in PBIS, RtI, Differentiated Instruction, and Inclusive Practices
Leadership Experience
- Equity Committee Member
- Student Council Lead (Multiple Years)
- Civic Trip Chaperone (New York City & Washington, DC)
- Coordinator of Scholarships for Student Civic Learning Experiences
Languages
Spanish
Limited
Timeline
ESL / Wilson Diverse Learners Educator
Rufino Tamayo Charter School
04.2015 - Current
Special Education Teacher (Grades 4–6)
Guiding Light Autism Academy
01.2015 - 04.2015
Special Education Student Teacher, Classroom Assistant, Site Director, & Youth Trainer
Glen Westlake Middle School
01.2012 - 01.2015
Master of Arts - Special Education
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Phoenix
Some College (No Degree) -
Northeastern Illinois University