Darcel Dennis
New York,NY
Summary
To obtain a teaching position within an organization that will utilize my dedication, knowledge and passion for fulfilling children’s educational needs and development.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher– ICT Third Grade
Department of Education Ralph Bunche School P.S. 125
09.2023 - 06.2024
- Developed and implemented individualized instruction plans to meet the needs of students with special needs
- Monitored and evaluated student’s progress and provided feedback to the student, parents and administrators
- Collaborated, designed and implemented the curriculum with the general education teacher to meet the individual needs of the student.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
Special Education Teacher - Self-Contained 2/3 Class
Department of Education Ralph Bunche School P.S. 125
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) that are aligned with the New York State Standards for 13 students
- Utilized differentiated instruction techniques to adapt instructional materials
- Collect and analyze student data, tracking progress towards IEP goals and producing progress monitoring reports demonstrating academic and growth
- Developed clear and consistent routines and procedures
- Developed routines for each step of the day
- Being flexible
- Schedule time to plan and teach activities, routines and independence
- Allow time for students to repeatedly practice these skills
- Encourage a positive, safe, respectful, all are welcomed classroom community by planning a common activity a few times a week to practice social skills and increase friendships
- Celebrate the students in the classrooms so the students will feel valued and special.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
Pre-K Teacher
Department of Education Ralph Bunche School
04.2022 - 06.2022
- Provide a safe classroom environment where students can feel a sense of belonging
- Developed and relationships with both the student and their parents
- Teach children basic skills such as identify colors, shapes, numbers, and letters through books, music and movement, song and play
- Work with children in groups or one to one, depending on the needs of the children and the subject matter
- Plan and carry out a curriculum that focuses on different areas of child development
- Encourage children to interact with each other to develop social skills
- Demonstrate how to follow rules, daily routines, practice proper hygiene and respect each other.
Lead Teaching Assistant (LTA)
Ralph Bunche School/P.S. 125
09.2017 - 03.2022
- Assigned to one classroom, supporting all aspects of instruction
- Assisting the teacher of record in planning, preparation and delivery of daily instruction
- Assisting the teacher of record by working with students alone or in small groups
- Assist in the delivery of instruction to part or the entire class
- Supporting the practice of other paraprofessionals in their school through on the job activities such as inter-visitation and demonstrations of classroom work
- Attending and delivering professional development during the workday to turnkey knowledge to other paraprofessionals in the school
- Covering the teacher of record to whom LTA assigned for up to ten days over the course of the school year.
Educational Assistant
Ralph Bunche School/P.S. 125
09.2014 - 09.2017
- Assist Lead teacher inside the classroom and help supervise outside the classroom; assist in preparation/production of instructional materials
- Provide one on one support with students who are struggling or students who need to be challenged on the next level with additional enrichment activities
- Teach/reinforce lessons in small groups or with individuals while the teacher works with other students
- Facilitate positive student behavior and social interaction skills in developing their peer and adult relationship; demonstrate and reinforce on task behavior; watch for the things that promote or interfere with the students learning; encourage problem solving and planning for pro-social behaviors; encourage understanding of the student’s own and other’s feelings and perspectives
- Observe and collect anecdotes.
Assistant Teacher
Susan E. Wagner Grow with Us Preschool
10.2012 - 08.2014
- Assist group teacher in creating and maintaining weekly activity plan that place emphasis on activities which provide many opportunities for children to learn by doing, encouraged their active evolvement in the process and engaging children in relevant, concrete, hands-on experiences
- Assist teacher with developing and implementing annual goals, including the observation of all children and records objective anecdotal notes, behavioral objectives and intervention strategies, including behavior techniques (ABA) where appropriate for all students
- Use positive approaches to help children behave constructively, e.g
- Redirection, planning ahead to prevent problems, encouragement of appropriate behavior, helping children use words to solve their problems, value mistakes as learning opportunities; ensure that children achieve their goals and encourage them to become independent and confident in their abilities
- Assume group teacher responsibilities when the teacher is out.
Assistant Teacher
Graham Windham Grow with Us Preschool Children with Special Needs
10.2006 - 06.2012
- Assist group teacher in creating and maintaining weekly activity plan that place emphasis on activities which provide many opportunities for children to learn by doing, encouraged their active evolvement in the process and engaging children in relevant, concrete, hands-on experiences
- Assist teacher with developing and implementing annual goals, including the observation of all children and records objective anecdotal notes, behavioral objectives and intervention strategies, including behavior techniques (ABA) where appropriate for all students
- Use positive approaches to help children behave constructively, e.g
- Redirection, planning ahead to prevent problems, encouragement of appropriate behavior, helping children use words to solve their problems, value mistakes as learning opportunities; ensure that children achieve their goals and encourage them to become independent and confident in their abilities
- Assume group teacher responsibilities when the teacher is out.
Substitute Teacher/Helper/Group Leader
Graham Windham Harlem Child Care Center
07.2006 - 10.2007
- Assist in various classes where needed
- Assist in circle time/ work time, arts and crafts, music and movement, as well as outdoor activities
- Interact with the children and individually through activities such as reading books
- Prepare the children for breakfast, lunch and snack
- Prepare lesson plans in various subjects
- Planned various activities and trips
- Children Ages were 2 – 4 Daycare
- Group Leader: Children ages ranged from 4-12
- Prepared lesson plans in various subjects such as English, Math, Science, Reading, Art and Social Studies that were implemented daily
- Planned various indoor/outdoor activities both educational and fun
- Worked with children individually and one on one as well as in a group setting.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Boosted student engagement with interactive lessons, incorporating real-world examples and hands-on activities.
Extended Day Teacher
Harlem Day Charter School
10.2006 - 06.2007
- Prepared lesson plans in various subjects
- Lead the class daily in homework help, academic activities, arts and craft, reading, music and movement, as well as outdoor activities
- Review for important State Exams
- Work with individual students one on one for extra help and personal matters
- Ages 6 – 7 First Grade.
- Planned fun and engaging activities to keep students occupied and provide additional learning opportunities.
- Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
Volunteer
Harlem Day Charter School
02.2006 - 06.2006
- Assist the Head Teacher with reading groups, math groups, science and Language Arts
- Assist students with various work and one on one assistance
- Review for important test such as the Iowa State Test as well assist during the taking of the test
- Attend various educational and fun trips
- Ages range from 5 - 7.
Education
Master of Science - Early Childhood/Special Education
Touro College
New York, NY09.2021
Bachelor of Science - Psychology/Education
Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, NY05.2016
Skills
- Differentiated Instruction
- Classroom Management
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Small Group Instruction
- Relationship Building
- Co-teaching Experience
- Lesson Planning
- Collaborative Teamwork
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Parent-teacher collaboration
Certification
- 07/06, New York State ATAS – W
- 02/13, New York State Teaching Assistant Level lll
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Schools 2018
- Restorative Circles 2018
- Youth Mental Health First Aid 2019
Training
- Child Abuse
- Violence Prevention
- Infectious Disease
- DASA
Timeline
Special Education Teacher– ICT Third Grade
Department of Education Ralph Bunche School P.S. 125
09.2023 - 06.2024
Special Education Teacher - Self-Contained 2/3 Class
Department of Education Ralph Bunche School P.S. 125
09.2022 - 06.2023
Pre-K Teacher
Department of Education Ralph Bunche School
04.2022 - 06.2022
Lead Teaching Assistant (LTA)
Ralph Bunche School/P.S. 125
09.2017 - 03.2022
Educational Assistant
Ralph Bunche School/P.S. 125
09.2014 - 09.2017
Assistant Teacher
Susan E. Wagner Grow with Us Preschool
10.2012 - 08.2014
Assistant Teacher
Graham Windham Grow with Us Preschool Children with Special Needs
10.2006 - 06.2012
Extended Day Teacher
Harlem Day Charter School
10.2006 - 06.2007
Substitute Teacher/Helper/Group Leader
Graham Windham Harlem Child Care Center
07.2006 - 10.2007
Volunteer
Harlem Day Charter School
02.2006 - 06.2006
Master of Science - Early Childhood/Special Education
Touro College
Bachelor of Science - Psychology/Education
Mercy College
- 07/06, New York State ATAS – W
- 02/13, New York State Teaching Assistant Level lll
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Schools 2018
- Restorative Circles 2018
- Youth Mental Health First Aid 2019
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