Darcel Torres-Diaz
30 Lehigh Street Dunellen,NJ
Summary
Experienced first-grade educator and Dean of Instruction eager to fully embrace this role, fostering growth and support at Cresthaven Academy Charter School
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
1st Grade Teacher/Dean of Instruction
Cresthaven Academy Charter School
Plainfield , NJ
08.2021 - Current
- Maintained responsibilities of a classroom teacher while supporting instruction across K-2 classrooms.
- Communicated with curriculum and assessment companies to onboard programs, including Heggerty, Fundations, STEP, and DRA.
- Collaborated with teachers to enhance curriculum implementation through mid-unit check-ins, guided reading, small groups, and PEAR assessments.
- Facilitated weekly grade team meetings to discuss data and instructional strategies.
- Participated in school-wide initiatives, including board meetings and faculty advisory sessions.
- Prepared bi-weekly reports detailing classroom observations and suggestions.
K/1 Learning Specialist
Achievement First Aspire Elementary School
Brooklyn, New York
08.2020 - 08.2021
- Led Kindergarten and 1st grade small groups with a focus on literacy and phonemic awareness
- Lead remedial/below level reading groups
- Ensure that Spanish-speaking scholars are receiving the extra help needed in class.
- Participated in IEP meetings and created progress reports for our exceptional learners
- Maintained communication with families in regards to children's progress especially during quarantine
- Sit in on weekly Learning Specialist meetings.
- Maintain data on 90+ scholars
K/1 Social Studies/Science Teacher
Achievement First Aspire Elementary School
Brooklyn, New York
08.2019 - 08.2020
- Create Social Studies lesson plans ensuring the plans were culturally appropriate and engaging for young scholars.
- Create Science lesson plans that intertwine with topics learned from Social Studies.
- Fostered an environment that encouraged inquiry and exploration among students.
- Lead two reading intervention groups
- Maintain data on 170+ scholars
2nd Grade Teacher
Achievement First Aspire Elementary School
Brooklyn, New York
07.2018 - 08.2019
- Lead remedial/below level reading groups
- Execute close reading, math, and writing lesson plans.
- Create small groups based on data for scholars that needed additional help
- Attend weekly team meetings
- Maintain reading and math data on 30+ scholars
2nd Grade Lead Teacher
New Hope Academy Charter School
Brooklyn, NY
05.2016 - 06.2018
- Developed lesson plans in ELA and Math aligned with the Teacher's College and Envisions curriculum.
- Collaborated with grade teams during daily and weekly common planning sessions.
- Reinforced classroom management strategies to maintain discipline.
- Maintained accurate scholar data and presented findings at DataWise meetings.
Bureau Coordinator/Investigative Analyst
New York County District Attorney's Office
New York , NY
12.2014 - 05.2016
- Managed all domestic incident report requests, including ACS notes and 911 call requests for the Special Victims Bureau.
- Maintained logs of domestic violence and child abuse hotline calls to ensure accurate records, followed up with victims and families.
- Coordinated and executed comprehensive training programs and conferences for bureau staff.
- Applied skills as investigative analyst and paralegal to support case management activities.
- Assisted bureau administrator with organizational functions and addressed staff concerns effectively.
- Oversaw a team of 6 paralegals, ensuring efficient management of court calendars.
Investigative Analyst/Special Victims Bureau
New York County District Attorney's Office
New York, New York
03.2010 - 12.2014
- Conducted interviews with children victims and families to gather critical information.
- Testified in criminal and family courts regarding evidence from electronic devices.
- Developed spreadsheets, charts, reports, and exhibits for investigations and trial preparation.
- Executed computerized background investigations on subjects, defendants, and witnesses.
- Located and assisted witnesses to ensure cooperation in legal proceedings.
Education
Supervisor Certification -
Montclair University
New Jersey 05-2025
Masters - Early Childhood Education
TOURO COLLEGE
New York06-2017
Bachelors of Science - Criminal Justice
ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY
Queens01-2007
Skills
- Instructional strategies
- Classroom management
- Spanish Speaker
Certifications
- New Jersey State Standard Certification: Preschool through Grade 3 (12/19/2023)
- New Jersey State Standard Certification: Students with Disabilities (5/1/2024)
- New Jersey State Standard Certification: Supervisor (3/18/2025)
Timeline
1st Grade Teacher/Dean of Instruction
Cresthaven Academy Charter School
08.2021 - Current
K/1 Learning Specialist
Achievement First Aspire Elementary School
08.2020 - 08.2021
K/1 Social Studies/Science Teacher
Achievement First Aspire Elementary School
08.2019 - 08.2020
2nd Grade Teacher
Achievement First Aspire Elementary School
07.2018 - 08.2019
2nd Grade Lead Teacher
New Hope Academy Charter School
05.2016 - 06.2018
Bureau Coordinator/Investigative Analyst
New York County District Attorney's Office
12.2014 - 05.2016
Investigative Analyst/Special Victims Bureau
New York County District Attorney's Office
03.2010 - 12.2014
Supervisor Certification -
Montclair University
Masters - Early Childhood Education
TOURO COLLEGE
Bachelors of Science - Criminal Justice
ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY