Darlene Bernhard
Bridgewater,NJ
Summary
Proficient in building strong relationships with students, parents, and staff through effective communication and interpersonal skills. Flexible approach ensures tailored support for diverse learning styles and abilities. Committed educator focused on fostering both social and academic growth for all students. Experienced Special Education Paraprofessional adept at providing targeted assistance to students with unique needs, enhancing their learning experiences.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Paraprofessional
Readington Township Public Schools
Whitehouse Station, New Jersey
2017 - Current
- Monitored student progress and behavior to ensure a safe learning environment.
- Facilitated communication among students, teachers, and parents to address needs.
- Provided one-on-one instruction to enhance engagement and participation.
- Implemented behavior management strategies developed by special education staff.
- Offered emotional support during crises to assist students effectively.
- Encouraged independent thinking, problem-solving, and self-advocacy skills.
- Assisted with transitions between activities to maintain smooth classroom flow.
- Enhanced behavior through modifications and positive reinforcement techniques.
Per Diem Substitute Teacher
Branchburg Township School District
Branchburg Township, New Jersey
10.2015 - 06.2016
- Fostered positive learning environment by managing classroom behavior effectively.
- Executed diverse lesson plans tailored to various student groups for optimal engagement.
Long Term Substitute
Branchburg Township School District
Branchburg Township, New Jersey
03.2016 - 04.2016
- Long term position in 3rd grade resource room
- Modify and create math and language arts lessons, implement Wilson's Reading FUNdations program and Touch Math
Third Grade Special Education In Class Support Teacher
Bridgewater-Raritan School District, Crim School
Bridgewater Township, NJ
01.2015 - 06.2015
- Developed Individualized Education Plans to enhance student progress in general curriculum.
- Modified lessons and assessments to meet diverse learning needs.
- Utilized technology tools like Learning Ally, CoWriter 6, and Google Read and Write for reading support.
- Designed interactive Smartboard activities to reinforce unit concepts and lessons.
- Conducted whole class and small group instruction to facilitate effective learning.
First Grade Teacher
Warren Township, Mount Horeb School
Warren, NJ
09.2013 - 03.2014
- Enhanced student academic and social growth through diverse instructional strategies, including modeling and small group instruction.
- Supported balanced literacy program by implementing guided reading, read alouds, and shared writing activities.
- Promoted writing skills using Being a Writer to foster creative expression.
- Created adaptive classroom environment that stimulated and encouraged student engagement.
- Participated in school committees focused on curriculum development and anti-bullying initiatives.
- Employed kinesthetic, visual, and auditory methods to create interactive lessons.
- Collaborated with literacy coach and reading specialist while pursuing professional development opportunities.
- Administered DRA and DSA assessments to evaluate student learning and inform instructional decisions.
Second Grade Teacher
Warren Township, Mount Horeb School
09.2011 - 06.2012
- Facilitated student academic and social growth through diverse teaching strategies including modeling and differentiated instruction.
- Supported balanced literacy initiatives via guided reading, read-alouds, and shared writing activities.
- Promoted writing skills with Being a Writer program to enhance student expression.
- Created a stimulating classroom environment tailored to individual student needs.
- Participated in school committees focused on curriculum development and anti-bullying initiatives.
- Utilized kinesthetic, visual, and auditory methods to engage students in interactive lessons.
- Collaborated with literacy coach and attended professional development workshops for instructional improvement.
- Administered DRA and DSA assessments to evaluate student learning and inform instruction.
First Grade Teacher
Warren Township, Mount Horeb School
09.2010 - 06.2011
- Enhanced student academic and social growth by using a variety of teaching strategies and techniques including teacher modeling and whole group, individual, and small group instruction to provide a solid academic foundation
- Supported a balanced literacy program through the implementation of guided reading, read alouds, shared reading and shared writing
- Promoted process writing through the use of Being a Writer
- Created a classroom environment that was stimulating, encouraging and adaptive to student needs
- Served on school committees and task forces focused on curriculum development, character education and anti-bullying efforts
- Employed kinesthetic, visual and auditory approach to make lessons interesting and interactive
- Worked closely with literacy coach and reading specialist and attended professional development courses such as Observation Survey
- Administered DRA's and DSA's to use as diagnostic tools and to assess student learning
- Administered Math and Language Arts SGO's to assess student learning and form growth objectives
First Grade Special Education Paraprofessional
Warren Township, Central School
09.2007 - 06.2010
- Utilized the Sonday System with individuals and small groups of students
- Created and implemented Touch Math lesson plans for a first grade student
- Modified lessons and applied behavioral plans as needed
- Administered NJASK tests
Education
Teacher of Students with Disabilities -
Kean University
Union, NJ05-2016
Teacher Certificate of Eligibility with Advance Standing -
Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJ12.2000
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
Pomona, NJ05.1994
Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
Raritan Valley Community College
North Branch, NJ05.1992
Skills
- Behavior management strategies
- Progress monitoring
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Conflict resolution
- Instructional support
- Data collection
- Group facilitation
- Positive reinforcement
- Crisis intervention
- IEP implementation
Timeline
Long Term Substitute
Branchburg Township School District
03.2016 - 04.2016
Per Diem Substitute Teacher
Branchburg Township School District
10.2015 - 06.2016
Third Grade Special Education In Class Support Teacher
Bridgewater-Raritan School District, Crim School
01.2015 - 06.2015
First Grade Teacher
Warren Township, Mount Horeb School
09.2013 - 03.2014
Second Grade Teacher
Warren Township, Mount Horeb School
09.2011 - 06.2012
First Grade Teacher
Warren Township, Mount Horeb School
09.2010 - 06.2011
First Grade Special Education Paraprofessional
Warren Township, Central School
09.2007 - 06.2010
Special Education Paraprofessional
Readington Township Public Schools
2017 - Current
Teacher of Students with Disabilities -
Kean University
Teacher Certificate of Eligibility with Advance Standing -
Rider University
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
Raritan Valley Community College