Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Darlene Pistocchi

Hollywood,FL

Summary

Dynamic and qualified educator with a robust background in English Language Arts and Communications, dedicated to instilling a passion for creative writing, storytelling, and literature in students. Expertise in developing and implementing engaging curricula that enhance comprehension and promote collaborative learning and critical thinking.


Proven ability to create dynamic lesson plans that motivate students to excel independently and as part of a team, utilizing differentiated instruction techniques to address diverse learning styles.


Recognized for cultivating a positive classroom environment that encourages academic excellence while supporting individual growth, with experience as a publisher, editor, freelance writer and correspondent in the multimedia industry.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

AICE Media, Film, Debate, Creative Writing Teacher

South Broward High School
08.2022 - Current
  • Enhance students' writing skills by providing constructive feedback and guidance on their work and developing courses in the ELA and Fine Arts Department.
  • This comprehensive approach to teaching in the ELA and Fine Arts Department emphasizes fostering creativity, critical thinking, and community engagement by providing constructive feedback, integrating innovative pedagogies, and promoting extracurricular activities like debate, film, and writing clubs.
  • Regular assessments, personalized mentorship, and a focus on safe, open communication environments support diverse student needs and growth.
  • Collaborating with staff and external partners, organizing field trips, contests, and guiding students in portfolio development further enrich their learning experiences, preparing them for future academic and professional pursuits while nurturing a vibrant, inclusive artistic community within the school.
  • Participate in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices for teaching creative writing and integrating new technologies into the classroom setting.
  • Introduce students to various genres and styles of literature, broadening their understanding of artistic expression within the written word and facilitate group discussions to further explore works of literature.
  • Evaluate student progress regularly through assessments and individual conferences, adjusting lesson plans accordingly to meet specific needs.
  • Establish a safe space for open communication, allowing students to share their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment or ridicule.
  • Develop strong relationships with students, fostering a positive learning environment and promoting creativity.

ELA Teacher, Literacy Coach, PLC Facilitator, Field Trip Coordinator

Ascend Academy Charter High School
08.2018 - 06.2022
  • Worked closely with principal and faculty collaborating ideas, analyzing data and using a positive approach to help foster an engaging atmosphere, enrich learning and offer exceptional opportunities through field-trips, in-house writing contests, and onstage performances for growth and success.
  • Founder of the creative writing club, guiding club members through the publication process to successfully create, design and publish (digital and print) quarterly newsletters and magazines, demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting literacy, creativity, and community involvement within the school.
  • Promoted a growth mindset in students by setting high expectations and providing support for individual academic goals.
  • Developed and maintained positive relationships with parents, fostering open communication about student progress and achievements.
  • Monitored student progress closely using formative assessments, adjusting instructional approaches as needed for optimal learning outcomes.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on teaching strategies and best practices for ELA education.
  • Utilized data-driven decision-making to identify areas of improvement within the curriculum and adjust lesson plans accordingly.
  • Integrated real-world connections into lessons, helping students see the relevance of ELA topics to their daily lives.

Children's Theater Instructor

Art & Culture Center of Hollywood
01.2006 - 01.2016
  • Responsible for writing and adapting plays for young performers, guiding children through auditions to the final performance, and collaborating with the education director on program development
  • Supervised production assistant in staging and costume design, and coordinated with theater technicians on lighting and audio.
  • Contributed in creating educational programs such as: private music, writing, and voice-over lessons, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging theatrical and performing arts experience for children, teens and even adults.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
  • Boosted student performance by providing individualized support and targeted feedback.
  • Increased student motivation by developing engaging lesson plans that catered to various learning styles.
  • Observed and adopted new techniques from skilled instructors and lecturers.
  • Improved student performance by defining clear goals and communicating performance metrics.

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

ScreaminMamas
01.2013 - Current
  • Design, Layout and Edit digital and print magazine bi-annually using Adobe In-Design and only the highest quality printing services available.
  • Dedicated to sharing the Voice of Everyday Moms as an underserved population with voices that need to, and should be, heard.
  • Increase readership with targeted marketing strategies and engaging content development on website and social media platforms.
  • Establish clear communication channels with team members to facilitate collaboration on blogs, submissions, merchandise and contests.

Community Interest Correspondent

Hollywood Gazette
01.2015 - 2018
  • Managed simultaneous assignments while maintaining a high level of organization and attention to detail.
  • Met deadlines to provide relevant information in a timely manner to staff and general public.
  • Traveled throughout the community to gather information and share stories about the small businesses and citizens of Hollywood.
  • Adapted writing style for various media platforms such as print, online, and broadcast journalism.

Education

Master of Arts - English & Creative Writing

Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH
07-2025

Bachelor of Science - Communications-TVProduction Minor-CreativeWriting

Florida International University
Miami, FL

Skills

  • Student engagement
  • Writing instruction
  • Literary/Multi-Media analysis
  • Project-based learning
  • Collaborative learning
  • Feedback provision
  • Peer evaluation
  • Multicultural sensitivity
  • Proficient in Microsoft
  • Proficient in Adobe Software

Accomplishments

  • Planned and oversaw special field trips to Channel 10 News, the Holocaust Museum, Broward Performing Arts Center and Florida Children's Theater at Broward College.
  • Spearheaded extra-curricular groups focused on Creative Writing (The Quill Society) Literacy (NEHS), Debate and Film.
  • Directed Several Theatre Productions focused on Children's Theatre.

Affiliations

PRESENT

National English Honor Society

National Speech & Debate Association

Duotrope (ScreaminMamas)

Florida Womens' Business Center

PAST

Florida Romance Writers

Florida Writers Association

Girlscouts of Florida

SCBWI


Certification

  • Certified Teacher, Florida Department of Education, 2018 to present.

Timeline

AICE Media, Film, Debate, Creative Writing Teacher

South Broward High School
08.2022 - Current

ELA Teacher, Literacy Coach, PLC Facilitator, Field Trip Coordinator

Ascend Academy Charter High School
08.2018 - 06.2022

Community Interest Correspondent

Hollywood Gazette
01.2015 - 2018

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

ScreaminMamas
01.2013 - Current

Children's Theater Instructor

Art & Culture Center of Hollywood
01.2006 - 01.2016

Master of Arts - English & Creative Writing

Southern New Hampshire University

Bachelor of Science - Communications-TVProduction Minor-CreativeWriting

Florida International University

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