Dawn Szymanel
Southbury,CT
Summary
Elementary educator with 20+ years of experience improving reading and math outcomes through curriculum adaptation, lesson planning support, and differentiated instruction. Provides student-centered strategies that strengthen literacy and math growth. Adaptable education professional with extensive experience in K-2 literacy and math, classroom instruction, and teacher mentoring. Brings strong skills in the Science of Reading, differentiated instruction, and student-centered assessment to support inclusive learning and improved outcomes.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
K-2 Literacy Lead Teacher
Danbury Public Schools
Danbury, CT
09.2026 - Current
- Coach teachers on literacy strategies, lesson design, and student support
- Provide feedback and guidance to teachers on how to differentiate instruction based on student needs.
- Create learning opportunities that integrate multiple modalities into the literacy curriculum.
- Collaborate with other departments such as Special Education or English Language Learners programs to ensure effective integration of services for all students.
- Completed training in the Science of Reading through HIll for Literacy.
Elementary School Teacher
Danbury Public Schools
Danbury, CT
10.2003 - Current
- Plan, develop and implement differentiated lessons to enhance student engagement and meet diverse learning needs aligned with CT State standards.
- Adapt instruction for diverse learners, including English language learners
- Facilitate small group activities to enhance individualized instruction and foster student collaboration.
- Implement multiple methods to improve student educational success.
- Assess student learning through varied formative and summative assessments, including Dibels, IRLA, and iready.
- Monitor student behavior and implement targeted interventions to support positive classroom dynamics.
- Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning, including establishing rules and procedures.
- Address challenging classroom behaviors through positive reinforcement strategies, with positive and affirming techniques.
- Promote an atmosphere of mutual respect between teachers and students.
- Create a safe, nurturing environment of trust and respect.
- Work with grade-level teams and support staff to address student needs.
- Coordinate with special education staff to support students with special needs.
- Share student progress, concerns, and classroom expectations with parents.
- Provide guidance for students in developing problem-solving skills.
- Encourage creativity by giving students choices in learning topics and methods.
- Arrange field trips as a tool to provide students with real-world experiences.
- Integrate character education into the curriculum to promote social and emotional learning.
- Cultivate a classroom environment focused on inclusion and growth, fostering both social and academic development.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers in the department.
- Provide hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
University of St. Joseph's
West Hartford, CT01-2017
Bachelor of Arts for Teaching - Elementary Education Certification
Western Connecticut State University
Danbury, CT01-2003
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT01-2000
Skills
- Science of reading
- Literacy assessment (Dibels, IRLA, iready)
- Curriculum design
- Differentiated instruction
- Phonics instruction (Specialized in Hill for Literacy, Hegerty, and ARC)
- Lesson planning
- Formative assessment
- Inclusive teaching
- Teacher mentoring
- Fostering positive relationships with students and families
- Mathematics instruction
- Problem solving
- Mathematical modeling
- Critical thinking promotion
- Real-world application
- Inquiry-based instruction
- Play based Learning
Timeline
K-2 Literacy Lead Teacher
Danbury Public Schools
09.2026 - Current
Elementary School Teacher
Danbury Public Schools
10.2003 - Current
Master of Arts - Special Education
University of St. Joseph's
Bachelor of Arts for Teaching - Elementary Education Certification
Western Connecticut State University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Central Connecticut State University