Deanna PALONIS
Philadelphia,PA
Summary
Literacy Specialist with expertise in designing and executing literacy programs in varied educational settings. Proficient in lesson planning, student assessment, and curriculum development. Proven track record of improving student literacy through innovative strategies. Established collaborative partnerships with educators, students, and parents to drive academic success.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Reading Specialist
Chester Upland School District
Chester , PA
09.2024 - Current
- Designed and delivered professional development activities emphasizing best practices in literacy instruction.
- Created lesson plans targeting phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary aligned with Science of Reading.
- Implemented evidence-based practices during small group interventions to personalize learning for students in grades 2-5.
- Developed compliant IEPs and maintained progress reports alongside state-specific special education documentation.
- Collaborated with teachers to formulate strategies for differentiating instruction based on student needs.
- Administered districtwide assessments (Acadience) to evaluate student performance, and recommend instructional modifications.
- Contributed to Leadership team efforts to achieve schoolwide goals, PBIS, and enhance student success.
Reading Specialist
W.R. James Senior Elementary School
Willingboro, NJ
09.2022 - 06.2024
- Worked collaboratively with district leadership, principals, and teachers to identify and implement effective strategies for student achievement.
- Facilitated literacy-based professional development and grade-level PLCs on implementing current methodologies and effective instructional strategies aligned to the Science of Reading (SoR).
- Provided multi-sensory, high-quality, pull-out interventions for Tier 3 students at various grade levels, using research-based developmental programs aligned to the Science of Reading.
- Worked collaboratively with classroom teachers by modeling strategies for students who have been identified as Tier 2.
- Partnered with the classroom teachers and leadership to monitor student progress, and track academic and behavioral data.
- Organized and facilitated parent consortiums to provide support and resources for families in areas of literacy development.
- Served as a liaison in the I&RS referral process and meetings to discuss student progress, and developed Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.
- Co-taught the 2023 summer developmental program as the Lead Teacher for rising first graders.
- Developed and implemented school-wide data walls to motivate students and set goals to achieve grade-level success.
Extended School Year (ESY) Reading Specialist
Easter Seals LLC
Philadelphia, PA
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Supported families by providing supplemental instruction and extended classroom teaching strategies aligned to equitable tools, best practices, and the Science of Reading (SoR).
- Harnessed top-quality, innovative services tailored to meet the specific needs of students and families.
- Maintained accurate records of student assessment results and instructional interventions outlined in the student's IEP goals.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback on assignments.
- Created and managed hands-on activities that engaged students in learning process.
- Entered data into online student information system to report information.
- Created an inclusive learning environment that was conducive to student success.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques based on individual student needs.
K-2nd Grade Reading Specialist
Universal Companies
Philadelphia, PA
08.2021 - 06.2022
- Supported, supplemented, and extended classroom teaching aligned to equitable tools, best practices, and state standards
- Provided instruction that encouraged students to use learned skills as tools for inquiry-based learning
- Assessed students' needs and learning styles to design appropriate differentiated instruction to meet their needs
- Conducted weekly small group interventions to support struggling readers in grades K-2
- Coordinated and facilitated professional development sessions on best practices in literacy instruction for teachers and staff
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with students, families, and staff to create a supportive learning environment
K-8 Summer Program Coordinator
Alliance for Progress Charter School
Philadelphia, PA
06.2021 - 08.2021
- Supervised and facilitated an in-person summer program (since the pandemic) in the areas of academic needs and social-emotional learning
- Developed and implemented a progress monitoring plan to ensure differentiation and alignment of state standards and testing expectations
- Provided instructional support related to effective teaching strategies across content areas using supplemental curriculum aligned to state standards
- Supervised day-to-day operations and developed daily schedules for academics and afternoon enrichment rotation stations
- Served on the interview panel to recruit and evaluate potential candidates for our summer program and upcoming school year
- Established and promoted programming dates and offerings
- Planned and facilitated workshops with teachers and staff on key topics and procedures
Reading Specialist
Alliance for Progress Charter School
Philadelphia, PA
11.2020 - 06.2021
- Provided Literacy Professional Development on how to effectively utilize curriculum tools virtually and collaboratively
- Personalized training on curriculum products and fulfilled assignments based on needs of English Language Learners (ELL) and students with disabilities
- Interpreted results of literacy diagnostic assessments for planning student instruction and differentiation using break out rooms
- Modeled and implemented virtual teaching strategies to promote student collaboration, motivation, and success
- Provided quarterly diagnostic testing to determine specific instructional needs for students identified with reading and writing challenges
- Developed instructional plans and modeled best practices for use remotely and hybrid, as well as individualized and small group instruction
- Supervised and maintained data from assessments, program and evidence of growth and identified areas of need
- Implemented a virtual incentive plan where students tracked their instructional usage data and growth from online learning platforms
Virtual Educational Consultant
Inspired Instruction, LLC
Remote
01.2020 - 11.2020
- Provided explicit and systematic virtual training sessions for certified New Jersey educators and administrators on how to integrate a multitude of applications embedded in and outside of Google Suite
- Hosted several successful seminars that resulted in new clients and more revenue as innovative resources significantly inclined as a result of the pandemic and virtual learning
- Demonstrated successful implementation of the latest educational e-Learning Software to high-profile clients at the district level
- Delivered job embedded, research-based workshops, and e-based learning resources aligned to the needs of teachers and district initiatives
- Worked closely with administrators, faculty, and staff to introduce new teaching technology and methodology
- Provided customized, one to one virtual coaching support for teachers to measure progress of their students and their own professional growth
6th-12th Grade Assistant Principal
Avant Garde Academy
Orlando, FL
07.2018 - 07.2019
- Assisted with daily school operations of the school's safety plan and addressed areas of improvement, safety, and building maintenance
- Facilitated professional development experiences for teachers and staff to support excellence throughout the school and student success
- Delivered professional development courses to teachers and leadership on how to effectively implement instructional online components and software to support remediation and student success
- Provided on-site targeted support to teachers and leadership on areas in need evident from classroom walkthroughs and observations
- Created and maintained lasting meaningful partnerships with community education institutions ranging from private to non-profit organizations
- Chaired grade level vertical/horizontal alignments, modeled school spirit, and facilitated RtI (Response to Intervention) teams
- Ensured that all employees, under supervision, were given regular feedback on performance and received ongoing coaching/support
- Observed, supervised, and evaluated teachers and staff to further the school's mission and vision of excellence
Curriculum Specialist, Title 1, 504 & Parent Liaison
Kidz Choice Charter School
Pembroke Pines, FL
06.2016 - 06.2018
- Delivered and modeled lessons on implementing schoolwide initiatives, using literacy programs with fidelity, and data to drive instruction
- Collaborated with teachers and leadership biweekly to analyze data (assessment, attendance, and behavior) and developed a coaching plan
- Conducted weekly small group interventions to support struggling readers in grades K-2
- Coordinated and facilitated professional development sessions on best practices in literacy instruction for teachers and staff
- Implemented literacy assessments to monitor student progress and inform instructional decisions
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with students, families, and staff to create a supportive learning environment
- Delegated compliance items to appropriate persons (i.e., SAC chair, Team Leaders, etc.)
- Monitored program operations ensuring that programs were tied to student achievement
- Contributed input for the School Improvement Plan (SIP) aligned to the needs of the school and surveys provided to all stakeholders
Elementary Instructional Coach
Somerset Prep Academy
N. Lauderdale, FL
07.2014 - 06.2016
- Developed and implemented effective reading interventions using research-based programs to support students' literacy development
- Conducted literacy assessments to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement and create individualized learning plans
- Collaborated with teachers to integrate literacy instruction into the curriculum and provided ongoing support and coaching
- Analyzed data on student progress and adjusted instructional strategies to meet student needs
- Coordinate professional development sessions for educators on best practices in reading instruction
Elementary Education Teacher
Kidz Choice Charter School
Pembroke Pines, FL
08.2008 - 06.2014
- Differentiated instruction to address diverse learning needs and provided individualized support.
- Utilized various assessment strategies to monitor student progress and inform instructional adjustments.
- Fostered a positive, inclusive classroom environment that encouraged respect and collaboration.
- Screened students to determine specific reading levels and determine areas in need of improvement.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers to differentiate instruction based on student needs.
- Developed partnerships with industry and secondary education institutions.
- Assisted schools with creating school-wide literacy plans that align with state standards.
- Maintained regular communication with parents to update them on student progress and gather feedback.
- Led small group interventions focused on phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
- Monitored progress of students through formative assessment data collection and analysis.
Education
Education Leadership Supervisor Certification -
Wilmington University
Wilmington, DE04.2024
Master of Science - Elementary Reading & Literacy
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN12.2013
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education/Early Childhood
Kutztown University
Kutztown, PA12.2002
Skills
- Data analysis and assessment
- Science of Reading (SoR) methodology
- Technology integration
- Time management
- Parent communication
- Collaborative teamwork
- Professional development
- Literacy development
- Wilson Fundations facilitation
- Scholastic NSGRA expertise
- I-Ready facilitation
- Culturally responsive teaching
- Responsive classroom practices
Timeline
Reading Specialist
Chester Upland School District
09.2024 - Current
Reading Specialist
W.R. James Senior Elementary School
09.2022 - 06.2024
Extended School Year (ESY) Reading Specialist
Easter Seals LLC
06.2022 - 08.2022
K-2nd Grade Reading Specialist
Universal Companies
08.2021 - 06.2022
K-8 Summer Program Coordinator
Alliance for Progress Charter School
06.2021 - 08.2021
Reading Specialist
Alliance for Progress Charter School
11.2020 - 06.2021
Virtual Educational Consultant
Inspired Instruction, LLC
01.2020 - 11.2020
6th-12th Grade Assistant Principal
Avant Garde Academy
07.2018 - 07.2019
Curriculum Specialist, Title 1, 504 & Parent Liaison
Kidz Choice Charter School
06.2016 - 06.2018
Elementary Instructional Coach
Somerset Prep Academy
07.2014 - 06.2016
Elementary Education Teacher
Kidz Choice Charter School
08.2008 - 06.2014
Education Leadership Supervisor Certification -
Wilmington University
Master of Science - Elementary Reading & Literacy
Walden University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education/Early Childhood
Kutztown University
Professional Development and Consulting
- Wilson Fundations Trainer and Facilitator
- Scholastic NSGRA Delivery
- I-Ready Trainer and Facilitator
- Google Suite Consultant and Trainer
- Culturally Responsive Teaching
- Well-versed in the Science of Reading (SoR)
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