Desiree Torres
Bronx,USA
Summary
Results-driven literacy specialist with a track record of success supporting struggling readers, ELLs, and SPED students. Applies extensive experience to strengthen foundational reading skills and boost performance.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Reading Specialist/Testing Coordinator/ENL Teacher
Dr. Richard Izquierdo
08.2022 - Current
- Assess foundational skills to identify decoding development levels.
- Execute intensive instruction to SPED and ELLs to enhance literacy, Serve as 6th Grade Team Lead Teacher.
- Analyze baseline, formative, and summative assessment data to adjust instruction as needed for Tier 3 MTSS interventions.
- Arrange trips, parent outreach, and conduct team leadership meetings.
- Prepare SPED modifications, ensure IEP compliance and coordinate state exams (ELA, Math, Science, Regents).
- Create progress reports and action plans, set goals, and celebrate growth via individual conferences with scholars.
SIPPS Instructor/Reading Interventionist
Fox Hollow Elementary
08.2019 - 01.2021
- Deliver evidence-based instruction to eliminate foundational gaps.
- Lead literacy support for teachers, service providers, and ESE/SPED specialists, guiding effective instructional practices.
- Collaborate with administration to address instructional needs, analyze data, and track student growth.
- Introduce alternative methods, supplementary materials and support strategies to stimulate student progress.
- Boost performance by providing individualized support to scholars initially diagnosed below grade level.
SETSS Instructor/Literacy Teacher
Catapult Learning LLC.
09.2015 - 01.2018
- Execute tailored, intensive instruction for grades 1-8.
- Administer engaging lessons that cater to various learning styles.
- Develop IEP annual goals and common core objectives.
- Collaborate and communicate with CSE, staff and families.
- Modify curriculum to accommodate diverse learners with strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Boost student performance by utilizing 1-1/small group support, and targeted feedback.
Literacy Specialist
Early Intervention LLC.
09.2013 - 01.2015
- Provide targeted intervention to SPED students in grades 1-8.
- Disseminate and interpret data to adjust and drive instruction.
- Utilize IEPs to inform instructional decisions and develop goals and promote growth toward grade-level benchmarks.
- Implement research-based approaches to deliver differentiated learning tailored to individual needs.
- Model best practices and innovative approaches to teach reading and writing skills across the curriculum.
Literacy Coach
Jumpstart/Prospect Family Inn
07.2007 - 09.2010
- Develop and implement curricula for students above and below grade level for scholars in grades Pre-K to 6.
- Conduct teacher training, present parent literacy workshops, produce progress reports, and model strategies for differentiated instruction.
- Organize school-wide events such as read-a-thons and author visits, promoting a passion for literature within the school community.
Education
Master of Science - Teaching Literacy
Mercy College
Bronx, New York09.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Writing
University of Tampa
Tampa, Florida05.1999
Skills
- SPED, ELL, Individual Instruction
- Literacy Program Development
- Student Diagnosing
- Bilingual English/Spanish
Certification
- Professional Literacy in Grades B-6
- Professional Literacy in Grades 5-12
- Exceptional Student Education
- Reading Endorsement
Timeline
Reading Specialist/Testing Coordinator/ENL Teacher
Dr. Richard Izquierdo
08.2022 - Current
SIPPS Instructor/Reading Interventionist
Fox Hollow Elementary
08.2019 - 01.2021
SETSS Instructor/Literacy Teacher
Catapult Learning LLC.
09.2015 - 01.2018
Literacy Specialist
Early Intervention LLC.
09.2013 - 01.2015
Literacy Coach
Jumpstart/Prospect Family Inn
07.2007 - 09.2010
Master of Science - Teaching Literacy
Mercy College
Bachelor of Arts - Writing
University of Tampa