Donna Rossi
Niantic,Connecticut
Summary
Skilled Reading Consultant/Wilson Dyslexia Therapist with extensive experience in developing individualized interventions, using SRBI, MTSS, and Data-Driven Decision-Making. Proven ability to lead reading teams, collaborate effectively with educators and parents to create supportive learning environments, and deliver professional development. Eager to leverage expertise in reading intervention, assessment, and social emotional learning to drive student success in a new role.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Reading Consultant/Wilson Dyslexia Therapist
Montville Board of Education
Montville, CT
09.2021 - Current
- Implemented Wilson Reading System instruction with fidelity in grades 6-12
- Established a positive rapport with students by creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment
- Incorporated research-based strategies into daily instruction, ensuring optimal student growth in reading proficiency
- Utilized data-driven instruction methods to inform lesson planning and target specific areas for improvement in student reading comprehension and fluency
Wilson Dyslexia Therapist and Reading Specialist
Groton Public Schools
Groton, Connecticut
07.2025 - Current
- Developed and implemented individualized intervention plans utilizing evidence-based strategies to enhance literacy skills for students with dyslexia.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments using standardized testing tools to evaluate reading abilities and identify specific learning needs.
- Collaborated with educators and parents to create supportive learning environments that foster student engagement and progress in reading comprehension.
Wilson Dyslexia Therapist
Capitol Region Education Council
Hartford, CT
06.2021 - 12.2024
- Contracted out through CREC as a temporary tutor
- Worked to complete all twelve steps of Wilson Reading System with a high school student
Instructional Specialist
Griswold Board of Education
Griswold, CT
08.2017 - 06.2021
- Coached teachers on effective classroom management strategies, fostering a positive learning environment for all students.
- Supervised analysis of school-wide assessment
- Developed distance learning tools and curriculum and supported faculty with implementation
- Delivered professional development in Science of Reading, Student Success Team, and Data Team Model
Language Arts Consultant
Griswold Board of Education
Griswold, CT
08.2009 - 06.2017
- Coordinated school-wide reading intervention program
- Utilized Data-Driven Decision Making Model for making instructional decisions
- Developed a system for analyzing school-wide data
- Provided professional development in brain research, dyslexia, fluency, reading comprehension, reflection, metacognition, and student engagement and rigor
Basic Skills Coordinator
Waterford Board of Education
Waterford, CT
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Facilitated Professional Learning Community meetings
- Developed an instructional program for students in grades K-3, based on school and state data
Reading Consultant and Interventionist
Stonington Board of Education
Stonington, CT
08.2006 - 06.2007
- Developed an instructional program for third and fourth grade students based on results of district data
- Instructed forty students in small groups to foster peer coaching, self-monitoring, and reflective behaviors
- Administered alternate assessments to target areas for instruction, such as TOWRE, DIBELS, and CTOPP
- Collaborated with teachers to develop consistency between classroom instruction and intervention
Language Arts Instructional Specialist
Stonington Board of Education
Stonington, CT
08.2004 - 06.2006
- Facilitated grade level and vertical team meetings
- Created district-wide assessments for grade K-4
- Created team meeting plans, using a framework from the Connecticut Center for School Change
Fourth Grade Teacher
Stonington Board of Education
Stonington, CT
08.2002 - 06.2004
- Utilized strategies from Strategies That Work to inform and guide instruction
- Designed staff development
- Served as cooperating teacher in BEST program
Kindergarten Teacher
Stonington Board of Education
Stonington, CT
08.1994 - 06.2002
- Designed and implemented a home reading program for all kindergarten classes
- Developed strong relationships with families to address any concerns or issues impacting student success
- Improved student reading skills by implementing phonics-based instruction
- Served on Preschool to Kindergarten Transition Committee
Education
Sixth-Year Degree - Administration
University of Connecticut
CT05-2008
Sixth-Year Degree - Remedial Reading and Language Arts Consultancy
University of Connecticut
CT05-2002
M.A. - Reading/Language Arts and English
University of Connecticut
CT05-1994
B.S. - Education
University of Connecticut
CT05-1993
Skills
- Protocol Training
- Data-Driven Decision Making Training
- Student engagement
- Parent communication
- Writing instruction
- Multisensory teaching
- Fluency development
- Progress monitoring
- Reading intervention
- Special education
- Literacy assessment
- Reading diagnosis
- Intervention strategies
Certification
Wilson Dyslexia Therapist Level 2 Certification, 02/2023
PROFESSIONAL READINGS
- Teach Like a Champion, by Doug Lemov
- Rigorous Curriculum Design, by Larry Ainsworth
- Learning by Doing, by Richard DuFour
- Turnaround Leadership, by Michael Fullan
- What's Worth Fighting for in Your School, by Michael Fullan
- Focus, by Michael Schmoker
- Results Now, by Michael Schmoker
- How the Brain Learns, by David Sousa
Timeline
Wilson Dyslexia Therapist and Reading Specialist
Groton Public Schools
07.2025 - Current
Reading Consultant/Wilson Dyslexia Therapist
Montville Board of Education
09.2021 - Current
Wilson Dyslexia Therapist
Capitol Region Education Council
06.2021 - 12.2024
Instructional Specialist
Griswold Board of Education
08.2017 - 06.2021
Language Arts Consultant
Griswold Board of Education
08.2009 - 06.2017
Basic Skills Coordinator
Waterford Board of Education
01.2007 - 01.2009
Reading Consultant and Interventionist
Stonington Board of Education
08.2006 - 06.2007
Language Arts Instructional Specialist
Stonington Board of Education
08.2004 - 06.2006
Fourth Grade Teacher
Stonington Board of Education
08.2002 - 06.2004
Kindergarten Teacher
Stonington Board of Education
08.1994 - 06.2002
Sixth-Year Degree - Remedial Reading and Language Arts Consultancy
University of Connecticut
M.A. - Reading/Language Arts and English
University of Connecticut
B.S. - Education
University of Connecticut
Sixth-Year Degree - Administration
University of Connecticut