Elvis Polanco
Kissimmee
Summary
Excellent background and proven success in helping children reach their full potential. Strong commitment to student development and their learning experience. Superior communication skills with students, parents, and staff while presenting information in a wide variety of ways.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Various Exceptionalities Facilitator
Osceola County School District
08.2024 - Current
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Fostered positive learning environment that encouraged student curiosity and critical thinking.
- Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
Best Standards K-2
Osceola County School District
08.2021 - 05.2024
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments, and assessments, and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
- Implemented creative classroom management techniques to maintain an orderly and focused learning environment.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through formative assessments, adjusting teaching strategies as needed for improved outcomes.
- Promoted a positive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations and fostering strong communication between students, parents, and staff members.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular lesson plans, deepening students'' understanding of multiple subjects.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Enhanced student motivation and participation through the development of diverse, hands-on learning experiences.
- Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses, and learning patterns.
- Provided individualized and diversified instruction to support student comprehension and assist with navigating challenges.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Communicated student progress, academic difficulties, or behavioral concerns to parents, guardians and administration using tact and professionalism to improve student academic performance.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Prepared and administered grade-specific tests and examinations regulated by school district to monitor students' growth and to report progress to parents.
RCI Teacher Pre-K-5th Grade
Salome Urena Elementary
09.2016 - 06.2018
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
- Improved student engagement by incorporating interactive learning technologies into lesson plans.
- Increased parental involvement in students' education by organizing regular communication and events.
- Fostered positive learning environment that encouraged student curiosity and critical thinking.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to tailor lessons for improved academic performance.
Special Education Teacher K-2nd Grade
Central Ave Elementary
08.2014 - 06.2016
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Collaborated with parents and other educators to develop comprehensive support plans, promoting student success.
- Organized and led professional development sessions for colleagues on inclusive education strategies, improving school-wide support for students with disabilities.
- Utilized data from student assessments to tailor instruction, resulting in more effective learning outcomes.
Pre-K Special Teacher Autistic Setting
Deltona Lakes Elementary
08.2013 - 06.2014
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Developed and executed formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress, adjusting teaching strategies accordingly.
- Fostered positive learning environment that encouraged student curiosity and critical thinking.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
Special Needs Teacher
Newark Public Schools
03.1999 - 06.2013
- Responsibilities include the utilization of the Whole School Reform Model, Phonics, computers technology, cooperative learning, and other pedagogue methodologies and alternative assessment integrate across all content areas
- Also timely preparation and completion of lesson plans, grade books, assertive discipline policy, permanent records, report cards, and effective communication with parents
General Education Bilingual Teacher
New York City Board Of Education
09.1996 - 06.1997
- Responsibilities included effective instructional practice in a bilingual setting, effective delivery of language arts literacy and math content areas
- Lessons plans preparation, children ongoing assessments, teamwork among students and teacher discipline procedure and maintain effective and adequate communication with parents
Education
Ph.D. - Special Education
National University
San Diego, CA10.2024
Master of Science - Administration and Supervision
City College
New York, NY06.2003
Master of Science - Bilingual Special Education
City College of New York of The City University of New York, The
New York, NY09.1996
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
City College of New York of The City University of New York, The
New York, NY06.1994
Associate Degree - Applied Science, Early Childhood Education
Kingsborough Community College
Brooklyn, NY06.1992
Skills
- Classroom Management
- Critical Thinking
- Lesson Planning
- Motivating students
- Behavior Management
- Parent-Teacher Communication
- Positive Role Model and Mentor
- Growth Mindset
- Classroom Instruction
- Differentiated Instruction
- Collaborative learning
- Student-Centered Learning
- Group and individual instruction
- Small Group Instruction
- Learning Strategies
- Social-Emotional Learning training
- Student needs assessment
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Data-Driven Instruction
- Special Needs Students
- Instructional Methods
- Special Education
- ESOL Certified
- IEP planning
- Interpersonal and Social Skills
- Student Motivation and Engagement
Projects
Member of the School Leadership Council, 2002 - 2006, Organizing and scheduling effective staff development workshops, Discussing the effectiveness of existing school programs, Planning budgetary projections Administrative Internship, 01/01 - 06/02, Chairing the parent-teacher organization, Creating and implementing discipline policy procedures, Contacting parents for involvement
Certification
Florida's Professional Certificates in:
ESOL
Reading
Exceptional Education
Pre-3 Certification
Pre-Kindergarten Disabilities
New Jersey Permanent Certification in:
Pre-3 Certification
Teacher of the Handicapped/
Bilingual Education/Bi-cultural
Supervisor
Languages
English/Spanish-Bilingual
Full Professional
Timeline
Various Exceptionalities Facilitator
Osceola County School District
08.2024 - Current
Best Standards K-2
Osceola County School District
08.2021 - 05.2024
RCI Teacher Pre-K-5th Grade
Salome Urena Elementary
09.2016 - 06.2018
Special Education Teacher K-2nd Grade
Central Ave Elementary
08.2014 - 06.2016
Pre-K Special Teacher Autistic Setting
Deltona Lakes Elementary
08.2013 - 06.2014
Special Needs Teacher
Newark Public Schools
03.1999 - 06.2013
General Education Bilingual Teacher
New York City Board Of Education
09.1996 - 06.1997
Associate Degree - Applied Science, Early Childhood Education
Kingsborough Community College
Florida's Professional Certificates in:
ESOL
Reading
Exceptional Education
Pre-3 Certification
Pre-Kindergarten Disabilities
New Jersey Permanent Certification in:
Pre-3 Certification
Teacher of the Handicapped/
Bilingual Education/Bi-cultural
Supervisor
Ph.D. - Special Education
National University
Master of Science - Administration and Supervision
City College
Master of Science - Bilingual Special Education
City College of New York of The City University of New York, The
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
City College of New York of The City University of New York, The
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