Emily L. Buerster
West Seneca,USA
Summary
Literacy Specialist with 5 years of experience supporting students in grades K–4 through targeted small-group instruction and individualized interventions. Former Elementary School Teacher with 3 years of classroom experience managing diverse groups of 13–25 students. Skilled in using data-driven instruction and positive reinforcement strategies to promote literacy development, student engagement, and academic growth. Holds New York State teaching certification, a B.S. in Students with Disabilities/Childhood Education (Grades 1–6), and a Master’s degree in Literacy Education (Birth–Grade 6). Committed to fostering a supportive, engaging learning environment and meeting the diverse needs of all learners.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Literacy Interventionist
Tapestry Charter School
Buffalo, NY
08.2021 - Current
- Regularly administered DIBELS assessments to progress-monitor K–4 students, using results to inform targeted, data-driven interventions.
- Designed and implemented individualized literacy plans based on DIBELS data, improving reading fluency and comprehension for struggling readers.
- Analyzed assessment trends to identify at-risk students, adjust small-group instruction, and measure intervention effectiveness.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers and specialists to align interventions with classroom instruction and document measurable student growth.
- Communicated progress and next steps to families and staff through concise data reports and goal-setting conferences.
Tapestry Charter School
Buffalo, NY
08.2018 - 08.2021
- First Grade in-person teacher planning and implementing learning experiences that advance the emotional, social, intellectual and academic development of students.
- Plan, conduct and deliver daily guided reading and guided math group lessons to a diverse group of students
- Differentiate instruction based on data that is designed to help all students achieve higher-order thinking and learning.
- Participate in weekly professional development and grade level planning meetings with my team to actively integrate this learning into my instruction to positively impact student outcomes.
- Implement and instruct daily crew team building meetings to inspire and encourage a growth mindset based upon NYS SEL benchmarks.
- Ensure a positive learning environment for all students and effectively communicate with parents.
- Foster curiosity and interest in learning through hands on activities and field trips.
- Effectively utilize Google Classroom, Zoom, and Class Dojo during remote instruction to ensure positive and equitable outcomes.
Special Education Teacher
Erie 1 BOCES
West Seneca, NY
07.2018 - 08.2018
- Position: Special Education Teacher- self-contained classroom 6:1:1, K-2
- Designed and delivered lesson plans and activities to reach individual student IEP’s.
- Assessed students formally and informally.
- Ensured a classroom environment that provided for students social/emotional, behavioral and academic needs.
- Communicated daily with parents and other professionals and staff members.
Orchard Park Central School District
West Seneca, N.Y.
09.2017 - 07.2018
Sweet Home Central School District
Buffalo, NY
09.2017 - 07.2018
West Seneca Central School District
West Seneca, NY
09.2017 - 07.2018
West Elementary
West Seneca, NY
03.2018 - 05.2018
- Created and delivered a 5-week unit plan in a K-2 Special Education classroom 8:1:1.
- Differentiated and scaffolded activities and goals to meet each student’s individual needs and abilities.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities aligned to NYS Standards.
- Instrumental in raising funds for sensory equipment for our Special Education classroom.
- Collaborated weekly with other classroom teachers, specialists, and administration.
- Updated parents on the progress of their students and enlisted parental support.
Tapestry Charter School
Buffalo, NY
01.2018 - 03.2018
- Lesson planning and daily instruction in ELA, Science & Math in a 5th grade general education room following the Engage NY CC Curriculum.
- Planned and taught a Lucy Calkins unit with 14 lessons on the novel “Rules” aligned to NYS Standards.
- Led a change agent project, called “Think Before You Speak” with the 5th graders, aligned to NYS Standards.
Education
Bachelor of Science Degree - Students with Disabilities and Childhood Education
Canisius College
Buffalo, NYMasters’ of Science - Literacy Education (birth- 6 grade)
Canisius College
Buffalo, NYSkills
- Classroom management
- Active listening and attention to detail
- Differentiated Instruction
- Experience with Response to Intervention
- UFLI Foundations Trained
- Reading Recovery Training- Niagara Orleans BOCES- Expected completion completed 5/23
- Science of Reading
- DIBELS Assessment and Data Analysis
- Explicit Phonics Instruction
Certification
- New York State certification in Childhood Education (1-6), Students with Disabilities (B-6) and Early Childhood (B-2)
- NYS Literacy Certification B-6
- Concentration: English
Timeline
Literacy Interventionist
Tapestry Charter School
08.2021 - Current
Tapestry Charter School
08.2018 - 08.2021
Special Education Teacher
Erie 1 BOCES
07.2018 - 08.2018
West Elementary
03.2018 - 05.2018
Tapestry Charter School
01.2018 - 03.2018
Orchard Park Central School District
09.2017 - 07.2018
Sweet Home Central School District
09.2017 - 07.2018
West Seneca Central School District
09.2017 - 07.2018
Masters’ of Science - Literacy Education (birth- 6 grade)
Canisius College
Bachelor of Science Degree - Students with Disabilities and Childhood Education
Canisius College