Erika Reale
Chelmsford,MA
Summary
Experienced Educational Leader with 20 years in PK-12 education and program development. Skilled in implementing Massachusetts DESE regulations and managing complex student cases through collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams. Proficient in utilizing academic records technology to deliver holistic support in fast-paced, high-achieving environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Special Education Teacher for the Therapeutic Social Emotional Program
Concord Middle School
Concord, MA
09.2019 - Current
- Acted as the primary advisor for a caseload of students, created individualized educational plans, and tracked progress towards required grade level requirements. Conducted academic assessments (WIAT-IV) for all 3-year re-evaluations, wrote, interpreted, and implemented student individualized education plans for students on caseload.
- Led operational management of Therapeutic Social Emotional Program for grades 6-8, aligning program delivery with state educational standards.
- Implemented trauma-informed support for students in personal or academic crisis, collaborating with BCBA and school psychologists to provide targeted recommendations and referrals.
- Collaborated with school psychologists, BCBA, and faculty to implement student accommodations consistently across departments.
- DESE Compliance: Facilitates and leads annual reviews to ensure 100% compliance with DESE regulations; maintains student records and reports to the Special Education Administrator.
Special Education Teacher, Alternative Middle School Collaborative Program
CASE Collaborative
Concord, MA
09.2009 - 06.2019
- Program Lead: Developed curriculum aligned with general education and state/national standards, improving instructional relevance for diverse learners.
- Strategic Planning: Modified curricula to address diverse learner needs, reinforcing commitment to holistic student development.
- Supervision & Leadership: Mentored teaching assistants and support staff, cultivating a collaborative environment for effective service delivery.
- Data Management: Managed student academic and special education records using ASPEN/ESPED, ensuring compliance and facilitating data-driven progress reporting.
Special Education Teacher, Adaptive Learning Program
Andrews Middle School
Medford, MA
09.2008 - 06.2009
- Curriculum Alignment & Modification: Collaborated with cross-functional faculty teams to develop and adapt ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies curriculum adhering to MA Curriculum Frameworks for students with diverse learning profiles.
- Compliance & Assessment: Administered educational assessments, including Woodcock Johnson III, and composed 3-year evaluation reports to determine student eligibility and track progress.
- Stakeholder Communication: Facilitated daily communication with administration and families to address student needs and report on academic milestones, fostering collaborative support for student success.
- Environmental Management: Established and maintained a structured, safe program environment, promoting emotional regulation and increasing academic engagement among students.
Special Education Teacher Grades 1-2
Maquan Elementary School
Hanson, MA
10.2007 - 06.2008
- Delivered targeted reading instruction in individual and small group settings using Wilson Reading Program: FUNdations to enhance literacy skills.
- Facilitated small group math and reading support in inclusion classrooms, enhancing accessibility for diverse learners.
- Developed individualized educational plans and collaborated with inclusion teachers to optimize support and accommodations for students.
Assistant-Teacher
Manville School
Boston, MA
08.2006 - 10.2007
- Collaborated with administrators, teachers, and specialists to design curriculum for Mathematics, English Language Arts, and Science aligned with MA curriculum frameworks, enhancing educational quality.
- Supported students with special needs, including Asperger's Syndrome, PTSD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Bipolar disorder, to create an inclusive learning environment.
- Developed and executed tailored behavior plans with classroom staff to improve student engagement and behavior.
- Engaged students through diverse communication methods, including non-verbal techniques, to address individual learning needs effectively.
Education
Masters of Science - Teaching Students with Moderate Disabilities
Wheelock College
Boston, MABachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies (Concentration in Elementary Education)
Endicott College
Beverly, MASkills
- Regulatory Compliance
- Crisis Management
- Academic Advising
- Crisis response
- ESPED
- Google Classroom
- Data Analysis
- Canvas
- Google Suite
- Microsoft Office
- Leadership and Collaboration
- Systems Proficiency
Certifications And Skills
Massachusetts Certification in Teaching Students with Moderate Disabilities, Grades preK-8, Massachusetts Certification in Elementary Education, Grades 1-6, SEI Endorsement, Google Suite, ASPEN, ESPED, Microsoft Office, Canvas (familiarity), Google Classroom, Safety Care Certified (Crisis Management)
Core Competencies
Deep knowledge of the MA DESE licensure process. Have been a supervising practitioner for graduate level students and guided them through their full practicum experiences. Extensive experience with implementation of IEP/504 mandates, and FERPA/Title XI., Exemplary work in academic planning, progress tracking and individualized goal setting., Experience supervising staff and being a liaison between families, faculty and administration., Skilled at identifying 'at-risk' individuals and providing therapeutic, research-based support., Aspen, Frontline, Google Suite, ESPED
Timeline
Lead Special Education Teacher for the Therapeutic Social Emotional Program
Concord Middle School
09.2019 - Current
Special Education Teacher, Alternative Middle School Collaborative Program
CASE Collaborative
09.2009 - 06.2019
Special Education Teacher, Adaptive Learning Program
Andrews Middle School
09.2008 - 06.2009
Special Education Teacher Grades 1-2
Maquan Elementary School
10.2007 - 06.2008
Assistant-Teacher
Manville School
08.2006 - 10.2007
Masters of Science - Teaching Students with Moderate Disabilities
Wheelock College
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies (Concentration in Elementary Education)
Endicott College