Florika Rakkou

◆ Writing Instruction, Literacy & Regents Preparation

• Taught middle and high school English Language Arts, including Regents-based instruction in analytical, argumentative, expository, literary analysis, and text-based writing

• Designed and implemented Regents-aligned writing curriculum that prepared students for success on the New York State English Regents Examination

• Consistently achieved Regents examination passing rates of 85–90%, reflecting strong student performance in reading comprehension, literary analysis, critical thinking, and written expression

• Developed and implemented a structured writing framework emphasizing thesis development, paragraph organization, transitions, textual evidence, revision, and analytical writing

• Prepared students for the analytical, argumentative, and text-based writing demands of the New York State English Regents Examination through explicit writing instruction, close reading strategies, and individualized feedback

• Guided students through every stage of the writing process—including brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing—while fostering confidence and independence as writers.

• Conducted individualized writing conferences to strengthen organization, grammar, voice, argumentation, and overall writing effectiveness

• Cultivated confident, independent writers by combining explicit instruction, scaffolded learning, individualized coaching, and high academic expectations to help students achieve lasting academic success

◆ College Readiness & Academic Coaching

• Conducted college essay workshops and provided individualized coaching on Common Application personal statements and supplemental essays, guiding students through brainstorming, drafting, revision, and authentic storytelling

• Coached students in developing compelling personal statements by helping them identify meaningful life experiences, strengthen organization, refine voice, and communicate their unique perspectives

• Provided individualized coaching and constructive feedback throughout the writing process, helping students produce polished and authentic college application essays

• Authored personalized letters of recommendation highlighting students' academic achievement, leadership, character, and college readiness

• Mentored graduating seniors through the college admissions process, providing guidance on graduation requirements, post-secondary planning, scholarship opportunities, application timelines, and goal setting

• Coached students in executive functioning, organization, time management, self-advocacy, and study skills to support a successful transition from high school to college

• Prepared students for standardized testing and college-level academic expectations through writing instruction, critical thinking, and effective test-taking strategies

• Fostered students' confidence, independence, and self-reflection by helping them recognize their strengths and communicate their experiences with authenticity and purpose

◆ Special Education & Differentiated Instruction

• Provided individualized, differentiated English Language Arts instruction to high school students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in a self-contained ACES classroom, adapting curriculum, assessments, and instructional strategies to maximize student achievement and independence

• Designed scaffolded literacy instruction utilizing adapted texts, visual learning strategies, multimedia resources, and interactive lessons to strengthen reading comprehension, vocabulary, written expression, and critical thinking

• Designed project-based learning experiences integrating literacy, executive functioning, financial literacy, vocational readiness, communication, and independent living skills to prepare students for success both inside and outside the classroom

• Created classroom entrepreneurship initiatives in which students designed, produced, marketed, and sold handmade products while developing budgeting, customer service, teamwork, workplace readiness, and problem-solving skills

• Designed authentic financial literacy simulations that taught budgeting, purchasing decisions, calculator proficiency, and responsible money management through real-world learning experiences

• Guided students in literary analysis through scaffolded instruction, graphic organizers, story mapping, visual learning, and structured writing activities that increased confidence, comprehension, and academic independence

• Modified curriculum, instruction, and assessments to support individual IEP goals while promoting self-advocacy, executive functioning, confidence, and long-term academic success

• Reinforced learning through collaborative activities, interactive review games, educational technology, and multisensory instructional strategies that increased engagement, participation, and knowledge retention

◆ Curriculum Development, Literature & Instructional Innovation

• Inspired a lifelong appreciation for literature, philosophy, and writing by creating engaging, student-centered learning experiences that fostered critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective communication

• Designed and implemented engaging, standards-aligned curriculum that promoted literary analysis, reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and critical thinking

• Created original instructional materials, graphic organizers, writing templates, assessments, and multimedia presentations to support diverse learning styles and increase student engagement.

• Incorporated educational technology, multimedia resources, project-based learning, and interactive instructional strategies to enhance learning, differentiate instruction, and improve student outcomes

• Selected and adapted age-appropriate literary and informational texts to make rigorous academic content accessible while maintaining high expectations for all learners

• Fostered collaborative, student-centered learning environments that encouraged curiosity, creativity, respectful discussion, and independent thinking

• Utilized formative and summative assessment data to differentiate instruction, monitor student progress, and provide targeted academic support

• Developed engaging lessons that connected literature to students' lives, encouraging deeper analysis, meaningful discussion, and lifelong appreciation for reading and writing

• Collaborated with administrators, teachers, counselors, psychologists, social workers, NYPD School Safety personnel, probation/parole representatives, and families to support student success while maintaining a safe, inclusive learning environment
• Led conflict resolution, restorative interventions, behavioral support, and crisis response while building positive relationships with students and families
• Participated in multidisciplinary student support meetings, including Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs)
• Conducted parent conferences and developed individualized behavioral and academic support plans.
• Monitored attendance, graduation progress, and student engagement while implementing targeted interventions to help at-risk students remain on track for graduation
• Mentored students in executive functioning, goal setting, organization, accountability, self-advocacy, and personal responsibility
• Supported faculty in implementing classroom management strategies and school-wide behavioral expectations that fostered a positive learning environment
• Served as Respect for All Liaison, facilitating presentations and workshops that promoted inclusion, bullying prevention, sexual harassment awareness, and a positive school climate
• Served on the Building Response Team (BRT), Crisis Team, and School Safety Committee, contributing to emergency preparedness, crisis response, and campus safety planning
• Planned and coordinated school-wide initiatives, including Fall Orientation, Spirit Week, Anti-Bullying Week, graduation activities, and other student engagement programs that strengthened school culture and community