Gabriella Godina Rico
San Diego,CA
Summary
Versatile and dedicated teacher with focus on individual needs of special education students. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons. Exceptional skills working with teachers, parents and specialists to meet educational needs of students.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Instructional Assistant II - Special Education
Poway Unified School District
09.2023 - Current
- Assisted the certificated teacher in providing instruction to students in a special day class
- Assisted with implementation of Individualized Education Plans
- Monitored and reported student progress regarding behavior and performance
- Implemented student behavior management plans to establish and maintain appropriate behaviors; supervised students
- Monitored student progress to identify areas requiring extra support and implement action plans to meet needs.
- Supervised students during non-instructional times such as lunch breaks or recess periods, maintaining safety standards at all times.
- Provided support during classes, group lessons, and classroom activities.
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance.
- Prepared instructional materials such as worksheets, visuals aids, or manipulatives according to teacher directives for effective lesson execution.
- Facilitated small group instruction sessions based on specific skill sets or subject matter, boosting overall student achievement levels.
- Implemented behavior management techniques to maintain a positive and focused learning environment.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and instructional support.
- Promoted a culture of respect and inclusion within the classroom, fostering positive relationships among students from diverse backgrounds.
- Contributed to a positive and collaborative school culture by actively participating in staff meetings, committees, and professional learning communities.
- Collaborated with other instructional assistants and teachers to provide comprehensive support to students and deliver instruction aligned with curriculum standards.
- Coordinated with other instructional assistants to ensure consistent implementation of classroom procedures and expectations across all subjects.
Temporary Associate/Assistant Teacher
The Growing Place Montessori
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Lead initiatives to assist students in self-directed independent learning and normalization by establishing a prepared environment and responding quickly when materials needed to be replaced or repaired
- Support the Lead Teacher with the children in their learning and understanding of the Montessori materials in an effective manner
- Assisted in classroom management by observing the interactions between students and facilitating the proper usage of materials
- Followed predetermined plans to manage challenging behaviors in order to maintain consistency for students
- Facilitate children who are toilet-learning by observing a child's readiness and supporting independence and autonomy without using shame or negative reinforcement
- Prepared classroom and materials in order for students to fully benefit from the environment
- Utilized Positive Discipline techniques such as redirection and inspiring intrinsic motivation to guide children
- Utilized regular communication, both verbal and written, with families regarding any noteworthy or unusual behaviors or injuries
- Worked with leadership, staff, and families to brainstorm solutions to questions and concerns
- Presented materials and lessons in the areas of Grace and Courtesy, Practical Life, Language, Mathematics, Science, Geography, and Sensorial with attention to children's abilities and interests.
Kindergarten Instructional Aide & Religion Teacher
St. Michael's School
08.2021 - 06.2023
- Supported a class of 26+ students and a full time head teacher with various academic and clerical tasks
- Managed challenging student behaviors
- Supported students with specific needs and learning goals by implementing strategies and tracking progress over time
- Worked with students individually and in small groups
- Followed recommendations of the head teacher and resource director to differentiate tasks
- Supervised students during transitions between special classes and during recess and lunch
- Developed engaging and effective lessons to teach kindergarteners about the Catholic faith
- Used Visible Learning techniques to guide student learning, created learning goals that were posted and helped students to understand them
- Assisted in the administration of assessments and helped interpret data
Pre-Kindergarten Aide
St. Michael's School Preschool
11.2020 - 06.2021
- Developed and executed developmentally appropriate lesson plans following monthly themes including, Daily Circle time, music/movement, and free form/structured projects
- Assessed children on a regular basis and worked closely with lead teachers, directors, and parents to identify areas for improvement as well as implement strategies to achieve measurable goals
- Communicated effectively with coworkers and families regarding both positive behaviors as well as behaviors that require improvement
- Created positive relationships with the children and their families
- Maintained the classroom according to licensing standards and followed all standard operating procedures regarding any incidents taking place in my presence
- Familiar with California licensing standards regarding ratios for children ages 2-5
- Supported the Pre-Kindergarten (four years old) class by preparing materials, presenting lessons, and working with students individually and in small groups
- Assisted in classroom management by observing the interactions between students and facilitating the proper usage of materials
- Followed predetermined plans to manage challenging behaviors in order to maintain consistency for the students
- Encouraged a community environment among staff, students, and parents (by modeling a strong commitment to school values
- Participated in regular staff meetings and training offered such as Mandated Reporter Training and Integrated Pest Management
- Utilized regular communication, both verbal and written, with families regarding any noteworthy or unusual behaviors or injuries
- Worked with leadership, staff, and families to brainstorm solutions to questions and concerns.
Associate/Assistant Teacher
The Growing Place Montessori
06.2015 - 10.2020
- Lead initiatives to assist students in self-directed independent learning and normalization by establishing a prepared environment and responding quickly when materials needed to be replaced or repaired
- Support the Lead Teacher with the children in their learning and understanding of the Montessori materials in an effective manner
- Assisted in classroom management by observing the interactions between students and facilitating the proper usage of materials
- Followed predetermined plans to manage challenging behaviors in order to maintain consistency for students
- Facilitate children who are toilet-learning by observing a child's readiness and supporting independence and autonomy without using shame or negative reinforcement
- Prepared classroom and materials in order for students to fully benefit from the environment
- Utilized Positive Discipline techniques such as redirection and inspiring intrinsic motivation to guide children
- Utilized regular communication, both verbal and written, with families regarding any noteworthy or unusual behaviors or injuriesWorked with leadership, staff, and families to brainstorm solutions to questions and concerns
- Presented materials and lessons in the areas of Grace and Courtesy, Practical Life, Language, Mathematics, Science, Geography, and Sensorial with attention to children's abilities and interests.
Lead Infant Room Teacher
Alpine Treasures Academy
02.2015 - 05.2015
- Created and executed lesson plans, implemented school curriculum and assessed developmental needs of students to develop to fullest potential and achieve learning objectives.
- Assessed children on a regular basis and worked closely with other staff, directors, and parents to identify areas for improvement as well as implement strategies to achieve measurable goals
- Encouraged verbal and ASL language development for communication
- Familiar with California food programs, kept accurate records for children ages 6 weeks – 2 years old
- Communicated effectively with coworkers and families regarding both positive behaviors as well as behaviors that require improvement
- Created positive relationships with the children and their families
- Kept detailed records of each child's daily food and changing schedule through the compliance of the California food program
- Supervised one classroom aide
Teacher's Aide/Head Teacher
Sacred Heart Academy Preschool
06.2013 - 12.2014
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Worked with children ages 2-5 on a variety of academic and self-help skills including diapering and potty training
- Developed and executed developmentally appropriate lesson plans following monthly themes including, Daily Circle time, music/movement, and free form/structured projects
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
Education
Intern Teacher Preservice - Ed. Specialist Early Childhood Special Education
San Diego County Office of Education
San Diego, CA06.2024
Master of Arts - Teaching - Special Education
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT08.2025
Bachelor of Arts - Education Studies - Elementary Education
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City06.2023
Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential -
Council For Professional Recognition
Washington, DC05.2023
High School Diploma -
Rancho Bernardo High School
San Diego06.2006
Skills
- Classroom Behavior Management
- Teacher Collaboration
- Classroom support
- Multicultural Awareness
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Classroom Management
- Teacher Support and Collaboration
- CPR and First Aid
- Data Management
- Basic American Sign Language
Certification
- First Aid (Basic/Pediatric) & CPR (Adult/child/infant/AED), Through 07/23/25
- FBI/DOJ Fingerprint, TB, immunization, and physical exam clearance
- Mandated Child Abuse Reporting, YMCA
Professional Memberships
Alpha Epsilon Sigma Honor Society, WGU Chapter Kappa Delta Pi - October 24, 2022
Timeline
Instructional Assistant II - Special Education
Poway Unified School District
09.2023 - Current
Temporary Associate/Assistant Teacher
The Growing Place Montessori
06.2023 - 08.2023
Kindergarten Instructional Aide & Religion Teacher
St. Michael's School
08.2021 - 06.2023
Pre-Kindergarten Aide
St. Michael's School Preschool
11.2020 - 06.2021
Associate/Assistant Teacher
The Growing Place Montessori
06.2015 - 10.2020
Lead Infant Room Teacher
Alpine Treasures Academy
02.2015 - 05.2015
Teacher's Aide/Head Teacher
Sacred Heart Academy Preschool
06.2013 - 12.2014
Intern Teacher Preservice - Ed. Specialist Early Childhood Special Education
San Diego County Office of Education
Master of Arts - Teaching - Special Education
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Arts - Education Studies - Elementary Education
Western Governors University
Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential -
Council For Professional Recognition
High School Diploma -
Rancho Bernardo High School
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