James Distefano
Bardonia
Summary
Caring Teacher with strong communication skills and drive to excite students about learning. Specializing in creating stimulating environments that help students achieve full potential and enjoy learning. Communicates effectively and maintains strong relationships with scholars, families, and colleagues.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Aide & Substitute
Pleasantville Middle School
Hawthorne
02.2026 - Current
- Assisted students with assignments and guided problem-solving to enhance understanding.
- Implemented strategies to manage student behaviors in the classroom.
- Collaborated with teachers to monitor and support student progress.
- Supervised school activities to promote safety and foster student engagement.
- Follow the lesson plan, according to the teacher.
Teacher Assistant & Building Substitute
Clarktown North High School
New City
02.2025 - 02.2026
- Developed strategies to engage students during lessons.
- Enhanced student understanding through targeted activities.
- Assisted in preparing classroom activities and lesson plans to facilitate learning.
- Maintain classroom control.
- Supervised classroom activities during teacher absences to ensure continuity.
Salesman
Dana Beverage
07.2023 - 02.2025
- Engaged with customers daily to understand needs and provide tailored assistance
- Organized product displays to enhance customer engagement and drive sales
- Managed store locations across Orange County, Rockland County, Westchester County, and Bronx
- Conducted inventory to determine product needs and optimize stock levels
- Processed new shipments
Merchandiser
Manhattan Beverages
05.2019 - 07.2023
- Organized product displays to maximize customer engagement and drive sales
- Conducted inventory assessments to inform product ordering decisions
- Processed incoming shipments to maintain stock levels and support sales
- Coordinated logistics across Orange County, Rockland County, and Westchester County
Education
Masters - dual certification in Secondary education history, Students with disabilities
Mercy University
Dobbs Ferry, NY06-2026
B.A. Bachelor of Arts - Behavioral Sciences
Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, NY06-2023
Diploma -
Clarkstown South High School
Clarkstown, NY06-2019
Skills
- Serving diverse communities
- Student engagement
- Special education
- Learning alternatives
- Serving diverse communities
- Team building
- Empathy and patience
- Serving diverse communities
Certification
- Educating all students (EAS), Waiting for results
- Social Studies 115, Passed
- Students with Disabilities, Waiting for results
- Multi Subject, In Progress
- Tesol, In Progress
Awards
- Bachelor's Degree in Behavioral Sciences
- Masters Degree in Special Education
- Phi-Delta Kappa Si Honors Society
- Deans List From Spring 2020 to Spring 2023
Languages
English, Fluent
Coaching Experience
- Coach, St. Joes Regional, Montvale, NJ, 03/01/25, 11/27/25, Showing the kids how we will be playing this year., Guiding players through difficult times., Helping students guide through adversity.
- Coach, NJ Riot Lacrosse, Bergen County, NJ, 05/01/21, Current, Instructing the kids on how to play., Being able to control behaviors., Being a good role model and setting the correct example.
- Coach, 845 Lacrosse, Pearl River, NY, 10/01/21, Current, Instructing the kids on how to play., Being able to control behaviors., Being a good role model and setting the correct example.
- Volunteer Coach, Clarkstown South Football, West Nyack, NY, 05/01/23, 11/01/24, Instructing the kids on how to play., Being able to control behaviors., Being a good role model and setting the correct example.
Timeline
Aide & Substitute
Pleasantville Middle School
02.2026 - Current
Teacher Assistant & Building Substitute
Clarktown North High School
02.2025 - 02.2026
Salesman
Dana Beverage
07.2023 - 02.2025
Merchandiser
Manhattan Beverages
05.2019 - 07.2023
Masters - dual certification in Secondary education history, Students with disabilities
Mercy University
B.A. Bachelor of Arts - Behavioral Sciences
Mercy College
Diploma -
Clarkstown South High School