Jennifer Castelli
Pleasantville,NY
Summary
Passionate and skilled Special Education Teacher with extensive experience in teaching, curriculum development, and faculty collaboration and mentorship. Demonstrated expertise in data analysis to drive student success and a strong vision for departmental growth. Committed to supporting students academically and socially, and seeking a leadership role to enhance educational outcomes for all students.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
6th Grade Special Education Teacher
Blind Brook School District
2013.01 - Current
- Provided instruction to students at the 6th-grade level, accommodating different disabilities and adapting to different settings.
- Facilitated small group and large group instruction tailored for individual student needs.
- Built strong co-teaching relationships through collaborative efforts with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Trained and implemented educational evaluations.
- Identified learning needs of students with disabilities and implemented appropriate interventions.
- Established positive relationships with students and their families.
- Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs.
- Created a safe environment conducive to learning for special education students.
- Participated in professional development activities related to teaching strategies for special education students.
- Utilized technology resources such as online programs and assistive devices.
- Implemented behavior management systems that promote positive behaviors.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
- Teaching assignments include: Resource Room, Co-teach ELA, Consultant Teacher Math, Consultant Teacher Science, Consultant Teacher Social Studies, and Small Math Class
- Case Manager- oversee programs for students, collaborate with service providers, liaison between general education teachers and families, progress monitoring and reporting, IEP Development, and educational evaluations
- Successfully fulfill the roles of RTI Coordinator and trained CSE Chair, including leading Middle School CSE meetings when needed
- Past Professional Responsibilities: Trained as CSE Chair, Sick Bank Committee, Student Government Advisor, Softball Coach, Shared Decision-Making Member, School Spirit Committee, Federation Negotiation Member, Interview Committee for a variety of administrative and teaching positions.
RTI Coordinator
Blind Brook School District
- Current
- Carrying out comprehensive analysis and administration of 6th-8th grade STAR screenings thrice annually
- Analyze formal and informal assessment data to make AIS placement decisions for reading and math in middle school
- Provided consultation services to general-education teachers regarding the implementation of Tier I and Tier II supports.
- Develop a system for grades 6-8 RTI data collection and record-keeping
- Design systems and tools to measure the effectiveness of Tier II and III support
- Develop and maintain a calendar to ensure timely data analysis and student reviews
- Secure and share resources necessary for Student Intervention Plan development and direct student support
- Meet regularly with the school MTSS team and administration
- Communicate students' progress towards goals with families on a regular basis.
Vice President PTA
Bedford Road School
2024.05 - 2026.06
- Facilitated selection and assignment of class parents for elementary school classes
- Acted as a bridge connecting elementary administrators with the wider community.
- Developed and executed strategic plans to support the vision of the organization.
- Formulated policies that improved operational efficiency and productivity.
Class Parent
Bedford Road School
2023.09 - 2024.06
- Promoted effective collaboration between parents and teachers
- Maintained responsibility for ordering supplies, arranging field trips, and planning engaging class parties
- Demonstrated strong communication skills with various stakeholders including teachers, administrators, and parents.
Administrative Intern
Blind Brook School District
2021.12 - 2022.06
- Worked with a variety of administrators at the district and building level
- Completed 300 observation hours
- CSE Chairperson for Annual Review meetings
- Completed formal observation using Danielson Rubric
- Assisted with scheduling for CSE meetings
- Created a Master Schedule for 6-12 Annual Review Meetings
- Observed High School Master Schedule- teacher assignments, seat count, students and teacher contract conflicts
- Observed/ Assisted AP in Middle School with Midterm, Finals, and State Test Proctoring Assignments
- Collaborated with different stakeholders and created and implemented a Study Skills Handbook for the Middle School
- Interview Committee member for Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum
- Committee Involvement: Technology Committee, RTI, Shared-Decision Making, School Spirit Committee, Social Media Committee, Community Coalition.
Modified Softball Coach
Blind Brook Middle School
2015.01 - 2017.01
- Developed and implemented practice plans to help athletes reach their goals.
- Organized and led pre-game warm-ups and drills.
- Created an environment that fosters teamwork, trust, respect, discipline, and commitment among players.
- Motivated players by providing feedback on their strengths and weaknesses.
- Communicated with parents about team rules, regulations, expectations.
8th Grade Special Education Teacher
Hommocks Middle School
2012.01 - 2013.01
- Instructed emotionally fragile 8th-grade students in a therapeutic support program
- Teaching assignment included: Skills class, Therapeutic Academic Support Class, Consultant Teacher in Math, English, and Social Studies
- Managed programs for students, collaborating with service providers and acting as a liaison between general education teachers and families. Responsible for progress monitoring, reporting, IEP development, and educational evaluations.
- Professional Responsibilities: Student government advisor
Swim Supervisor
Mohawk Day Camp
- 2013.01
- Developed and implemented swim lesson plans for all levels of swimmers.
- Monitored pool area, ensuring safety of patrons at all times.
- Enforced pool rules and regulations while providing excellent customer service.
- Provided instruction to swimmers on proper swimming techniques and safety protocols.
7th grade Special Education Teacher
Irvington Middle School
2010.01 - 2012.01
- Provided instruction to a diverse group of 7th graders with disabilities in various environments
- Teaching assignments included: Building Support Skills Class, Co-teach ELA, Co-teach Math, Co-teach Social Studies
- Managed programs for students, collaborated with service providers, and served as liaison between general education teachers and families.
- Professional Responsibilities: Sunshine Committee, Student Government Advisor, Young Adult Book Club Advisor
Varsity Field Hockey Coach
Irvington High School
2010.01 - 2012.01
JV Field Hockey Coach
Irvington High School
2009.01 - 2010.01
Aquatics Director
Breezemont Day Camp
- Staff and manage 6 pools
- Scheduling pool usage for 1000 campers and 70 lifeguards
- Ensure the safety of all campers and counselors
- Use Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program for over 1000 campers
- Managing/ supervising over 70 lifeguards
- Weekly newsletter home to families and update on swim progress, as needed.
Lead Counselor
Breezemont Day Camp
Education
Post- Masters Certificate in School Leadership, Educational Leadership Program -
Stony Brook University
05.2022
Special Education and Literacy 5-12, Masters of Professional Studies -
Manhattanville College
05.2012
Double Major in Special Education K-12 and Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Special Education -
University of Miami
05.2009
Skills
- Policy and Procedure development.
- Development and implementation of curriculum standards.
- Faculty management and staff evaluations.
- Student and Teacher Scheduling.
- CSE Scheduling.
- Data collection and analysis.
- Strong Technology Background; Proficient in all google platforms, part of 1:1 Ipad roll-out.
- Proficient in EschoolData and IEP Direct.
- Strong leadership, communication, planning, and organizational skills.
- Ability to motivate others, hardworking, and creative.
Certification
- School District Leader, Professional Certificate
- School Building Leader
- Students with Disabilities (1-6): Professional Certificate
- Students with Disabilities (5-9): Professional Certificate
- Students with Disabilities (7-12): Professional Certificate
- Literacy (5-12): Professional Certificate
- Childhood Education (1-6): Professional Certificate
Prior Experience
Manhattanville
- Aquatics Director at Breezemont Day Camp, Summer 2023 and 2024
- Vice President PTA, 2024-2026
- Class Parent, 2024
- Lead Counselor at Breezemont Day Camp, Summer 2022
- Modified Softball Coach, Blind Brook Middle School, 2015-2017
- Swim Supervisor Mohawk Day Camp, Summer 2005-2013
- Varsity Field Hockey Coach, Irvington High School, 2010-2012
- JV Field Hockey Coach, Irvington High School, 2009-2010
Timeline
Vice President PTA
Bedford Road School
2024.05 - 2026.06
Class Parent
Bedford Road School
2023.09 - 2024.06
Administrative Intern
Blind Brook School District
2021.12 - 2022.06
Modified Softball Coach
Blind Brook Middle School
2015.01 - 2017.01
6th Grade Special Education Teacher
Blind Brook School District
2013.01 - Current
8th Grade Special Education Teacher
Hommocks Middle School
2012.01 - 2013.01
7th grade Special Education Teacher
Irvington Middle School
2010.01 - 2012.01
Varsity Field Hockey Coach
Irvington High School
2010.01 - 2012.01
JV Field Hockey Coach
Irvington High School
2009.01 - 2010.01
RTI Coordinator
Blind Brook School District
- Current
Swim Supervisor
Mohawk Day Camp
- 2013.01
Aquatics Director
Breezemont Day Camp
Lead Counselor
Breezemont Day Camp
Post- Masters Certificate in School Leadership, Educational Leadership Program -
Stony Brook University
Special Education and Literacy 5-12, Masters of Professional Studies -
Manhattanville College
Double Major in Special Education K-12 and Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Special Education -
University of Miami
- School District Leader, Professional Certificate
- School Building Leader
- Students with Disabilities (1-6): Professional Certificate
- Students with Disabilities (5-9): Professional Certificate
- Students with Disabilities (7-12): Professional Certificate
- Literacy (5-12): Professional Certificate
- Childhood Education (1-6): Professional Certificate
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