Jennifer Pontillo
Mahopac,NY
Summary
Dynamic educational leader with extensive experience at Mahopac Central School District, excelling in professional development and employee retention. Proven track record in fostering collaboration and enhancing teaching strategies, while ensuring compliance with regulations. Skilled in recruiting and building relationships, driving initiatives that promote student success and a positive school culture.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
Mahopac Central School District
07.2023 - Current
- Facilitated professional development workshops, enhancing teaching strategies among newly hired instructional staff.
- Supported the Superintendent in strategic planning and resource allocation initiatives.
- Coordinated communication between administration, staff, and community stakeholders to foster collaboration.
- Oversaw compliance with educational regulations, ensuring adherence to state mandates and policies.
- Developed strong relationships with all union leadership teams, fostering collaboration and positive working relationships.
- Attended relevant professional development workshops including BOCES training and updates, Cornell Institutes, NYSASPA conferences and NYSCOSS workshops.
- Facilitated training sessions with specific employee sub-groups as needed.
- Communicated with the Board of Education on a weekly basis to keep them aprised of happenings in the HR department.
- Conducted investigations including: Title IX, sexual harassment, Workplace Violence, and matters that led to disciplinary settlement agreements.
- Created Exit Interview process for employees leaving the district.
- Managed staffing decisions by hiring qualified candidates who aligned with the District's values and vision while balancing budgetary constraints effectively.
Lakeview Elementary School Principal
Mahopac Central School District
07.2006 - 06.2023
- Led curriculum development initiatives to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Implemented school-wide behavior management programs fostering positive school culture.
- Collaborated with faculty to develop and execute professional development sessions during faculty/grade level meetings.
- Established partnerships with our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) to support student services and resources.
- Analyzed student performance data to inform instructional strategies and interventions.
- Directed strategic planning efforts aligning school goals with district objectives.
- Oversaw builiding based budget processes ensuring optimal allocation of resources for educational programs.
- Promoted diversity within the school community by cultivating an inclusive atmosphere that respected individual differences among students.
- Mentored new teachers through observation feedback sessions, contributing to their growth as educators within the school system.
- Collaborated with district leaders to align school goals and initiatives with the broader educational vision.
- Increased parent involvement by organizing events, workshops, and regular communication channels to keep families informed and engaged.
- Evaluated teacher performance using objective measures and constructive feedback, fostering continuous improvement in instructional practices.
- Established a positive learning environment by fostering strong relationships with students, parents, and staff members.
- Facilitated collaboration between grade levels to create interdisciplinary learning experiences that enriched students' understanding of core concepts.
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
- Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Communicated policies and procedures to students and parents regarding student behavior.
- Researched and incorporated new educational trends and instructional strategies to optimize education effectiveness.
- Oversaw schedule management and protocols for orientation, registration, and related activities.
- Monitored student progress and implemented intervention strategies to support student success.
- Coordinated staff and student activities to promote a safe and productive learning environment.
- Formulated and implemented school safety and security policies.
- Communicated with parents to encourage active parental participation in education.
- Kept school in full compliance with established policies, legal requirements and student safety standards.
- Established positive, stimulating learning environment for students and exciting education-focused setting for teachers.
Mahopac Falls School Principal
Mahopac Central School District
07.2000 - 06.2006
- Developed strong relationships with parents, teachers, and community members to support the overall success of the kindergarten program.
- Established a safe and supportive learning environment by implementing school-wide safety policies and procedures.
- Conducted regular observations and evaluations of teaching practice to provide constructive feedback aimed at enhancing professional growth among faculty members.
- Coordinated special events such as performances, open houses, parent conferences to promote a sense of community within the school.
- Improved kindergarten curriculum by collaborating with faculty and staff to create engaging lesson plans.
- Led school improvement initiatives focused on academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and character development.
- Supported teachers in their efforts to differentiate instruction based on student needs.
- Monitored student progress and implemented intervention strategies to support student success.
- Developed a teacher resource room filled with instructional materials, professional publications and resources to enhance the educational program.
- Facilitated a pre-k committee to increase communication and collaboration between the area pre school providers and the district.
Lakeview Elementary School - 1st Grade Teacher
Mahopac Central School District
09.1994 - 06.2000
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student learning and foster a positive classroom environment.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet diverse learning needs of students.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to support student development and address individual challenges effectively.
- Assessed student progress regularly using formative assessments and modified instruction accordingly for optimal growth.
- Established strong relationships with parents through effective communication about their child''s academic progress and social-emotional development.
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay current with educational best practices.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Prepared and administered grade-specific tests and examinations regulated by school district to monitor students' growth and to report progress to parents.
- Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
3rd Grade Teacher
NYC DOE
09.1992 - 06.1994
Education
Professional Diploma - School Administration And Supervision
Fordham University
Bronx, NY12-1999
Master of Science - Special Education
Fordham University
Bronx, NY05-1994
Bachelor of Arts - Modern Languages/Elementary Education
College of Mount Saint Vincent
Bronx, NY05-1992
Skills
- Professional development
- Conflict resolution
- Investigative processes
- Process improvement
- Labor management/Contract Negotiations
- Collaborative approach
- Responsible and dependable
- Federal, state, and local regulations adherence
- Recruiting and hiring
- Relationship building
Affiliations
New York State Association of School Personnel Administrators
Lower Hudson Council of School Personnel Administrators
New York State Association for Women in Administration
Certification
NYS Permanent Certification in the following areas:
School District Administrator (SDA)
Elementary N-6
Special Education K-12
Timeline
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
Mahopac Central School District
07.2023 - Current
Lakeview Elementary School Principal
Mahopac Central School District
07.2006 - 06.2023
Mahopac Falls School Principal
Mahopac Central School District
07.2000 - 06.2006
Lakeview Elementary School - 1st Grade Teacher
Mahopac Central School District
09.1994 - 06.2000
3rd Grade Teacher
NYC DOE
09.1992 - 06.1994
Professional Diploma - School Administration And Supervision
Fordham University
Master of Science - Special Education
Fordham University
Bachelor of Arts - Modern Languages/Elementary Education
College of Mount Saint Vincent