Hi, I’m
Katherine Ricciardi
Elementary Educator (Grades 2–4) | Special Education Licensed
Eau Claire,WI
Summary
Dedicated and student-centered educator with a Dual Master’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education and over 20 years of diverse teaching experience across elementary, intervention, inclusive, and faith-based settings. Skilled in differentiated instruction, literacy development, executive functioning support, and fostering growth mindset. Passionate about creating a structured, joyful classroom community where students meet academic benchmarks while developing confidence, character, and independence.
Overview
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Eau Claire Area School District, Regis, & Mc Donell Area Catholic SchoolsEau Claire, WI
Substitute Teacher
01.2025 - 01.2026
Job overview
- Taught daily classes for every age level of elementary education, and Special Education in diverse learning environments.
- Encouraged student growth mindset and skill development in group and individual settings across multiple grade levels.
- Collaborated and communicated with faculty and administration members for appropriate support.
McDonell Area Catholic Schools – Notre Dame Middle School
Middle School Fine Arts Teacher (Art, Music, Digital Citizenship, Spanish)
01.2024 - 01.2025
Job overview
- Taught 5–8 daily classes of 6th–8th grade students in Art, General Music, 8th Grade Spanish, and Digital Citizenship.
- Designed lessons aligned with diocesan and state standards within a classical curriculum framework.
- Differentiated instruction and created alternative lesson plans for students with IEPs and diverse learning needs.
- Fostered student growth mindset and skill development in artistic technique, music theory, global awareness, and conversational Spanish.
- Collaborated regularly with faculty to implement accommodations and scaffolded supports.
Holy Ghost Elementary School
Reading Interventionist (Student Teaching Placement)
01.2024 - 12.2024
Job overview
- Delivered Tier 3 reading intervention for grades 3–5 using Foundations (Pearson) and multisensory literacy strategies.
- Led daily small-group instruction targeting phonemic awareness, encoding/decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
- Utilized MAP and benchmark data to form flexible groups and set measurable growth goals.
- Provided math and writing intervention support in small-group settings.
- Collaborated in ISP/IEP meetings with families, general educators, and specialists to develop individualized goals.
- Coordinated benchmark testing logistics and provided testing accommodations.
Thorp Catholic School
First & Second Grade Inclusive Classroom Teacher
01.2024 - 12.2024
Job overview
- Designed and implemented full-day instruction aligned with state and diocesan standards.
- Increased student reading stamina and math fact fluency through structured independent practice and use of technology (SMART Board, Chromebooks, Rocket Math, EPIC).
- Developed positive behavioral systems promoting self-regulation and growth mindset.
- Led parent-teacher conferences and maintained consistent family communication.
- Collaborated with administration and specialists to support diverse learners.
Eau Claire Public SchoolsEau Claire, WI
Student Teacher
01.2023 - 01.2024
Job overview
- Created and delivered differentiated lessons across grade levels.
- Worked with whole groups, small groups, and individuals to strengthen literacy, math, and writing skills.
- Participated in IEP meetings and school leadership discussions.
- Integrated classroom technology effectively to enhance instruction.
Lakeshore Elementary
Special Education Assistant (SEA Licensed)
01.2022 - 01.2023
Job overview
- Supported students with IEPs in inclusive classroom settings.
- Trained in NCI, UFLI phonics, and STAR benchmark testing.
- Implemented Zones of Regulation strategies to support student self-regulation and de-escalation.
- Maintained safety and documentation for students with behavioral and academic needs.
Regis School System
Substitute Teacher
01.2018 - 01.2022
Job overview
- Delivered instruction across grade levels and subject areas.
- Adapted quickly to diverse classroom environments and instructional plans.
Homeschool Educator & Cooperative Leader
01.1999 - 01.2018
Job overview
- Designed and implemented comprehensive classical-based curriculum across grade levels.
- Organized co-ops, preschool programs, choir leadership, and community performances.
- Fostered individualized learning plans tailored to student strengths and growth areas.
White Pines AcademyLemont, IL
Kindergarten & First Grade Teacher
01.1996 - 01.1997
Job overview
- Taught K–1 core curriculum and Spanish (K–8).
- Delivered Art and Physical Education instruction.
Education
Grand Canyon University
Dual Master of Arts from Elementary Education & Special Education
01.2024
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Bachelor of Arts from Theology
01.1996
Associate Degree from Early Childhood Development
01.1995
Skills
- Literacy Instruction & Reading Intervention
- Executive Functioning Support
- Differentiated Instruction
- IEP/ISP Development & Collaboration
- Classroom Management & Positive Behavior Systems
- Growth Mindset Development
- Data-Driven Instruction (MAP, STAR, Benchmarking)
- Technology Integration (SMART Board, Chromebooks)
- Family Communication & Community Engagement
References
Available upon request.
Certification
- Elementary Education K-8 License - Wisconsin 2025-2026 (GCU- MA- 2024)
- Special Education License K-12 License- Wisconsin 2025-2026 (GCU MA 2024)
Timeline
Substitute Teacher
Eau Claire Area School District, Regis, & Mc Donell Area Catholic Schools
01.2025 - 01.2026
Middle School Fine Arts Teacher (Art, Music, Digital Citizenship, Spanish)
McDonell Area Catholic Schools – Notre Dame Middle School
01.2024 - 01.2025
Reading Interventionist (Student Teaching Placement)
Holy Ghost Elementary School
01.2024 - 12.2024
First & Second Grade Inclusive Classroom Teacher
Thorp Catholic School
01.2024 - 12.2024
Student Teacher
Eau Claire Public Schools
01.2023 - 01.2024
Special Education Assistant (SEA Licensed)
Lakeshore Elementary
01.2022 - 01.2023
Substitute Teacher
Regis School System
01.2018 - 01.2022
Homeschool Educator & Cooperative Leader
01.1999 - 01.2018
Kindergarten & First Grade Teacher
White Pines Academy
01.1996 - 01.1997
Grand Canyon University
Dual Master of Arts from Elementary Education & Special Education
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Bachelor of Arts from Theology
Associate Degree from Early Childhood Development