Kathleen Gilfoil
Fairfax,VA
Summary
Experienced secondary English educator with over 15 years of teaching experience in alternative and standard high school settings within Fairfax County Public Schools. Skilled in supporting students across a broad academic spectrum, ranging from special education to honors level, while helping them grow both academically and emotionally. Uses flexible teaching approaches aligned with state standards, with a strong record of student success on SOL assessments. Focuses on academic support while creating a classroom environment that responds positively to student behavior. Builds strong relationships with students and collaborates with colleagues to support each student’s success.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
English Teacher (Grades 9–12)
Fairfax County Public Schools – Interagency Alternative Schools Program
01.2015 - Current
- Teach English language arts to students in grades 9–12 across a wide range of academic levels, including special education, general education, and honors coursework.
- Design and implement differentiated instruction to support diverse learning needs, including students with emotional disabilities, learning disabilities, and varying literacy levels from the base schools, as well as court appointed students.
- Use scaffolding techniques to strengthen reading comprehension, written expression, vocabulary development, and critical thinking skills.
- Develop individualized lesson plans and small-group instruction to support student progress toward curriculum standards.
- Implement a myriad of evidence-based literacy strategies.
- Integrate instructional technology to support engagement and accessibility.
- Maintain a structured, supportive classroom environment through proactive behavior management and intervention strategies.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including psychologists, counselors, social workers, speech pathologists, probation officers, and families, to support student growth.
- Support school goals related to closing achievement gaps and improving student outcomes through targeted intervention and data-informed instruction.
Special Education Teacher (ED/LD)
Annandale High School – Fairfax County Public Schools
01.2007 - 01.2015
- Delivered individualized, standards-based instruction for students with emotional disabilities (ED) and learning disabilities (LD), improving access to the general education curriculum.
- Designed and implemented differentiated lesson plans, accommodations, and modifications aligned with IEP goals and state standards.
- Collaborated with general education teachers, counselors, and administrators to adapt curriculum, co-teach classes, and support inclusive classroom environments.
- Monitored student progress using data-driven assessments and adjusted instructional strategies to promote academic and behavioral growth.
- Developed and maintained compliant Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including goal setting, progress reporting, and facilitating IEP meetings with families and multidisciplinary teams.
- Implemented behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and positive behavior supports to improve student engagement and classroom outcomes.
- Advocated for students’ academic, social, and emotional needs, fostering a supportive and structured learning environment.
Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Special Education (ED/LD K-12)
George Mason University – College of Education and Human Development
Fairfax, VABachelor of Science - Communicative Disorders
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FLSkills
- Differentiated Instruction (SPED through Honors)
- Literacy & Vocabulary Development
- Reading Comprehension and Writing Instruction
- Scaffolding and Intervention Strategies
- Classroom and Behavior Management
- Social-Emotional Learning Integration
- Collaborative Team Teaching
- Instructional Technology Integration
- Data-Driven Instruction (SOL / Standards Alignment)
- Student Support & Case Collaboration
Timeline
English Teacher (Grades 9–12)
Fairfax County Public Schools – Interagency Alternative Schools Program
01.2015 - Current
Special Education Teacher (ED/LD)
Annandale High School – Fairfax County Public Schools
01.2007 - 01.2015
Bachelor of Science - Communicative Disorders
University of Central Florida
Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Special Education (ED/LD K-12)
George Mason University – College of Education and Human Development