Leslie Churnac
5th Grade Teacher
Falconer
Summary
Dedicated instructional leader with eight years of elementary teaching experience, including curriculum and instruction in inclusive settings and behavioral settings. Current School Building and District Leader intern committed to using data to advance curriculum, instruction, and pedagogy in support of student-centered, inquiry-based learning and improved student achievement. Demonstrated success in curriculum alignment, data-driven decision making, and collaborative leadership. Proven ability to support teachers, analyze student performance, and implement standards-aligned curriculum that fosters academic excellence, equity, and continuous improvement. Committed to supporting your District’s mission of preparing students to be productive members of society through high-quality instruction, access to appropriate technology, collaborative leadership, innovative practices, and strong partnerships with families and the community.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
District Leader Intern- Curriculum & Instruction
Falconer Central Schools
03.2026 - Current
- Partnered with district leadership to support science vertical cohesion (Grades 3–8) to align elementary through middle school inquiry and phenomenon-based science instruction
- Lead development and refinement of social studies curriculum maps and inquiry-based instructional strategies for 3-5
- Collaborate with district leadership to develop, organize, and schedule Flex Camp 2026 activities to provide district-wide professional learning on The Science of Reading and Putting Data to Action: Tier 2 Group Instruction
- Design interdisciplinary alignment between Science of Reading, Amplify Science Curriculum, and iReady Reading curricula for grades 3–5
- Analyze iReady diagnostic and progress monitoring data to drive data-driven decision making. Such as, identify tiered bands of students, plan Tier 2 interventions, and coordinate cross-grade support for ELA and math
- Work alongside intervention teams to design data-informed small-group instruction while addressing classroom management and pacing
- Support sustainability of PAX behavior initiatives, reinforcing a positive school culture
- Coordinate district-wide administrative tasks including ParentSquare forms, Curriculum & Instruction Cabinet meetings, Professional Development Plan revisions, New Teacher Orientation, and Superintendent’s Day professional learning
Building Leader Intern, Curriculum & Instruction
Fenner Elementary
03.2026 - Current
- Partner with building administration to support instructional leadership and curriculum development initiatives
- Lead curriculum mapping, pacing guides, and implementation of social studies standards-aligned lessons
- Coordinating a Family Math Night at Fenner Elementary for students and their families to promote family involvement in student learning experiences
- Collaborate in professional learning communities to support teacher collaboration and continuous improvement
- Analyze building-level assessment data to inform instructional planning and targeted interventions
- Support school-wide initiatives to promote positive school culture, student achievement, and family/community engagement
5th grade, General Education, All subjects
H C Fenner Elementary School
07.2021 - Current
- Initiate and maintain positive, healthy relationships with families of the Falconer District
- Continually seek community resources and support for students and their families
- Foster a nurturing learning environment for all students
- Administer the PAX Good Behavior Game classroom management system to promote student self-regulation and student agency through ownership of behaviors
- Promote a student-centered, inquiry-based, learning environment
- Work closely with grade level teachers, social workers, support staff and administrators to promote inclusion and meet students’ emotional and educational needs
- Develop and implement intervention groups for all learners, based on academic levels, in order to provide challenging, effective instruction in ELA, math and science
- Utilize student data to inform planning, instruction, assessment and intervention
- Experience in administering NYS ELA, math, and science exams, including required NYS science investigations
- Deliver consistent interventions for students that need support academically, socially, and/or emotionally
- Create, share, and use student behavior pathway plans to follow for best practices
- Continually use empirical research to make data informed decisions for instruction and inclusion
Special Education Teacher, 8:1:1 Special Class- Grades 2-4
Samuel G. Love Elementary School
02.2019 - 06.2021
- Promoted a relationship-driven classroom environment for students with emotional disabilities and behavioral needs
- Regularly updated progress of students’ IEP goals and behavioral goals
- Differentiated grade-level instruction for students grades two through four
- Provided culturally responsive teaching to all students
- Maintained daily, meaningful communication with parents and guardians of students
- Sought appropriate community resources for families in need
- Created individualized behavioral intervention plans for each student present in my classroom environment
- Determined functions of students’ behaviors and plan detailed, positive reinforcement plans and interventions
- Taught social skills and modeled appropriate behaviors to students with emotional and behavioral needs
- Designed appropriate student assessments based on student levels of performance, strengths, and learning needs
- Promoted choice and preferential seating in classroom learning environment
- Created appropriate, annual, academic and behavioral goals for students
- Analyzed data weekly for each individual student present in the learning environment to better inform instruction
- Utilized empirical studies to research effective learning strategies and interventions to best meet students’ needs
Prevention Educator
Prevention Works
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Implemented prevention programs to various schools within Chautauqua County grades K-12
- Taught life skills to equip students with appropriate strategies to avoid abusing substances and risky behaviors
- Promoted positive, healthy coping mechanisms to increase academic success in all students in Chautauqua County
- Cooperated with many organizations in Chautauqua County such as public schools, Mental Health Association, YMCA, Salvation Army and Chautauqua County Mental Hygiene to provide services to communities
- Modified and adapt prevention programs to meet the needs of special education students
Education
Master of Science in Education - Curriculum & Instruction in Inclusive Education
State University of New York at Fredonia
Fredonia, NY05-2020
Bachelor of Science - Childhood Inclusive Education; Concentration- Social Studies
State University of New York at Fredonia
Fredonia, NY12-2017
Associate of Science - Childhood Education; Concentration- Social Studies
State University of New York, Jamestown Community College
Jamestown, NY05-2015
Skills
Curriculum and standards alignment
Data-driven decision making
Inquiry-based Instruction
MTSS framework development
Culturally responsive pedagogy
Continuous improvement
Community engagement
Risk management
AI tools for teaching and learning
Student behavior support
Affiliations
Love Elementary School
PBIS Tier 2 Student Supports
Worked with colleagues on the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) Tier 2 Committee to advocate for students who need individualized behavior interventions
Helped share ideas and give input to aid students and families in transitioning from a general education classroom to a self-contained learning environment
Collaborated with colleagues on the CST (Child Study Team) Committee to provide families and teachers with a variety of learning related services and resources
Certification
New York State School District Leader (SDL), Anticipated Spring 2027
SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS
Professionalism Award-SUNY Fredonia- Fall 2019
For outstanding commitment to professional values associated with excellence in the classroom, Delta Kappa Gamma, SUNY Fredonia- November 2015
For outstanding dedication and work towards becoming a future educator at SUNY Fredonia
Timeline
District Leader Intern- Curriculum & Instruction
Falconer Central Schools
03.2026 - Current
Building Leader Intern, Curriculum & Instruction
Fenner Elementary
03.2026 - Current
5th grade, General Education, All subjects
H C Fenner Elementary School
07.2021 - Current
Special Education Teacher, 8:1:1 Special Class- Grades 2-4
Samuel G. Love Elementary School
02.2019 - 06.2021
Prevention Educator
Prevention Works
01.2018 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Science - Childhood Inclusive Education; Concentration- Social Studies
State University of New York at Fredonia
Associate of Science - Childhood Education; Concentration- Social Studies
State University of New York, Jamestown Community College
Master of Science in Education - Curriculum & Instruction in Inclusive Education
State University of New York at Fredonia