Lissette Fernandez
New York,NY
Summary
Dedicated educator with over eight years of experience working with children, including six years as a special education paraprofessional in District 75 schools, committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment. Skilled in supporting diverse learners and adapting instruction to meet individual needs, with a strong focus on building meaningful relationships that help students feel safe, respected, and motivated to learn. Passionate about fostering both academic growth and essential life skills such as problem solving, collaboration, and perseverance. As a Dominican educator, values cultural representation and strives to create a classroom where students feel proud of their identities, confident in their abilities, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Student Teacher
City College of New York
New York, NY
01.2026 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards to enhance student learning experiences.
- Implemented diverse instructional strategies to accommodate various learning styles and improve student comprehension.
- Collaborated with faculty to assess student progress and adjust teaching methods for optimal educational outcomes.
- Led classroom discussions, fostering critical thinking and encouraging student participation in an inclusive environment.
- Facilitated dual language instruction to enhance bilingual proficiency among students.
Paraprofessional
Department of education
10.2021 - Current
- Guiding and assisting students in small group instruction settings with class routines and in transitioning from one activity to the next. Reinforcing behavior through the use of positive behavior support. Teaching daily living skills such as independent feeding, dressing, toileting. Aiding occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists and adaptive physical education providers during instruction. Teaching students, under the direction of a teacher, in Recreation, Motor, Vocational, Socialization and Communication. Lifting, feeding, toileting and diapering after receiving appropriate training. Collecting data documenting student behavior for instructional purposes. Writing anecdotal reports concerning student behavior. Providing language assistance for bilingual students.
Success Mentor
Graham Windham
09.2019 - 12.2021
- Exercise a customer service approach to welcome families into the school and share information about school services and programs. Use a strengths based approach to create SMART attendance plans, agreed upon with students and families. Scheduling and conducting meetings with students and families to discuss student progress with attendance and its impact on academics. Engage families in school support services and events including volunteer opportunities, after school/weekend programming, wellness supports, etc. Attending and representing students and families in Student Support, Community Engagement and other school meetings; updating school on family needs and progress. Collaborated with onsite Graham units- Wellness, Operations and Community Outreach & Programming regarding family referrals, family interests and family status; refer families to Grahams off site programs and services. Supporting parents with completing documents for program or other in school/community referrals.
Team Leader
Graham Windham Summer Camp
06.2021 - 08.2021
- Assist the Instructor in leading lesson plans in a variety of areas including sports/recreation, arts, dance and STEM. Leading activities and assisting with homework. Created a safe, bully-free environment for all participants. Maintain accurate student attendance reports. Completing other administrative tasks as required. Attend mandatory staff meetings and professional development training. Ensuring that the learning environment is clean, safe and materials are prepared. Using positive classroom management techniques.
Group Leader
Graham Windham Afterschool
09.2019 - 06.2021
- Leading activities such as academic enrichment, small group tutoring, art projects, interactive literacy, math and stem activities. Keeping a safe learning environment for participants. Maintaining accurate student attendance reports and portfolio evaluations. Attending staff meetings, staff development activities, training and evaluations. Leading and supervising your group of students whilst on summer camp trips. Participate in Graham Windham’s organizational activities and events.
Graham Windham-CIT
06.2019 - 08.2019
- Assisting group leaders and teachers with the care of children and activities planned out for the children. Making sure kids are well physically. Providing peer mediation between kids if needed. Taking kids to the bathroom and water breaks when needed. Making sure every single child is with the class at all times, being accounted for every child.
Education
High School -
Urban Assembly For Media Studies
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Eugenio María De Hostos Community College
New York, NY01-2022
Bachelor of Science - Education
The City College Of New York
05-2026
Skills
- Great communication skills
- Skilled in flexible routine management
- Classroom management
- Student engagement
- Lesson planning
- Differentiated instruction
- Team player and always ready to solve problems that present themselves with my team
- Organization skills
- Inclusive educator
- Multiple certifications in education, health and safety
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Student Teacher
City College of New York
01.2026 - Current
Paraprofessional
Department of education
10.2021 - Current
Team Leader
Graham Windham Summer Camp
06.2021 - 08.2021
Success Mentor
Graham Windham
09.2019 - 12.2021
Group Leader
Graham Windham Afterschool
09.2019 - 06.2021
Graham Windham-CIT
06.2019 - 08.2019
High School -
Urban Assembly For Media Studies
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Eugenio María De Hostos Community College
Bachelor of Science - Education
The City College Of New York