Loraine Petrillo

As an Independent Instructional Associate Contractor for a graduate counseling program, I work closely with faculty to support the successful delivery of online graduate courses. My responsibilities include grading assignments, facilitating and monitoring discussion boards, posting course announcements, and responding to students' questions and course-related concerns. I also assist with the day-to-day management of the course, providing timely feedback and guidance to students while helping to ensure a positive, engaging, and supportive learning environment that promotes student success.

As an Independent ESL Teacher Contractor, I worked with students of diverse ages, cultures, and backgrounds to strengthen their English reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through an online learning platform. My goal was to create a supportive and engaging learning environment that built students' confidence while helping them develop effective communication skills.

Designed and delivered instruction addressing all aspects of language development, employing diverse teaching strategies tailored to individual learning needs, while assessing progress and adjusting methods to ensure achievement of learning goals.

Built positive relationships with students and promoted active participation by providing meaningful feedback and individualized support through engaging lessons, enhancing both language development and academic success.

As an Independent Contractor – Virtual School Counselor, Delivered counseling services to students based on their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). I worked collaboratively with students, families, teachers, and school staff to support each student's academic, social, and emotional well-being while ensuring that counseling services were delivered in a virtual setting. My focus was on building positive relationships, helping students develop effective coping and self-advocacy skills, and providing the support they needed to be successful both academically and personally.

Oversaw educational services for students with identified special needs, supervised Learning Specialists, and collaborated with teachers to develop instructional strategies, modifications, and accommodations that enabled all students to reach their full potential. I also planned and delivered professional development for faculty on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Understanding by Design (UbD).

Managed an international student exchange program with students from Mexico, creating valuable cultural and educational opportunities for participants. One of my proudest accomplishments was securing a $10,000 grant from the Dennis Schuman Charitable Foundation/Wells Fargo, which funded the creation of a Learning Center that continues to benefit the Golda Och educational community.

Led strategic initiatives to enhance educational programs and community engagement.

Developed and implemented curriculum improvements based on student performance data.

Directed faculty professional development sessions, fostering instructional excellence and collaboration.

As Director of Student Personnel Services, I provided leadership and oversight for the district's student support programs, ensuring that all services were delivered in compliance with federal and state regulations, administrative code, and Board policies. My goal was to ensure that every student received the support and educational opportunities needed to be successful.

I led the district's counseling department, Child Study Team, health services, Student Assistance Program, special education staff, gifted and talented program, and Section 504 services. I partnered with administrators, teachers, and families to deliver accommodations and services for students in compliance with legal requirements.

I collaborated with principals and district administrators in recruiting, supervising, and evaluating certified and non-certified student services staff. I also provided professional development in special education procedures, technology, and best practices, helping staff remain current with state and federal regulations while improving instructional practices for students with diverse learning needs.

Working alongside Child Study Teams and Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) teams, I helped develop, implement, and evaluate intervention strategies that supported student achievement. I oversaw student records, district reporting, and data management, including NJ SMART submissions, state and federal reports, Civil Rights reporting, ASSA, School Performance Reports, and other compliance requirements.

In addition to overseeing student services, I served as the District Test Coordinator for all state and national assessments, including PSAT, AP, PARCC, HSPA, NJ ASK, NJBCT, and AHSA. I collaborated with district staff to develop the middle and high school master schedules and managed the department budget to ensure resources were used effectively.

Coordinated home instruction services for homebound and hospitalized students, developed transition programs for students advancing through educational stages, and organized parent workshops, college fairs, student orientation programs, and career planning initiatives to support families in navigating each phase of the educational journey.

Oversaw academic processes as chair of the Academic Review Committee, including report cards, transcripts, graduation credits, athletic eligibility, summer school, and makeup exams, while coordinating Option II program, Senior Project, Senior Work Release Program, awards and scholarship programs, and implementing classroom career planning lessons through Naviance.

Managed Perkins Grant, maintained articulation agreements with colleges and universities, and collaborated with staff, students, families, and community partners to enhance educational opportunities, focusing on building systems that promoted student success and ensured equitable access to services and resources.

As Director of Student Personnel Services and Special Education, I provided leadership and oversight for the district's special education, school counseling, health services, and public relations departments. My focus was on ensuring that all students received the support and services they needed while maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations.

I supervised the Child Study Team and special education teachers, participated in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and reviewed each IEP to ensure services were implemented with fidelity by both special education and general education staff. As the district's Section 504 Coordinator and Homeless Liaison, I worked collaboratively with students, families, and staff to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities and support services.

Prepared and submitted state and federal reports, including NJ SMART, Civil Rights Data Collection, and ASSA; developed and managed departmental budgets; established policies and procedures for alternative learning contracts; oversaw Option II and Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) programs to ensure compliance and effective service delivery.

Coordinated district's testing program, ensuring successful administration of New Jersey Department of Education required assessments; collaborated with school administrators to develop master schedules, teacher schedules, and student schedules that maximized instructional opportunities and supported student success.

I created a comprehensive school counseling curriculum and led teacher evaluations using the Danielson Framework. I conducted classroom observations, met with teachers to discuss evaluations, prepared written feedback, and developed Corrective Action Plans to assist teachers in the improvement process.

Student and family engagement was an important part of my role. I organized and presented parent information programs throughout the school year, recruited prospective students, oversaw the admissions process, coordinated placement testing, and facilitated the transition of students from Morris County middle schools into the district.

Chaired Middle States accreditation committees, collaborated with staff on school improvement initiatives, and led crisis response, suicide prevention, and academic intervention planning efforts, fostering collaboration and creating supportive environments for students, staff, and families.

In July 2002, I was selected to serve on a five-member administrative team responsible for opening Pocono Mountain West High School, a new 360,000-square-foot facility serving approximately 2,000 students with a staff of more than 200. As one of the founding administrators, I helped establish the school's culture, procedures, and programs while managing a building budget of approximately $400,000. Building a strong professional learning community from the ground up was both a rewarding and exciting experience.

Developed and led professional development sessions for teachers focusing on lesson planning, differentiated instruction, assessment techniques, positive discipline strategies, budgeting skills, and effective parent-teacher conference practices. I also chaired the committee responsible for developing the school's three-year improvement plan based on PSSA assessment data and collaborated with department leaders in developing the annual building budget.

Working closely with the principal, I assisted in developing the master schedule and coordinated building and facility use for both school and community organizations. I partnered with the Chief of Security to address school safety and security concerns and worked to create a safe, welcoming learning environment for students and staff.

Designed and implemented truancy reduction program for tenth-grade students and developed tutoring partnership where senior students mentored elementary students weekly. Coordinated adult education courses with Northampton Community College, strengthening school's connection with surrounding community.

Recognizing that opening a new high school brought unique challenges, I created comprehensive transition programs for students, parents, and staff as they moved from their former schools to Pocono Mountain West High School. These orientation programs, tours, and support activities helped establish a positive school culture and eased what was an especially difficult transition for the inaugural senior class.

Created the school's initial website and organized several key events, such as awards ceremonies, Senior Honors Night, prom, and graduation. These events celebrated student achievement while creating meaningful traditions that helped define the identity of a brand-new high school. Throughout this experience, I remained committed to fostering collaboration, building relationships, and creating opportunities that supported both student achievement and school pride.

Some key accomplishments as a high school assistant principal:

· Developed and implemented the Professionals Extending Possibilities (P.E.P.) program, integrating the Instructional Support process and Student Assistance Program to provide targeted interventions for at-risk students.

· Designed and implemented a Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) preparatory curriculum for at-risk students, providing targeted academic support to improve assessment readiness.

· Developed and implemented a Positive Behavior Reward Program that encouraged positive student conduct and fostered a supportive school climate.

· Designed and launched comprehensive Career Day program, connecting students with professionals across various fields to enhance college and career readiness.

· Developed and implemented Positive Behavior Reward Program, enhancing student conduct and fostering supportive school climate.

· Designed and launched a comprehensive Career Day program, connecting students with professionals from a variety of career fields to support college and career readiness.

· Led the school's Middle States Accreditation evaluation process, coordinating committee activities, documentation, and institutional self-study efforts.

· Addressed student disciplinary issues by enforcing school policies, facilitating meetings with students and families, and promoting positive behavioral outcomes. by conducting thorough investigations, documenting findings, applying District policies consistently, and collaborating with students, families, and staff to promote accountability and positive behavioral outcomes.

As an Elementary School Counselor, my responsibilities included:

· Supported students' academic, social, emotional, and personal growth by providing comprehensive school counseling services.

· Provided individual and small-group counseling to help students overcome academic, behavioral, social, and emotional challenges.

· Worked closely with teachers, administrators, parents, and community agencies to develop strategies that supported student success.

· Identified students who needed additional support and connected them with appropriate interventions, resources, and community services.

· Helped develop and implement behavior intervention plans and positive behavior support strategies.

· Developed and implemented behavior intervention plans and positive behavior support strategies that addressed individual student needs and improved classroom behavior.

· Actively contributed to RTI/MTSS, IEP, Section 504, and Student Assistance teams to provide essential services for students.

· Communicated regularly with families about student progress, attendance, behavioral concerns, and available support services to foster collaboration and support.

· Reviewed student assessment data to identify needs, monitor progress, and guide intervention planning.

· Promoted safe, positive, and inclusive school environment through prevention programs, student recognition activities, and school-wide initiatives that enhanced student engagement.

· Helped students develop academic goals, organizational and study skills, self-management strategies, and an early awareness of career opportunities.

· Advocated for all students by promoting equitable access to educational opportunities and support services that helped every child reach their potential.

As Mainstream Coordinator, I collaborated with special education and general education teachers to ensure students with disabilities received the accommodations and support necessary to be successful in inclusive classrooms. I monitored student progress, participated in Child Study Team meetings, and helped implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) while advocating for each student's unique needs.

As a Special Education and General Education Guidance Counselor, I worked closely with students, parents, teachers, and administrators to help each student achieve academic, social, and personal success. Building positive relationships and creating a supportive learning environment were at the heart of everything I did.

Collaborated with special education and general education teachers to ensure students with disabilities received necessary accommodations and support in inclusive classrooms; monitored student progress, participated in Child Study Team meetings, and implemented Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) while advocating for each student's unique needs.

Developed and coordinated transition activities to facilitate successful moves between school levels; worked with students, families, teachers, counselors, and administrators to ensure smooth transitions through coordination of records, academic planning, orientation programs, and support services.

Committed to collaboration by counseling students, consulting with teachers, partnering with parents, and coordinating with community agencies; focused on providing essential resources and support for every student to reach full potential and achieve success in and out of the classroom.

I planned and taught courses in keyboarding, accounting, and introductory computer applications, using practical, hands-on activities that connected classroom learning to real-world experiences. My lessons emphasized critical thinking, organization, communication, and problem-solving skills that students could use both in school and in the workplace.

In addition to teaching, I assisted students in exploring career opportunities and developing workplace readiness skills, including résumé writing, interviewing, and professional communication. I also participated in curriculum development, served on school committees, and collaborated with fellow educators to create a learning environment that prepared students for success beyond the classroom.

Monitored student progress, maintained accurate records, and collaborated with parents and colleagues to enhance student achievement. I believed that every student could be successful when provided with encouragement, clear expectations, and meaningful opportunities to learn.

Assisted students in exploring career opportunities and developing workplace readiness skills, including résumé writing, interviewing, and professional communication, to better prepare them for post-graduation success. I also participated in curriculum development, served on school committees, and collaborated with fellow educators to create a learning environment that prepared students for success beyond the classroom.