Lorena Dakaj
Cortlandt Manor
Summary
Dynamic educator with experience at Sleepy Hollow High School, skilled in differentiated instruction and classroom management. Proven ability to enhance student engagement and achievement through effective communication and culturally responsive practices. Bilingual in Albanian, fostering relationships with diverse learners and families to support academic success.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Leave Replacement / Teaching Assistant
Sleepy Hollow High School
10.2025 - Current
- Taught Global History and Geography I Honors course
- Designed and delivered standards-aligned instruction for Global History and Geography I (Honors), incorporating inquiry-based learning and primary source analysis to deepen critical thinking.
- Prepared students for Global History and Geography II Regents Exam using targeted instruction, Regents-aligned assessments, and data-driven reteaching strategies to enhance student success.
- Conducted Global History and Geography II Regents classes
- Co-taught Global History and Geography I in an ENL setting
- Differentiated instruction using scaffolding, modeling, and flexible grouping to meet the needs of diverse learners, including ENL and students with IEPs/504 plans.
- Integrated disciplinary literacy practices, including argumentative writing, document-based questions (DBQs), and academic vocabulary development.
- Used formative and summative assessment data to monitor student progress, adjust instruction, and improve student achievement outcomes.
- Fostered culturally responsive, student-centered classroom environment that promoted engagement, collaboration, and respectful discourse among diverse learners.
- Collaborated with co-teachers and colleagues to plan instruction and analyze student data, implementing effective instructional practices that improved student outcomes.
Teaching Assistant/Building Substitute
Woodlands Middle/High School
04.2024 - 10.2025
- Assisted with lesson planning and daily teaching responsibilities to support classroom instruction and enhance learning outcomes.
- Encouraged active participation in lessons and discussions to promote student engagement and foster a collaborative classroom environment.
- Managed classroom behavior using positive redirection strategies to maintain a productive learning environment.
- Guided students in completing assignments and reinforced lesson objectives during classroom coverage to maintain continuity in learning.
- Collaborated with a team of four teachers across multiple classrooms to develop and prepare instructional materials.
- Proctored International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), and New York State examinations in accordance with testing protocols.
- Translated communications in Albanian for students and families.
Teaching Assistant
Greenburgh Central School District Summer School
07.2024 - 01.2025
- Taught Kindergarten students foundational literacy skills, including phonics, reading, and early writing.
- Integrated classroom technology to enhance instruction and foster student engagement.
- Delivered care and support for students with special needs, ensuring their comfort and well-being.
- Supervised students to ensure a safe, structured, and supportive classroom environment.
- Facilitated social, emotional, and academic growth through tailored individualized and small-group instruction.
Afterschool Teacher
Westchester Child Development Center
09.2024 - 12.2024
- Designed and implemented differentiated curriculum supporting advanced academic students, enhancing their learning experience.
- Promoted active student engagement through interactive, student-centered strategies, fostering a collaborative classroom atmosphere.
- Instructed students in Writing and Debate for grades K-5, fostering communication and critical thinking skills.
- Managed classroom behavior using effective redirection techniques, ensuring a positive and conducive learning environment.
- Collaborated with fellow educators to develop lesson plans and contribute to curriculum design.
- Communicated regularly with parents to provide updates on student progress and academic development.
Teacher's Aide
Pleasantville High School
08.2023 - 04.2024
- Delivered individualized, one-on-one instruction to students with diverse behavioral and emotional needs, enhancing their learning experiences.
- Assisted in lesson planning and daily teaching responsibilities, contributing to effective classroom instruction and student understanding.
- Fostered student engagement through encouragement and the use of supportive instructional strategies.
- Ensured a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment, promoting student well-being and engagement.
- Collected and documented daily data on student performance and behavior to monitor progress and inform instruction.
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team, including teacher aides, special education teachers, psychologists, and speech therapists.
- Implemented and supported IEP and 504 plan goals, ensuring compliance and ongoing communication with parents and administration.
Education
Master of Science - LITERACY SPECIALIST BIRTH - GR. 12
CUNY LEHMAN COLLEGE
Bronx, NY12-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Social Studies Education, CONCENTRATION: HISTORY
MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE
Harrison, NY05-2023
Skills
- Classroom management
- Differentiated instruction
- Literacy instruction
- Effective communication
- Culturally responsive teaching
- Fluent bilingualism: Albanian
- Intercultural sensitivity
- Relationship building
Certification
- New York State Initial Certificate, Social Studies Teacher Gr 5-12, 03/24
- New York State Teaching Assistant, 02/24
Professional Development
- Building a New Brain City: Making Dyslexia Accessible & Actionable, 03/26
- Big Words: Decoding, Encoding & Making Meaning, 11/25
- Unlocking the Science of Reading, 03/25
Timeline
Leave Replacement / Teaching Assistant
Sleepy Hollow High School
10.2025 - Current
Afterschool Teacher
Westchester Child Development Center
09.2024 - 12.2024
Teaching Assistant
Greenburgh Central School District Summer School
07.2024 - 01.2025
Teaching Assistant/Building Substitute
Woodlands Middle/High School
04.2024 - 10.2025
Teacher's Aide
Pleasantville High School
08.2023 - 04.2024
Master of Science - LITERACY SPECIALIST BIRTH - GR. 12
CUNY LEHMAN COLLEGE
Bachelor of Arts - Social Studies Education, CONCENTRATION: HISTORY
MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE