Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Teacher
MARIA LADISA

MARIA LADISA

Bethpage,New York

Summary

Experienced and dedicated early childhood education professional with a strong background in administration, staff management, and curriculum development. With over 30 years of hands-on experience in educational settings, I am committed to fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment for young children. Adept at leading teams, maintaining compliance with educational standards, and implementing innovative programs to support both academic and social-emotional growth. Exceptional organizational and communication skills, with a proven track record of collaborating with staff, parents, and community members to ensure a high-quality preschool experience. Passionate about cultivating an inclusive, supportive space where every child can thrive.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Director

St. Leo Catholic Academy
Corona, NY
09.2021 - Current
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
  • Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
  • Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
  • Registered a total of 84 new incoming 3K & Preschool Students
  • Managed approximately 25-30 incoming calls and emails per day

Lead Pre-Kindergarten For All Teacher

St Leo Catholic Academy
Corona, NY
09.2016 - 08.2022
  • Used classroom observations to create written assessments of student performance.
  • Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
  • Increased student satisfaction by frequently communicating with students about needs and adapting lessons to interests and classroom progress.
  • Promoted sensory development by providing access to different textures.
  • Applied play-based strategies, including crafts and games, to provide diverse approaches to learning.
  • Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
  • Worked with interdisciplinary team members to evaluate children's progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
  • Supervised students and enforced discipline during all Head Start activities.
  • Used Work Sampling to document behavioral, emotional, academic and social growth of over 20 students.
  • Identified signs of emotional and developmental problems in children and reported to parents.
  • Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
  • Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
  • Fostered reasoning and problem solving through active exploration games and activities.
  • Promoted physical, academic and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities.
  • Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers and letters.
  • Enhanced 4-year-old students understanding of rules, safety and behavioral guidelines and disciplinary protocols by redesigning and simplifying them..
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.

1st Grade Teacher

St. Leo Catholic Academy
Corona, NY
09.2007 - 08.2016
  • Prepare lesson plans covering eight different subject matters resulting in students achieving above average passing grades.
  • Met and have been recognized for teaching communication with parents.
  • Initiating and implementing a new reading series affecting 60 students resulting in 80% significantly improving reading abilities.
  • Conducting accelerated reading program for 25 pupils in successfully demonstrating reading comprehension, vocabulary and reading speed.


Education

Masters Degree - Special Education

ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY
Jamaica, New York
2000

Bachelor Degree - Elementary Education

QUEENS COLLEGE
Flushing, New York
1995

Skills

  • Self-motivated: Initiative and high level of energy
  • Tolerant and flexible with different situations
  • Verbal communication skills, decision making, critical thinking, organized and planning (children and parent oriented)
  • Able to inspire, comfort, build self-esteem
  • Classroom Management
  • Lesson Plan Creation
  • Friendly, Positive Attitude
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Customer Service

Timeline

Director

St. Leo Catholic Academy
09.2021 - Current

Lead Pre-Kindergarten For All Teacher

St Leo Catholic Academy
09.2016 - 08.2022

1st Grade Teacher

St. Leo Catholic Academy
09.2007 - 08.2016

Masters Degree - Special Education

ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY

Bachelor Degree - Elementary Education

QUEENS COLLEGE
MARIA LADISA