Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Maria Prendergast

Brick,New Jersey

Summary

Professional educator of 26 years with strong background in literacy improvement and instructional strategies. Skilled in utilizing best practices that support the Science of Reading and data analysis to enhance student outcomes and instructional practices. Adept at fostering strong relationships with parents and colleagues, driving continuous improvement in literacy education. Enthusiastic and passionate about educating others about the Science of Reading research.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Reading Interventionist/Literacy Coach

Brielle Elementary School
09.2021 - Current
  • Orchestrated the use of the mCLASS DIBELS 8 Universal Screener in the district.
  • Conducted professional development trainings on effective literacy practices for colleagues, such as the Science of Reading, Sound Walls, Fundations Overview and Proper Implementation, and the administration of the mCLASS DIBELS 8 Universal Screener, enhancing overall instructional quality.
  • Provided ongoing professional development opportunities for teachers via ELA Intervention Google Classroom that are related to best practices in reading.
  • Supported the development of phonemic awareness and decoding skills through targeted activities, promoting fluent reading in struggling learners.
  • Conducted one-on-one and small group sessions to provide targeted support, fostering a positive learning environment and boosting confidence in reading abilities.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with literacy research and best practices, ensuring continued growth as an educator.
  • Built strong relationships with parents, establishing open communication lines and sharing resources to reinforce at-home practice of learned skills.
  • Collaborated with school leadership to develop and implement comprehensive reading intervention programs, continuously refining the curriculum for maximum effectiveness.
  • Monitored and assessed student progress through data-driven analysis, adjusting instruction as necessary for optimal results.
  • Served as a mentor to new educators, sharing expertise in curriculum planning and classroom management techniques.

1st, 2nd, and 4th Grade Teacher

Brielle Elementary School
09.2003 - 08.2021
  • Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring all students made progress towards academic goals.
  • Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of need for individual students and adjust teaching methods accordingly.
  • Assessed student progress regularly using formative assessments and modified instruction accordingly for optimal growth.
  • Established strong relationships with parents through effective communication about their child''s academic progress and social-emotional development.
  • Implemented positive behavior support strategies, promoting a respectful and inclusive classroom culture.
  • Enhanced classroom management techniques, resulting in a more focused and productive learning environment.

2nd Grade Teacher and 5th Grade Inclusion Teacher

Cecil County Public Schools
09.1998 - 08.2003
  • Created a welcoming classroom atmosphere by establishing clear expectations and routines, promoting a sense of belonging among students.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects, fostering critical thinking skills and interdisciplinary learning.
  • Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
  • Differentiated instruction to meet the unique learning needs of each student, ensuring all students were able to access the curriculum successfully.
  • Managed classroom effectively using positive discipline techniques and behavior management plans tailored to individual student needs.
  • Encouraged peer collaboration through cooperative group activities that fostered teamwork skills while enhancing overall comprehension of subject matter.

Education

Master of Science - Curriculum And Instruction

McDaniel College
Westminster, MD
09-2001

Bachelor of Science - Elementary And Special Education

University of Delaware
Newark, DE
05-1998

Skills

  • mCLASS DIBELS 8 Universal Screener
  • Progress monitoring
  • Core Phonics Survey Diagnostic
  • Read Naturally Live
  • Wilson Reading System
  • Wilson Fundations
  • The Science of Reading
  • Research-based practices
  • Dyslexia support
  • Structured literacy
  • Google
  • Linkit

Certification

Wilson Language Level 1 Certification

Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner

Level 1 Fundations Facilitator

Additional Information

Reading Science Academy Member since 2021

Completion of The Reading Teacher's Top Ten Tools Course - August 2021

MTSS: The Framework for Implementing the Science of Reading Course - June 2024


Timeline

Reading Interventionist/Literacy Coach

Brielle Elementary School
09.2021 - Current

1st, 2nd, and 4th Grade Teacher

Brielle Elementary School
09.2003 - 08.2021

2nd Grade Teacher and 5th Grade Inclusion Teacher

Cecil County Public Schools
09.1998 - 08.2003

Master of Science - Curriculum And Instruction

McDaniel College

Bachelor of Science - Elementary And Special Education

University of Delaware

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