Maria Tzotzis LaSalle
Grapevine,USA
Summary
Forward-thinking, growth-focused, and learning-oriented professional with 15+ years of experience managing special education initiatives, developing school safety plans, and designing NYS curriculum while leading behavior assessments and driving positive outcomes for students with diverse learning needs. Adept at providing training and leadership on curriculum guidelines, facilitating teachers to deliver engaging lectures. Well-versed in ensuring equitable access to quality education with the aim of transforming lives and empowering students to reach their maximum potential.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Professional
New York Life Insurance Company
01.2024 - Current
- Build Relationships by meeting with clients and providing them with insurance-based protection products and retirement solutions
- Identifying needs by providing financial guidance and products to help clients meet their needs
- Meet with clients to discuss their needs and concern
- Review clients’ information to analyze and understand their needs
- Knowledge of Group Insurance Products
- Recommending products and presenting recommendations of products and services to help clients meet their needs
- Provide ongoing services to provide support and services to existing clients
- Prospect for clients
Educational Consultant/Student Advocate
Self
Suffolk, NY
04.2002 - 01.2024
- Instrumental in creating meaningful relationships to ultimately help students reach their full potential
- Identify and implement process improvement opportunities to achieve objectives
- Developed curriculum and learning materials to increase comprehension
- Improve student learning by defining and articulating learning outcomes and analyzing performance metrics and measurements
- Perform data input to document care and services plans, needs assessments and progress notes
Learning Coordinator
New York City Department of Education
11.2011 - 05.2015
- Established professional learning communities, enabling member educational teams to cultivate a shared understanding of curriculum with a focus on enhancing collaboration and driving better academic outcomes
- Identified areas for professional growth to design targeted plans following a progressive learning trajectory, propelling a culture of continuous improvement
- Drove positive tangible outcomes by implementing formative and summative assessment tools to analyze existing curricula, professional learning initiatives, and instructional efficiency
- Refocused teaching techniques to better match student learning habits
- Implemented employee training programs to improve performance and productivity
Dean of Discipline
New York City Department of Education
09.2001 - 05.2015
- Built a safe and conducive environment with minimal behavioral challenges by implementing school-wide disciplinary policies and procedures while utilizing FBAs, BIPs, and Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs)
- Instigated robust school safety plans, including an Active School Shooter Protocol to strengthen campus readiness against potential threats and ensure the well-being of approximately 560 students and 88 staff members
- Led the 15-member Crisis Intervention and 12-member Building Response Team (BRT) while advocating for students' safety and taking immediate actions in emergent situations
- Deployed stringent safety measures in collaboration with NYPD and school safety agents, effectively reducing incidents and promoting a safe atmosphere for students and staff
- Played an instrumental role in designing NYS Curriculum, contributing significant value to educational framework in alignment with state standards and best practices
Special Education Teacher
New York City Department of Education
09.1998 - 06.2001
- Created IEPs and utilized innovative instruction methods to address individual learning needs and cultivate a positive learning experience while teaching a class of 15 students
- Demonstrated strong classroom management skills by setting clear expectations to create a supportive learning environment and encourage active participation
- Maintained a constructive classroom environment while collaborating with parents and relevant personnel to ensure students received essential services, accommodations, and support as per individualistic conditions or disabilities
Education
Post Masters - School Building/District Leader
College of St. Rose
05.2009
Master of Science - Special Education Birth - 21 Years Old
Adelphi University
05.1998
Master of Science - General Education Pre-K – 6
Adelphi University
05.1998
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Adelphi University
05.1995
Skills
- Parent Engagement and Communication
- Problem Resolution
- Supervision & Leadership
- School Security and Safety Procedures
- Policy Implementation
- Instructional Leadership
- Standardized Testing and Scoring
- Discipline Management
- Curriculum Development
- Federal, State and Local Regulations Adherence
Languages
- English, Fluent
- Greek, Fluent
Timeline
Financial Professional
New York Life Insurance Company
01.2024 - Current
Learning Coordinator
New York City Department of Education
11.2011 - 05.2015
Educational Consultant/Student Advocate
Self
04.2002 - 01.2024
Dean of Discipline
New York City Department of Education
09.2001 - 05.2015
Special Education Teacher
New York City Department of Education
09.1998 - 06.2001
Post Masters - School Building/District Leader
College of St. Rose
Master of Science - Special Education Birth - 21 Years Old
Adelphi University
Master of Science - General Education Pre-K – 6
Adelphi University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Adelphi University