Organized academic professional offers history of positive student learning outcomes fostered through creative curriculum delivery. Skilled in sparking thought-provoking discussions to increase student participation and boost information retention. Brings several years of teaching experience and strong sense of academic integrity.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
K–1 Learning Support Special Education Teacher
West Chester Area School District
West Chester , PA
08.2022 - Current
Provide individualized and small-group instruction to K–1 students with IEPs in reading, writing, and math.
Collaborate with general education teachers to implement accommodations, specially designed instruction (SDIs), and behavior support plans.
Write comprehensive and data-driven Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) tailored to students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
Review Evaluation and Re-evaluation Reports to determine student eligibility and develop appropriate programming and goals.
Facilitate IEP meetings, monitor student progress toward goals, and update documentation in compliance with district and state regulations.
Maintain proactive, ongoing communication with families to build strong partnerships and support student growth.
Provide parent education regarding instructional strategies, the special education process, and student learning needs.
Participate in MTSS and data team meetings to analyze student data and guide early intervention strategies.
Support student regulation and peer interaction through implementation of social-emotional learning (SEL) programs and individualized behavior supports.
Fifth Grade General Education Teacher
West Chester Area School District
West Chester, PA
08.2022 - 06.2023
Implement a holistic instruction and assessment system based upon state academic standards and the WCASD 5th grade curriculum.
Use instructional technology to enhance student learning, as well as for informative and summative assessments.
Use various materials and literature to ensure equity among all students.
Use effective interpersonal skills with teachers, administrators, parents, students, and support staff.
Work with 5th grade team during PLCs to analyze data, problem solve, and ensure equity among students.
Create and execute various community service projects for all 4 sections of the 5th grade class.
Started Wellness Wednesdays for all 5th grade students to enhance SEL learning and demonstrate the importance of mental and physical health.
Differentiate Instruction for all students, including enrichment for high achievers and remediation for learning differences.
Special Education Student Teacher Supervisor/Adjunct Professor
West Chester University
01.2014 - 08.2018
Taught 200-400 Level Courses
Served as a liaison and resource person for the supervising teacher, the student teacher candidate and WCU.
Confer and cooperate with the student teacher candidate and supervising teacher in evaluating student’s progress.
Taught student teaching candidates how to write RR, IEP, goals, objectives, SDIs and how to run meetings.
Developed and managed syllabus materials including class materials and choosing textbooks.
Organized and coordinated with local administrators and principals for student field work.
Facilitated class instruction including a blended format of in class seminar and online.
Advised students on career paths.
Independent Contractor for Early Intervention-Special Instructor
10.2012 - 03.2017
Created and implemented IFSPs.
Continuously evaluated (formally and informally) children during therapy sessions to determine next steps to promote individual progress.
Educated families on skills/activities that promoted learning and development of their child.
First and Second Grade General Education Teacher
Springfield School District
01.2000 - 06.2009
Implemented First (Sept. 2000-2006) and Second Grade (Sept. 2006-2009) curriculum in an all-inclusive classroom
Created and implemented lesson plans for all areas of the curriculum including a Responsive Classroom Approach for classroom management, Everyday Math, Fundations, SEPARS Science units, Social Studies Alive, and Zaner-Blouser Handwriting.
Administered formal and informal assessments (PSSA, PASA, MAPS, OLSAT)
Member of Curriculum Council
Collaborated with council members to create district policies.
Co-Wrote Literacy, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science First Grade Curriculum.
Piloted and Implemented district-wide initiatives, new curriculums, and programs.
Presented and participated in Teacher In-Service and PLCs
Cooperating Teacher for Practicum Students and Student Teachers from various Universities and Colleges
Education
Reading Specialist Certification -
Point Park University
Pittsburgh, PA
Master of Education - Special Education
Cabrini University
Radnor, PA
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Shippensburg University
Shippensburg, PA
Non-Degree -
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Non-Degree -
University of La Verne
La Verne, CA
Skills
IEP development
Data analysis
Behavior management
Family engagement
Special education law
Curriculum development
Differentiated instruction
Social-emotional learning
Assessment strategies
Team building
Effective communication
Community resource referrals
Crisis prevention and intervention
Affiliations
Member of Professional Associations such as NASET, ASCD, PASCD, ILA
Tutor school age children in literacy and math (9/2000-present)
Community Outreach/Holiday Giving Campaigns within WCASD
Concord Country Club, Volunteer Swim Team Coordinator, 2018-2024
PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS
Instructional II, Early Childhood Education, Birth-K
Instructional II, Special Education, PK-12
Instructional II, Elementary Education K-8
Instructional II, Reading Specialist K-12
Board Certification in Special Education (B.C.S.E.), March 2020
Timeline
K–1 Learning Support Special Education Teacher
West Chester Area School District
08.2022 - Current
Fifth Grade General Education Teacher
West Chester Area School District
08.2022 - 06.2023
Special Education Student Teacher Supervisor/Adjunct Professor
West Chester University
01.2014 - 08.2018
Independent Contractor for Early Intervention-Special Instructor