McKenzie Vertucci
Summary
Passionate and culturally responsive educator with a focus on fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning within the first to third-grade classroom. Committed to creating safe and inclusive classroom communities that cater to the diverse needs of every student. Proficient in building meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues to ensure a collaborative and supportive learning environment. Demonstrates strong organizational and leadership abilities to effectively manage classroom activities and promote student engagement.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Second Grade Teacher
Prescott Elementary School
08.2024 - Current
- Designed and implemented engaging, standards-aligned lesson plans to support diverse learning styles and foster student growth
- Utilized data-driven instructional strategies to monitor and improve academic outcomes
- Created a classroom environment emphasizing respect, collaboration, and inclusion to promote a positive learning experience
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Established a comfortable environment incorporating different learning styles through flexible seating and a calm corner to support students' emotional regulation and management
- Conducted Tier 2 MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) interventions with students, advocating for targeted Tier 2 math and reading MTSS programs to enhance academic growth
- Advocated for students to be evaluated for additional support services and maintained communication with parents throughout the evaluation process
- Collected and analyzed ABC data to recommend a student for a SECA (Special Education Classroom Assistant), providing evidence to support the student's needs
- Achieved significant academic growth with students: an average of 14-point growth in iReady Math (maximum growth: 41 points), and an average of 19-point growth in iReady Reading (maximum growth: 59 points)
- Facilitated BAS (Benchmark Assessment System) growth for all students, including notable progress from level E to L and level I to N by mid-year
- Administered various reading tests and determined student reading levels based on assessment findings.
- Facilitated the development of students' self-esteem and essential life skills by promoting healthy conflict resolution, critical thinking, and effective communication through the implementation of restorative practices.
- Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
Instructional Leadership Team
Prescott Elementary School
11.2024 - Current
- Collaborated with teachers across the school to discuss strategies for supporting student growth.
- Focused on improving time management and instructional effectiveness.
- Organized and facilitated grade-band team meetings to address trends in reading and math.
- Evaluated and discussed curriculum options to align with school-wide goals.
Second Grade Tutor
Prescott Elementary School
01.2025 - Current
- Created a tutoring club for struggling students, offering personalized instruction.
- Designed tailored lesson plans to meet individual needs.
- Tutored diverse groups of students to strengthen subject comprehension, boost confidence, and build important learning skills.
- Worked closely with students on specific class struggles, closely reviewing materials and assignments to offer targeted help.
Substitute Teacher
Prescott Elementary School
04.2024 - 06.2024
- Supported special education pull-out classrooms (K-3), delivering differentiated instruction and managing learning centers
- Provided emotional calming breaks and taught social-emotional skills to students requiring extra support
- Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
LLI After-School Tutor - 3rd Grade
Prescott Elementary School
02.2024 - 04.2024
- Delivered the Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI) program, focusing on improving students' reading fluency and comprehension
- Encouraged a love of reading by creating a supportive learning environment and engaging students in literacy activities
Student Teacher - 2nd Grade
Prescott Elementary School
08.2023 - 04.2024
- Designed and executed lesson plans aligned with state standards, addressing diverse learning needs and interests
- Collaborated with general education and special education teachers to differentiate instruction and promote student success
- Actively participated in staff meetings to develop intervention plans and used data analysis to track student progress
- Fostered a positive and structured classroom environment through effective management strategies
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Education
University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC)
Chicago, IL05.2024
Jones College Prep
Chicago, IL06.2019
Skills
- Academic record keeping
- Technology integration
- Problem-solving skills
- Lesson plan development
- Curriculum implementation
- Classroom management
- Team collaboration
- Interpersonal relationships
- Culturally Responsive
- Relationship building
- Parent rapport and communication
- Diversified instruction
Certification
- Short-Term Substitute Teacher License (STS), Illinois, 01/2024
- Professional Educator License (PEL), Illinois, 06/2024
Supporting Experience
- Kids Academy Team Member & Camp Counselor, LifeTime, Chicago, IL, 06/2022- 08/2024, Designed and led age-appropriate group games, crafts, and activities, fostering children's physical and cognitive growth., Promoted social, emotional, and physical well-being through safe, engaging programs tailored to children's needs.
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), By Your Side, Morton Grove, IL, 08/2020- 08/2021, Delivered one-on-one ABA therapy to children with autism, focusing on developing essential life skills and reducing challenging behaviors., Collected and analyzed progress data, collaborating with BCBAs to refine intervention strategies.
- Recreation and Leisure Aid, Misericordia, Chicago, IL, 09/2019- 03/2020, Facilitated inclusive activities for residents with diverse abilities, encouraging social interaction and fostering community engagement.
Timeline
Second Grade Tutor
Prescott Elementary School
01.2025 - Current
Instructional Leadership Team
Prescott Elementary School
11.2024 - Current
Second Grade Teacher
Prescott Elementary School
08.2024 - Current
Substitute Teacher
Prescott Elementary School
04.2024 - 06.2024
LLI After-School Tutor - 3rd Grade
Prescott Elementary School
02.2024 - 04.2024
Student Teacher - 2nd Grade
Prescott Elementary School
08.2023 - 04.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Education
University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC)
Jones College Prep
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