Meg DeFrance
Long Valley,New Jersey
Summary
Proactive Washington Township District Literacy Coach with extensive experience in creating engaging lesson materials and assessing literacy needs through data analysis. Skilled in developing cross-curricular literacy programs, training educators, and implementing targeted reading strategies. Passionate about fostering a love for reading and continuous improvement in literacy skills.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Washington Township District Literacy Coach
Washington Township Board of Education
09.2018 - Current
- Supported the MTSS process for Tier 1 by Creating engaging lesson materials that encouraged strengthening literacy skills among students.
- Assessed literacy needs of school by reviewing student data and current curriculum.
- Conducted ongoing evaluations of literacy improvement action and communicated results to teachers and administrators.
- Trained educators on best practices in literacy instruction, fostering a culture of continuous improvement through Lab Sites.
- Developed a cross-curricular Word Study Lab Site that integrated literacy skills into other subject areas, deepening student understanding.
- Enhanced student literacy by implementing targeted reading strategies and interventions.
- Established positive relationships with students, promoting a love for reading and learning.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop individualized literacy plans for struggling students, resulting in improved reading levels.
- Analyzed student assessment data, providing insights for tailored instruction and support.
- Conducted professional development workshops on effective literacy strategies for colleagues, enhancing overall instructional quality.
- Partnered with parents to reinforce at-home literacy activities, strengthening the connection between school and home environments.
- Implemented guided reading groups to provide differentiated instruction based on individual skill levels and learning goals.
- Contributed to the development of school-wide literacy initiatives that promoted student achievement across all subject areas.
- Provided planned objectives and instruction for struggling [School Level] readers.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with literacy research and best practices, ensuring continued growth as an educator.
- Monitored status of students requiring special attention.
- Guided teachers to collect and analyze data and developed action plans in response to determined student needs.
- Served as a mentor to new educators, sharing expertise in curriculum planning and classroom management techniques.
- Evaluated instructional materials and resources to ensure alignment with district goals and state standards for English Language Arts education.
- Promoted a culture of collaboration among staff members through regular team meetings focused on sharing best practices in literacy instruction.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators and parents to determine how best to support student success.
- Created personalized lesson plans to meet needs of diverse learners.
- Assisted in the selection of appropriate texts for various grade levels, ensuring alignment with state standards and diverse student needs.
- Organized school-wide events such as read-a-thons and author visits, promoting a passion for literature within the school community.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Literacy Interventionist
Washington Township Board of Education
09.2009 - 09.2018
- Partnered with families to create supportive home environments that encouraged consistent reading practice outside the classroom setting.
- Led parent workshops on supporting literacy development at home, empowering families to become active participants in their child''s education.
- Designed engaging activities that promoted higher-order thinking skills while addressing specific literacy gaps in reading and writing.
- Collaborated with special education staff to modify and adapt instructional materials and approaches for students with diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Collaborated with teachers to identify at-risk students and implement appropriate interventions, reducing the number of learners falling behind.
- Served as a mentor to new educators, sharing expertise in curriculum planning and classroom management techniques.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Provided planned objectives and instruction for struggling readers.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.
- Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education.
- Implemented a school-wide reading incentive program, boosting overall student interest and motivation in reading activities.
- Facilitated professional learning communities focused on enhancing educators'' understanding of effective reading instruction techniques.
- Improved literacy rates by implementing targeted intervention strategies for struggling students.
- Developed individualized reading plans for students, resulting in increased comprehension and fluency levels.
- Promoted a love for reading and literature among students by organizing book clubs, author visits, and other extracurricular events related to literacy education.
- Maintained detailed records of student progress, ensuring timely communication with parents and educators regarding improvement or concerns.
- Assessed student progress regularly using formative assessments, adjusting instruction accordingly to maximize growth.
- Contributed to a positive school culture by participating in professional development opportunities and sharing best practices with colleagues.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making processes to continually refine instructional approaches based on evidence of effectiveness.
- Stayed current on the latest research in literacy education, applying new theories and methodologies as needed to improve student outcomes consistently.
- Established an inclusive learning environment, fostering a sense of belonging among all learners regardless of ability level or background.
- Established positive relationships with students, promoting a love for reading and learning.
- Partnered with parents to reinforce at-home literacy activities, strengthening the connection between school and home environments.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
Education
Master of Arts - Reading Specialist & Supervisor's Certification
Centenary University
Hackettstown, NJ05-2016
Master of Arts - Master's in Critical Thinking
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ05-2008
High School Diploma -
Cedar Grove High School
06-1990
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ05-1990
Skills
- Reading Specialist
- Student Centered Coaching
- Instructional planning
- Literacy program development
- Curriculum Writing
- Professional Development Facilitator
- District Peer Assisted Learning Program
- Coaching Consortium Presentor
- IMSE OG Trained in Comprehensive and Morphology
- Seeing Stars Trained
Certification
New Jersey Standard K- 8 Elementary Certification
Timeline
Washington Township District Literacy Coach
Washington Township Board of Education
09.2018 - Current
Literacy Interventionist
Washington Township Board of Education
09.2009 - 09.2018
New Jersey Standard K- 8 Elementary Certification
Master of Arts - Reading Specialist & Supervisor's Certification
Centenary University
Master of Arts - Master's in Critical Thinking
Montclair State University
High School Diploma -
Cedar Grove High School
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Seton Hall University
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