Melanie M. Sanabria
Stratford,CT
Summary
Experienced with developing and implementing individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs. Utilizes effective behavior management techniques to create positive and inclusive classroom environment. Track record of collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support student success and development.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Waltersville Elementary School
Bridgeport, CT
01.2025 - Current
- Develop and Implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Assess students’ needs and create tailored learning plans to support their academic, social, and behavioral growth.
- Adapt Instructional Methods and Materials: Modify curriculum, teaching strategies, and classroom accommodations to meet diverse learning needs and ensure accessibility.
- Provide Direct Instruction and Support: Teach core subjects and life skills in small groups or one-on-one settings, using differentiated instruction to engage students with varying abilities.
- Collaborate with Families and Support Teams: Work closely with parents, general education teachers, therapists, and administrators to monitor progress and adjust interventions as needed.
- Manage Classroom Behavior and Foster Inclusion: Implement positive behavior interventions, promote social-emotional development, and create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.
Special Education Paraeducator
Stratford Academy
Stratford, CT
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Support Individualized Instruction: Provide academic, behavioral, and emotional support tailored to each student's needs to assist the special education teacher in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs).
- Facilitate Classroom Activities: Help students with classwork, assignments, and participation in classroom activities, ensuring they understand instructions and stay engaged.
- Assist with Personal Care: Depending on the student's specific physical or medical needs, support students with personal care tasks like toileting, feeding, and mobility.
- Behavior Management: Implement behavior management strategies as directed by the teacher or IEP, helping to maintain a safe and positive learning environment for all students.
- Monitor Student Progress: Track and document student progress, providing feedback to the teacher on academic and behavioral development to help assess the effectiveness of strategies in the IEP.
Student Assistant
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Assist students, staff, and faculty with academic affairs inquiries
- Data entry (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Perform clerical duties (Filing, Answering phone calls, Scanning documents, Copying)
- Assist with events (Create name tags, Packets, Pamphlets, Award Certificates)
- Update bulletin boards and displays for career and degree programs
- Managing the transportation of mail and documents to staff and faculty at the college
- Maintain confidentiality through FERPA Policies
Student Assistant
Housatonic Community College
Bridgeport, Connecticut
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Assist students, staff, and faculty with academic affairs inquiries
- Data entry (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Clerical duties (Filing, Answering phone calls, Scanning documents, Copying)
- Assist with events (Create name tags, Packets, Pamphlets, Award Certificates)
- Update bulletin boards and displays for career and degree programs
- Managing the transportation of mail and documents to staff and faculty at the college
- Maintain confidentiality through FERPA Policies
Education
Masters of Art in Teaching - Special Education (K-12)
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT05-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology: Mental Health Concentration
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT05-2023
Associates in Arts Degree - Psychology Studies
Housatonic Community College
Bridgeport, CT01-2020
Diploma -
Bridgeport Military Academy
Bridgeport, CT06-2018
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans IEP's
- Small group instruction
- Co-teaching experience
- Collaborative teamwork
- Parent-teacher collaboration
Affiliations
- Spring 2021 Southern Connecticut State University New Haven, Connecticut Dean’s List
- 2014-2018 Bridgeport Military Academy Bridgeport, Connecticut Honor Roll
Certification
- Initial Educator Certification , State of Connecticut - In progress
COMMUNITY SERVICE / VOLUNTARY ACTIVITIES
- Fitness/Wellness Herbalife Coach, 2020, 2022, Helping others to reach their potential health goals
- Student Panelist, 2020, 2023, High school partnerships (talked about college experience)
- Light on the Hill food pantry, 2016, 2024, Provide food for people experiencing homelessness
- Church Choir, 2015, Present, Participate in performing every Sunday along with weekly rehearsals
- Dance, 2008, Present, Participate in rehearsals and engage in community events
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL TRAINING / WORKSHOPS / PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Family Engagement Training (CAEP Course)
- Assistive Technology Training for Special Education
- End-of-Year Procedures for Special Educators Workshop
- Differentiated Instruction and Inclusive Practices
- IEP Development and Progress Monitoring
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Waltersville Elementary School
01.2025 - Current
Special Education Paraeducator
Stratford Academy
01.2023 - 01.2024
Student Assistant
Southern Connecticut State University
01.2022 - 01.2023
Student Assistant
Housatonic Community College
01.2019 - 01.2021
Masters of Art in Teaching - Special Education (K-12)
Southern Connecticut State University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology: Mental Health Concentration
Southern Connecticut State University
Associates in Arts Degree - Psychology Studies
Housatonic Community College
Diploma -
Bridgeport Military Academy