Melanie Sesto
Lindenhurst,NY
Summary
Accomplished educator with a proven track record at Lindenhurst UFSD, adept in behavior intervention and classroom organization. Enhanced student engagement and academic growth through innovative inclusion strategies and effective classroom management. Excelled in creating inclusive, supportive environments, significantly improving learning outcomes. Energetic Special Education Aide bringing superior skill in student needs assessment and faculty support. Over 3 years of student-centered experience and demonstrated success in providing academic support and encouragement to special education students. Dedicated Special Education Aide well-versed in classroom management and instructional staff support. Inspired to help foster welcoming and inspiring learning environments for special education students. Leverages IEP knowledge and commitment to student development to support student needs and inform curriculum development.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Aide
Lindenhurst UFSD
11.2021 - 06.2024
- Provided one-on-one support to students with physical, emotional, or behavioral challenges during classroom activities.
- Assisted in the development of functional life skills for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Maintained a safe, clean, and orderly classroom environment conducive to learning by enforcing rules and expectations consistently.
- Managed crisis situations effectively while maintaining a calm demeanor that minimized distractions from the educational process.
- Improved student comprehension by employing various teaching methods and adapting to individual learning needs.
- Supported students in completing classwork and applying academic concepts.
- Implemented behavior redirection methods to address problematic issues.
- Maintained detailed records of student progress, attendance, and behavior for use in evaluations and reports.
- Documented student progress, obstacles and academic milestones for parents and faculty.
Preschool Teacher's Assistant
Ascension Lutheran Preschool
09.2014 - 06.2017
- Maintained tidy and clean classroom consistent with safety and health standards.
- Interacted with children one-on-one and in small groups to enhance and support learning activities.
- Engaged and entertained children through recreational and educational activities.
- Supported children's social and emotional development by encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts.
- Assisted teacher by developing lesson plans to meet educational goals for each child.
Director of Preschool
Little Doves Childcare and Learning Center
07.2003 - 06.2006
- Supervised teaching staff and resolved issues.
- Collaborated with staff to create an inclusive environment, accommodating diverse learning needs.
- Maintained compliance with state licensing regulations through diligent record keeping and routine inspections preparation.
- Managed daily operations, ensuring efficient scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation for optimal program performance.
- Developed strong parent-teacher relationships through effective communication and regular progress updates.
- Enhanced preschool curriculum by incorporating hands-on activities and cooperative learning projects.
Middle School Art Teacher
NYC Department of Education
09.1995 - 06.2000
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Fostered a safe and inclusive classroom environment where students felt comfortable expressing their ideas without fear of judgment or ridicule.
- Attended professional development workshops to stay current on best practices in art education and incorporate innovative teaching methods into the classroom.
- Increased student participation by incorporating interactive classroom activities and group projects.
- Enhanced students'' creative expression through a variety of art mediums, including painting, drawing, and sculpture.
- Contributed to the development of school-wide initiatives promoting creativity and critical thinking skills across all subject areas.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create cross-curricular units that integrated the arts with other subjects.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Art And Education
Dowling College
Oakdale, NY06.1994
Associate of Science - Fashion Merchandising
Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NY06.1992
Skills
- Behavior intervention
- Inclusion Strategies
- Classroom Management
- Classroom Organization
PTA
hi my name
Albany Avenue PTA
- Active Member 2008-2021
- Executive Board Member 2017-2019
- Chair: Ways and Means, Membership
Active member of the Albany Avenue Elementary PTA, chairing many committees and was involved in special events and served on the Scholarship committee. Continued as a consultant to recent successors of the PTA board members. As chair of ways and means, we planned and organized many successful fundraising events to help bolster financial reserves for the PTA to use for faculty and staff support as necessary. I also had the opportunity to represent the PTA at board and council meetings.
Certification
New York State Initial Certificate , Art (all grades)
Timeline
Special Education Aide
Lindenhurst UFSD
11.2021 - 06.2024
Preschool Teacher's Assistant
Ascension Lutheran Preschool
09.2014 - 06.2017
Director of Preschool
Little Doves Childcare and Learning Center
07.2003 - 06.2006
Middle School Art Teacher
NYC Department of Education
09.1995 - 06.2000
Bachelor of Science - Art And Education
Dowling College
Associate of Science - Fashion Merchandising
Fashion Institute of Technology