Melissa Hernandez
Queens,N.Y.
Summary
I am an experienced special education teacher and IEP reviewer skilled in developing high-quality IEPs aligned with district and state regulations. I collaborate effectively with educators and families to support diverse learners, ensure access to educational resources and establish an inclusive community.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
3rd grade SE Lead & IEP Reviewer- IEP Review Team Member
PS 143 Louis Armstrong
Queens, USA
09.2024 - Current
- Revised completed IEPs prior to finalization, offering feedback and resources that ensured compliance with district, city, and state regulations.
- Reviewed protocols and guidelines, aiding teachers in developing high-quality IEPs.
- Collaborated with teachers to enhance evaluation criteria and feedback processes.
- Reviewed student assignments for clarity and adherence to guidelines.
- Provided constructive feedback to students on academic performance and improvement areas.
3rd Grade Special Education Classroom Teacher- ICT and Self Contained 12:1:1
PS 143 Louis Armstrong
Queens, USA
09.2013 - Current
- Developed IEP reports to assess and track students’ needs, progress, and goals, ensuring appropriate accommodations.
- Supported students with special needs through tailored learning strategies, enhancing individual learning experiences.
- Established daily routines and managed student behavior to foster a positive and structured classroom environment.
DOE Volleyball Coach
Aviation High School
Queens, USA
01.2009 - Current
- Designed skill-enhancing drills to elevate athletes’ performance to competitive standards.
- Designed and implemented training programs for student athletes' skill development.
- Organized and led practice sessions to enhance team performance and cohesion.
- Developed game strategies to improve competitive readiness during matches.
- Created safe and engaging environment during practices and games to foster athlete enjoyment and participation.
Transportation Coordinator- Summer Rising 2025
PS 330 Helen M. Marshall Elementary School
07.2025 - 08.2025
- Issued OMNY Cards to students and managed records to ensure accurate tracking and accessibility.
- Reported transportation issues to District Transportation Liaison for timely resolution.
- Coordinated communication between school staff and parents to ensure support for students with special needs.
Lead Teacher- Late Area Dismissal Support
PS 143 Louis Armstrong
Queens, USA
01.2025 - 06.2025
- Partnered with afterschool supervisor to enroll students with frequent late dismissals in targeted afterschool program.
- Guided staff in effectively communicating with parents regarding late dismissals.
- Verified identification for individuals picking up students during dismissal to ensure safety.
Teacher- Summer Registration Support
PS 143
Queens, NY
07.2024 - 08.2024
- Scheduled appointments with parents to guide completion of registration forms and emergency cards.
- Conducted student interviews to evaluate English language skills for appropriate placement.
Teacher- After School Project Wings Kindergarten Math Program
PS 143 Louis Armstrong
Queens, USA
11.2023 - 06.2024
- Delivered targeted instruction to improve understanding of kindergarten math concepts for selected students.
- Developed engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse student needs.
- Established structured daily routines and effectively managed student behavior to foster a positive learning environment.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance curriculum and instructional practices.
Research Lab Assistant
Communication & Play Lab at Hunter College
01.2008 - 03.2009
- Mentor: Dr. Michael Siller.
- Conducted data entry and coded videos to analyze mother-child interactions, focusing on maternal verbalizations' effects.
- Co-authored research on concurrent associations between responsive maternal language and children's expressive language skills, contributing to understanding of language development.
Education
Instructional Leadership - School Building Leader
Russell Sage College
140 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 1220808-2025
TESOL Extension - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Mount St. Vincent
07-2020
Certificate Of Advanced Studies - Bilingual Extension- Spanish
Hunter College School of Education
NY, NY12-2019
Masters - Childhood Special Education (Dual Certification Grades 1-6)
Hunter College School of Education
NY, NY12-2012
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, English
Hunter College/CUNY
NY, NY12-2009
Skills
- IEP development
- Classroom management
- Interactive whiteboard usage
- Presentation skills
- Microsoft Word proficiency
- Virtual collaboration tools
- Bilingual communication
- Conflict resolution
- Multitasking ability
References
References and Letters of recommendation upon request.
Languages
- Fluent Spanish
- Fluent English
Educational Objective
To guide students to thrive academically and in the community they live in by embracing diversity in the classroom, using real world applications, technology and cooperative learning.
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Transportation Coordinator- Summer Rising 2025
PS 330 Helen M. Marshall Elementary School
07.2025 - 08.2025
Lead Teacher- Late Area Dismissal Support
PS 143 Louis Armstrong
01.2025 - 06.2025
3rd grade SE Lead & IEP Reviewer- IEP Review Team Member
PS 143 Louis Armstrong
09.2024 - Current
Teacher- Summer Registration Support
PS 143
07.2024 - 08.2024
Teacher- After School Project Wings Kindergarten Math Program
PS 143 Louis Armstrong
11.2023 - 06.2024
3rd Grade Special Education Classroom Teacher- ICT and Self Contained 12:1:1
PS 143 Louis Armstrong
09.2013 - Current
DOE Volleyball Coach
Aviation High School
01.2009 - Current
Research Lab Assistant
Communication & Play Lab at Hunter College
01.2008 - 03.2009
Instructional Leadership - School Building Leader
Russell Sage College
TESOL Extension - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Mount St. Vincent
Certificate Of Advanced Studies - Bilingual Extension- Spanish
Hunter College School of Education
Masters - Childhood Special Education (Dual Certification Grades 1-6)
Hunter College School of Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, English
Hunter College/CUNY