Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
background-images
Michael Cartagena

Michael Cartagena

Tonawanda,NY

Summary

Professional educator ready to make significant impact in elementary school setting. Proven ability to develop engaging lesson plans, foster positive learning environment, and adapt teaching methods to meet diverse student needs. Collaborative team player focused on achieving educational goals and enhancing student outcomes. Skilled in classroom management, curriculum development, and effective communication with students, parents, and colleagues.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience

Work History

Elementary Teacher

Stanley G. Falk School
10.2024 - Current
  • Deliver standards-based instruction in core content areas to elementary students, integrating differentiation to meet diverse academic, social, and emotional needs.
  • Implement classroom management strategies that promote a safe, structured, and supportive environment.
  • Collaborate with colleagues, service providers, and families to align instruction with student goals and IEPs.
  • Serve as DEI Lead, promoting equity, inclusivity, and cultural awareness across the school community.
  • Act as a TCIS (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention in Schools) Trainer, equipping staff with strategies to de-escalate conflicts and maintain safe, supportive classrooms.
  • Currently enrolled in the LETRS program (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) to deepen expertise in literacy instruction and evidence-based reading practices.

Special Education Teacher’s Aide

Stanley G. Falk School
10.2023 - 10.2024
  • Supported students aged 7–14 with individualized instruction aligned to IEPs in small, structured classroom settings.
  • Partnered with multidisciplinary teams to provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.
  • Facilitated character education programs emphasizing respect, responsibility, and citizenship.
  • Assisted in school-to-work transition planning for students aged 13+, supporting community integration and post-secondary readiness.
  • Secured classroom resources by engaging with local community and donation initiatives.

Customer Service Representative III / Trainer

Willis Towers Watson
04.2019 - 11.2022
  • Facilitate onboarding classes for new employees, teaching computer navigation, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
  • Develop, update, and implement facilitator guides to support consistency in training delivery.
  • Track attendance, monitor progress, and provide coaching to improve employee retention and success.
  • Advocate for clients by resolving enrollment issues, navigating applications, and assisting with Health Reimbursement Accounts.
  • Communicate complex benefits information in accessible ways to individuals and groups.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Educational Studies

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
08.2025

Associate of Science - Criminal Justice

Bryant & Stratton College
Buffalo, NY
10.2009

Skills

  • Differentiated instruction
  • Relationship building
  • Lesson planning
  • Team collaboration

Certification

LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling)- In progress

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCIS)-Certified Trainer

Timeline

Elementary Teacher

Stanley G. Falk School
10.2024 - Current

Special Education Teacher’s Aide

Stanley G. Falk School
10.2023 - 10.2024

Customer Service Representative III / Trainer

Willis Towers Watson
04.2019 - 11.2022

Associate of Science - Criminal Justice

Bryant & Stratton College

Bachelor of Science - Educational Studies

Grand Canyon University

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE