Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Babysitter
Michele Genest

Michele Genest

Integrated Preschool Teacher
Durham,CT

Summary

Dynamic educator with dual certification in Early Childhood and Special Education, excelling in curriculum development and inclusive learning environments. At Wallingford Public Schools, I spearheaded and implemented a districtwide diversity curriculum and enhanced children's development through the implementation of executive functioning strategies. Known for exceptional parent-teacher communication and strong behavior management, I empower students with special needs, achieving significant academic and social growth.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience

Work History

Integrated Preschool Teacher

Wallingford Public Schools
09.1992 - Current
  • Researched, developed, and implemented a new districtwide curriculum based on Diversity and Equity, Executive Functioning, Play-Based Learning, Inquiry-Based Learning, & the Scientific Process.
  • Conducted developmental assessments, structured observations, and parent interviews as a member of the town's ECAT (Early Childhood Assessment Team).
  • Served as a strong advocate for both children and families in navigating the special education process.
  • Developed weekly learning experience plans to engage children and promote learning.
  • Established and maintained consistent communication with families through daily posts about the content their children are experiencing.

Middle School Special Education Teacher

Wallingford Board of Education
09.2012 - 06.2018
  • Implemented differentiated instruction techniques, while supporting middle school students with cognitive and/or social/emotional, communication, and adaptive impairments whose current functioning required specialized instruction in a more restrictive setting.
  • Managed and directed a highly structured, individualized program, with an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) foundation.
  • Provided life skills experiences, social skills training, appropriate communication training opportunities to generalize skills, in addition to creating mainstreaming opportunities with middle school peers as was appropriate.
  • Assisted students in developing self-advocacy skills, empowering them to take ownership of their educational experience and achieve success both academically and socially.
  • Mentored new special education teachers, sharing best practices in pedagogy and classroom management to support their professional development through the TEAM process.
  • Utilized data-driven decision making to ensure instructional approaches aligned with individual student goals and objectives set forth in IEPs.
  • Established strong relationships with parents, conducting regular communication to provide updates on student progress and address any concerns.

Grade 4 Teacher

Wallingford Public Schools
08.1997 - 06.2012
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units, providing students with a well-rounded educational experience.
  • Enhanced students' critical thinking skills through problem-solving tasks and group projects.
  • Managed special needs accommodations effectively, ensuring equal access to education for all students implementing Responsive Classroom strategies to enhance inclusivity within the classroom setting.
  • Mentored student teachers through the TEAM process.

Education

6th Yr. Cert. - Educational Foundations

Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT

Master of Science - Learning Disabilities

Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education/Special Education

Saint Joseph College
West Hartford

High School Diploma -

Mark T. Sheehan High School
Wallingford, CT

Skills

  • Parent-teacher communication
  • Classroom organization
  • Child development strategies based on the CT ELDS
  • Positive reinforcement and behavior management
  • Early childhood education in an inclusive environment
  • Curriculum planning and development
  • Adept at working with special needs children
  • Dual certification in both Early Childhood and Special Education

Accomplishments

    Presenter at the 2024 NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) Annual Conference

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Michele GenestIntegrated Preschool Teacher