Michelle Irons
Portland,OR
Summary
Dedicated Reading Interventionist with 25 years of experience enhancing literacy through a deep understanding of linguistics and cultural backgrounds. Expertise in developing targeted interventions for diverse linguistic groups, including Chuukese, Hmong, Vietnamese, Chinese, Somali, Mai Mai, Ukrainian, and more. Collaborates effectively with ELD teams and educators to implement and report on MTSS plans using Just Words and Fundations.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Academic Interventionist Reading
Clark Elementary School
Portland, OR
08.2023 - Current
- Collaborated with classroom teachers and reading team to identify and support students with tier 3 reading needs.
- Implemented targeted instruction using district curricula: Just Words 4th/5th grades and tier 3 Fundations 1st-3rd.
- Progress monitored students with MAP Fluency and curriculum embedded unit tests.
- Supervised and developed lesson plans for reading educational assistant for fidelity to program and responsiveness to student achievement.
- Collaborated with ELD, Special Education, and Speech teachers to address students' continuing needs.
- Frequently Communicated students' needs and progress with families.
- Member of SIT (Student Intervention Team)
- Created and maintained MTSS plans.
Reading Interventionist
Harrison Park K-8 School
Portland, OR
08.2008 - 06.2023
- Title 1 Coordinator 2008-2012 Trained and supervised three educational assistants and coordinated student interventions with additional reading specialists.
- Directed and implemented universal screening using DIBELS; analyzed results to form flexible and dynamic intervention groups.
- Designed and implemented reading interventions for 1st-8th grades.
- Founding member of Equity Team 2011-2015. Led Courageous Conversations in whole staff meetings, facilitated small group discussions, and analyzed school data to improve student achievement and school climate.
- Member SIT (Student Intervention Team)
Reading Specialist
Clark Elementary School
Portland, OR
08.2003 - 06.2008
- Developed and led intervention groups for students below grade level, addressing specific reading needs.
- Facilitated small guided reading groups in primary classrooms during literacy block, enhancing targeted literacy support.
- Coordinated Title 1 program, supervising five educational assistants, collaborating with two part-time reading specialists, and organizing volunteer tutors to support literacy initiatives.
- Conducted reading assessments with DRA and phonics surveys quarterly.
ESL Teacher
Peninsula Year Round School
Portland, OR
11.2002 - 07.2003
- Designed and implemented sheltered instruction ESL program for kindergarten students supplemental to their standard half day class.
- Implemented parent instruction, utilizing bilingual assistants, introducing U.S. school system and practices of early childhood education.
- Increased rate of school volunteering among multi-lingual families.
Reading Teacher
Peninsula Year Round School
Portland, OR
10.2001 - 07.2002
- Provided tiered literacy block instruction to primary and intermediate grades.
- Accelerated first year teaching with mentorship from Reading Coordinator/ TOSA Maryanne Stalnaker.
Education
ESoL Endorsement Woodmere Cohort
Portland State University/ PPS Partnership
Portland, ORReadng Specialist Endorsement
University of Portland
Portland, OR05-2003
Master of Arts - Elementary & Early Childhood Education
Concordia University
Portland, OR12-2000
Master of Arts - English Literature
Washington University in St Louis
St. Louis, MO08-1990
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Portland
Portland, OR05-1989
Skills
- All-staff collaboration
- Positive and inclusive student and family relationships
- RESJ and culturally responsive teaching
- Targeted instruction
- Reading intervention
- MTSS implementation
- Student assessment
- Progress monitoring
- Data analysis
- Orton-Gillingham training
- LETRS training
References
Tara Bourland, Principal, Clark Elementary School
tbourland@pps.net
Sara Bo-Linn, Academic Interventionist, Clark Elementary School
sbolinn@pps.net
Anne Witt, Speech Language Pathologist, Clark Elementary School
awitt1S@pps.net
Marie Dunn, 1st Grade Teacher, Clark Elementary School
mdunn@pps.net
Timeline
Academic Interventionist Reading
Clark Elementary School
08.2023 - Current
Reading Interventionist
Harrison Park K-8 School
08.2008 - 06.2023
Reading Specialist
Clark Elementary School
08.2003 - 06.2008
ESL Teacher
Peninsula Year Round School
11.2002 - 07.2003
Reading Teacher
Peninsula Year Round School
10.2001 - 07.2002
ESoL Endorsement Woodmere Cohort
Portland State University/ PPS Partnership
Readng Specialist Endorsement
University of Portland
Master of Arts - Elementary & Early Childhood Education
Concordia University
Master of Arts - English Literature
Washington University in St Louis
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Portland