Natalie Pignataro
Maspeth,NY
Summary
Skilled educator with strong expertise in special education. Adept at developing tailored learning plans, employing effective instructional strategies, and fostering inclusive classroom environments. Known for collaboration, adaptability, and delivering measurable results. Proficient in behavior management, individualized education plans, and student assessments.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher Support Services/IEP Teacher, Grades K-5
P.S. 305Q, Learners and Leaders
09.2009 - Current
- Teaching Response to Intervention remedial reading classes to students in small, strategic groups, using the Fountas and Pinnell Leveled Literacy Program and the Spire Program, in conjunction with personalized, data driven instruction
- Providing support to the entire special education team, including the School Assessment Team, the administrative team, general education teachers in collaborative settings, school nurse, attendance teacher, parent coordinator, and related service providers, with writing quality IEPs and ensuring proper services, and testing accommodations are delivered for over 100 special education students
- Conducting behavioral observations, teacher interviews and parent interviews, with the purpose of creating successful Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans
- Attending monthly professional development as the school’s special education liaison to District 24, and turn-keying information to the school’s special education team through delivering professional development to my colleagues and issuing policy related emails
- Mentoring new special education teachers, using various coaching models
- Training paraprofessionals on their role in implementing students’ IEPs and facilitating their use of an online database for attendance records
- Engaging in extensive parent involvement, including conducting meetings with families about the special education referral process, and holding parent workshops on various topics, including “Understanding IEPs for Parents”
- Serving on the school’s hiring committee to recruit new teachers, conduct interviews, and evaluate demonstration lessons of teaching candidates
Special Education Teacher in a Self-Contained Classroom
P.S. 58Q
09.2006 - 06.2009
- Collaborated with related service providers and parents to implement individualized education plans that encourage generalization of skills across settings
- Collaborated with general education teachers to organize successful mainstreaming experiences for students
- Facilitated the students’ participation in enrichment activities, such as the class interactive science museum, dance festival, reader’s theater performance and Wonders of the World fair
General Education Teacher in a Collaborative Team Teaching Setting
P.S. 58Q
09.2004 - 06.2006
- Co-taught innovative lessons with curricular adaptations in a classroom of 15 general education students and 10 special education students in grades one and two
- Successfully implemented the Wilson Reading Program
- Taught jazz dance classes as part of a school-wide enrichment program
First Grade Teacher, General Education
NYC Department of Education, PS 19Q, PS 58Q
09.2000 - 06.2003
- Coordinated group projects, such as story murals and author studies
- Directed performances for annual Dance Festival and Class Assembly
Education
Masters of Science in Teaching - Students with Disabilities in Childhood
St. John’s University
Jamaica, NY05-2006
Masters in Elementary Education - Mathematics
City University of New York-Queens College
Flushing, New York05-2003
Skills
- Literacy intervention
- Inclusion strategies
- Behavior intervention plans
- Co-teaching experience
- Group and individual instruction
Certification
- New York State permanent certification in Elementary Education, Grades Pre-Kindergarten to 6
- New York State professional certification in Teaching Students With Disabilities, Grades 1-6
Honors
Tenured by New York City Department of Education in September 2003, Certificate of Merit for Academic Excellence, Queens College May 2000, Grant for Preparation in Teaching Special Education, St. John’s University, May 2004
Timeline
Special Education Teacher Support Services/IEP Teacher, Grades K-5
P.S. 305Q, Learners and Leaders
09.2009 - Current
Special Education Teacher in a Self-Contained Classroom
P.S. 58Q
09.2006 - 06.2009
General Education Teacher in a Collaborative Team Teaching Setting
P.S. 58Q
09.2004 - 06.2006
First Grade Teacher, General Education
NYC Department of Education, PS 19Q, PS 58Q
09.2000 - 06.2003
Masters in Elementary Education - Mathematics
City University of New York-Queens College
Masters of Science in Teaching - Students with Disabilities in Childhood
St. John’s University