Nesary Julisa Cruz
Passaic,NJ
Summary
Dynamic K-4 Literacy Academic Interventionist with a proven track record at Newark Board of Education, specializing in literacy assessment tools and intervention strategies. Adept at fostering collaboration among educators while enhancing student outcomes through data-driven instruction and differentiated teaching methods. Committed to professional development and promoting a positive learning environment.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
K-4 Literacy Academic Interventionist
Chancellor Avenue School
Newark, NJ
09.2022 - Current
- Newark Board of Education
- Designed and implemented targeted interventions and strategies to support struggling readers and writers both in and out of the classroom
- Coordinated and managed intervention and referral services, ensuring effective support for students’ academic and behavioral needs
- Led the implementation of the FUNdations program in kindergarten classrooms, enhancing foundational literacy skills for early learners
- Certified in the Wilson Reading System, providing professional development and training for educators to foster effective literacy instruction
- Managed the administration of the Systematic Instruction in Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words (SIPPS) program to improve student literacy outcomes
- Conducted WIDA Access testing to assess and monitor the English language proficiency of multilingual learners
- Implemented running records to evaluate and track student reading progress, informing instructional decisions
2nd Grade Teacher
McKinley Elementary School
Newark, NJ
09.2017 - 06.2022
- Newark Board of Education
- Partnered with colleagues to plan, create and deliver daily cross-curricular lesson plans and learning experiences
- Implemented individual and group instruction that met needs of diverse student population
- Promoted critical thinking through inquiry, problem-solving and reflection in lessons
- Assigned and graded class work, homework, tests and assignments
- Utilized assessment data to adjust and improve instruction
- Instructed students, monitor student work, provide feedback and suggest instructional approaches and strategies
- Maintained communication with students and parents on progress in class
- Worked effectively and collaboratively with diverse students, staff and community populations
- Established and maintained cooperative relations with community, colleagues and administration
- Worked toward achievement of school and District goals
- Participated in evaluation process and self-reflects on teaching performance
- Maintained commitment to ongoing professional development
- Received specialized training in the Orton-Gillingham multisensory approach, enhancing the instruction of reading and spelling skills
2nd Grade Teacher
George Washington Carver Elementary School
Newark, NJ
09.2016 - 06.2017
- Newark Board of Education
- Partnered with colleagues to plan, create and deliver daily cross-curricular lesson plans and learning experiences
- Assigned and graded class work, homework, tests and assignments
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet scholars' varying needs and interests
- Promoted positive relationships among students by modeling
- Communicated and interacted with students, parents, staff and community
- Maintained commitment to ongoing professional development
- Participated in program training, weekly staff meetings and case management meetings
Student Teacher 3rd Grade
Fairview Elementary School
Bloomfield, NJ
02.2015 - 12.2015
- Bloomfield Public School District
- Planned and implemented cross-curricular learning experiences
- Supervised instructional experience
- Assisted and shadowed cooperating teacher
- Planned and implemented individual as well as small group lessons
- Co-taught with cooperating teacher
- Developed technology infused lesson plans using STEM
- Implemented teaching responsibilities for the class including preparing and administrating assessments and grading
- Attended trainings on how to implement readers and writers workshop
Education
Masters of Arts - Reading
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ08.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ01.2016
Skills
- Data Analysis
- Curriculum Modification
- Literacy Assessment Tools
- Instructional Technology
- Intervention Strategies
- Differentiated Instruction
- Classroom Management
- Professional Development
- Collaboration Tools
- Mentorship
Certification
- Standard Certification, Elementary Education K-6, 02/16
- Standard Certification, Reading Specialist K-12, 08/24
Related Experience
Aftercare/ Summer Camp Teacher, Sunshine Preschool and Infant Care, Basking Ridge, NJ, 11/13 - 08/14
- Assumed all duties of the regular classroom teacher in accordance with school rules, Implemented classroom routines and discipline procedures
- Developed Summer Camp schedule and activities that stimulated growth in language, social, and motor skills
- Provided three and five-year-old children with individual attention
- Communicated with parents on a regular basis
Senior Counselor, JCC of Central New Jersey Camp Yachad, Scotch Plains, NJ, 06/19 - 08/19 and 06/21-08/21
- Assumed all duties of the regular classroom teacher in accordance with school rules
- Implemented Summer Camp schedule and activities that stimulated growth in language, social, and motor skills
- Provided three and five-year-old children with individual attention
- Communicated with parents on a regular basis
Activities
Sister of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, INC, Spring 2013 - Present
- Hosted study skills workshops, time management workshops, study sessions and many other educational programs for members and the campus community
- Donated to and participated in community service walks such as St. Jude’s Research Walk/Run, Breast Cancer Walk, Walk a Mile in my Shoes and Relay for Life
- Achieved Outstanding Leadership Award – Spring 2015
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Affiliations
Montclair State University, Deans List, Fall 2014 - Spring 2015
- Awarded for consistently maintaining a semester GPA of 3.5 and higher
New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund, Academic Achievement Award - Spring 2016
- Awarded to seniors who have consistently maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.20-3.49
Accomplishments
Newark, NJ NAACP Black History Month Teacher Honor Roll - February 28, 2023
- Commitment to Centering Black History in the Education of Children at the Newark Board of Education
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
K-4 Literacy Academic Interventionist
Chancellor Avenue School
09.2022 - Current
2nd Grade Teacher
McKinley Elementary School
09.2017 - 06.2022
2nd Grade Teacher
George Washington Carver Elementary School
09.2016 - 06.2017
Student Teacher 3rd Grade
Fairview Elementary School
02.2015 - 12.2015
Masters of Arts - Reading
Montclair State University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Montclair State University
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