Nicole Pendola Bruntz
Port Monmouth,NJ
Summary
Dynamic educator with extensive experience at Gables Elementary School, excelling in classroom management and student assessment. Proven track record of enhancing student engagement through innovative lesson planning and active learning strategies. Committed to fostering critical thinking and collaboration, creating inclusive environments that promote academic and social growth.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Third Grade Teacher
Gables Elementary School
Neptune, NJ
09.2025 - Current
- Improved student engagement by implementing student-centered classroom management techniques to foster academic curiosity.
- Developed and implemented classroom management strategies that fostered a positive learning environment.
- Conducted regular evaluations and feedback sessions to assess and support student progress.
- Organized educational activities that promoted teamwork and social skills among students.
- Coordinated after-school programs that enhanced student enrichment and creativity.
Middle School General Science Teacher Grade 8
Neptune Middle School
Neptune, NJ
09.2024 - 06.2025
- Implemented hands-on experiments to enhance student understanding of scientific concepts.
- Incorporated hands-on activities into lessons, fostering critical thinking and deeper engagement with scientific concepts.
- Assessed student performance through varied methods, providing targeted feedback to support individual learning needs.
- Established clear behavioral expectations, promoting an active learning environment that encouraged student participation and collaboration.
S.T.E.M. Elementary Teacher
Gables Elementary School
Neptune, NJ
09.2017 - 06.2024
- Explored foundational learning concepts with students through hands-on activities, videos, and class discussions.
- Guided students in the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Cultivated inclusive classroom environment that promoted social and academic growth.
- Integrated music, art, and drama into daily instruction to actively engage diverse learners.
- Provided constructive feedback emphasizing learning from mistakes, establishing strong foundation for student progress.
- Designed tailored grading rubrics to assess student performance effectively. powerful assessment tools.
- Brought in purchased and donated materials to round out supplies for classroom activities.
Middle School Science Teacher Grades 5-7
Forest Street Elementary School
Orange, NJ
09.2010 - 06.2017
- Develop and present comprehensive lesson plans with a focus on lab and cooperative learning groups.
- Implement various teaching strategies to reach all students’ learning levels.
- Foster positive, welcoming classroom environment that encourages student engagement and collaboration.
- Focus on improving student discourse through talk moves.
- Guided students in portfolio creation to showcase academic progress and reflect on learning.
- Participated in the district's PLC on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
- Participated in Ecology and Evolution Summer Institute, which incorporated Earth and Life Science while aligning to Next Generation Science Standards.
- Infusing environmental outdoor ecology center into current science curriculum.
- Facilitated Robotics after-school academy, enhancing student skills and preparing for competition.
- Attended weekly SLC meetings to discuss student data and teaching strategies.
- Participant in Montclair’s PRISM Workshop and Institutes, including Rainforest connections in the classroom.
Elementary Science Teacher Grades K-6
Forest Street Elementary School
Orange, NJ
09.2008 - 06.2010
- Facilitated afterschool Magic School Bus Science Academy, engaging elementary students in interactive science exploration.
- Developed and implemented hands-on lab activities aligned with grade-level curriculum, fostering student curiosity and understanding.
- Implemented varied strategies and differentiated assessments throughout grade levels.
- Worked with various FOSS kits to implement exploratory hands on science program.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers to design and execute lessons based on curriculum guide, enhancing cross-disciplinary learning.
First Grade Teacher
Forest Street Elementary School
Orange, NJ
09.2006 - 06.2008
- Developed differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles and enhance student engagement.
- Fostered a safe and positive learning community, promoting student confidence and participation.
- Facilitated elementary after-school academy to strengthen math and language arts skills, supporting academic growth.
- Built strong connections with colleagues to foster collaboration.
Education
M.A. - Elementary Education
New York University
New York, NY05.2005
B.S. - Environmental Science, Psychology
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ01.2002
Skills
- classroom management
- student assessment
- lesson planning
- active learning strategies
- collaboration techniques
- critical thinking development
- team building
- Problem-solving skills
Certification
- NJ Science Certification Grades 5-8
- NJ Certification in Elementary Education K-5
- NY Certification in Elementary Education
Professional Awards And Accomplishments
- Received a teacher leadership role through the Wipro Science Educational Fellowship (SEF) science teaching program in Partnership with Montclair State University, 2014
- Nominated to participate in Clouds Program through Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, 2012
- Recognized for Outstanding Teacher Leadership, 2007
- Professional to distinguished teaching evaluations
Professional And Leadership Experience
- Participated in summer institute to work with and gather knowledge on writing curriculum that aligns to Next Generation Science Standards.
- Attended several NSTA National Conferences on Science and STEM education.
- Worked with team on redeveloping and writing unit guides for district's science curriculum for grades K-7 that support the NGSS.
- Developed and worked on district S.T.E.M curriculum for elementary grades PreK-5 grades, aligning to state standards.
- Participated in summer 'Sustainability' workshop to gain knowledge of topic and how to implement the school's new ecology center into the curriculum.
- Instructor of the Micro-Society extended school day program.
- Partnership with Seton Hall student teacher program, focusing on classroom management, lesson planning, and Common Core Standards.
- Student Council Advisor
- Member of the school-wide Data Team analyzing scores and developing strategies for effective classroom instruction.
- Selected to participate in district team Common Core PLC.
- Implemented and facilitated school-wide professional development on Common Core.
- Member of the Project Achieve Extended school day program. Developed the Elementary Engineering Program.
- District mentor teacher
- Organized Read Across America program 2009-2011.
- Co-Coordinator of Orange District Science Fair, as well as, school wide Science Fair
- Worked throughout year on Curriculum Mapping Initiative for district.
- Participated in summer data analysis team that gathered and recorded teaching strategies to focus on for upcoming year.
Affiliations
STEM Mentorship, Monmouth Ocean Pal Organization 2019-Present
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Third Grade Teacher
Gables Elementary School
09.2025 - Current
Middle School General Science Teacher Grade 8
Neptune Middle School
09.2024 - 06.2025
S.T.E.M. Elementary Teacher
Gables Elementary School
09.2017 - 06.2024
Middle School Science Teacher Grades 5-7
Forest Street Elementary School
09.2010 - 06.2017
Elementary Science Teacher Grades K-6
Forest Street Elementary School
09.2008 - 06.2010
First Grade Teacher
Forest Street Elementary School
09.2006 - 06.2008
M.A. - Elementary Education
New York University
B.S. - Environmental Science, Psychology
Rutgers University