Nina Prasso
Bayside,New York
Summary
Professional educator prepared to excel in academic settings, bringing valuable experience in curriculum development and student mentorship. Known for fostering collaborative learning environments and achieving educational goals. Reliable team player adaptable to changing needs, with expertise in course design and classroom management, and commitment to student success.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Substitute Teacher
New York City Public Schools
01.2022 - Current
- Teach all subjects grades K-5: Familiar with Google Classroom, Promethean Board, Computer Technology curriculum
District Coordinator of Music and the Arts
Garden City School District
01.2008 - 01.2022
- Supervise, observe and support Music and Art Departments K-12
- Manage the Fine and Performing Arts and BOCES Arts In Education budgets; handle equipment and supply purchases, and other services including instrument and equipment repair, district wide memberships, awards, dues and participation fees, and educational trips (Marching Band, All State, All National and All Eastern)
- Oversee applications for senior scholarships, Scholar Artist and NAMM Best Communities for Music Education
- Host and plan for student participation in annual countywide NYSSMA festivals, All County rehearsals, art exhibits and competitions
- Conduct a K-12 Art Curriculum Review
- Create interview committees, hire, maintain and promote staff for tenure
- Act as BOCES Arts In Education liaison for the district
- Conduct professional development workshops and department meetings
- Active committee memberships in NYSCAME (past president), NYMEA, ASA and Balanced Mind Conference organizations
- Teach high school vocal lessons for the chorus program and middle school string lessons for the orchestra program
- Participate actively in architectural planning of new art and music facilities
Associate Professor
Five Towns College, Dix Hills, New York
01.2008 - 01.2014
- Teach various late afternoon Graduate Classes (3 credits/semester): Music in the Elementary School, Musical Theatre in Schools, Advanced Choral Conducting, Administration of Music and the Arts
Music Teacher
CenterStage: The Queens Center for the Performing Arts
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Teach Music and Movement, Music Theory, Youth Chorus, and Orchestra for Suzuki students ages 3-16 (Saturday mornings)
Director of Art and Music
East Islip School District
01.2003 - 01.2008
- Supervised Music, Art and TV Broadcasting/Video staff for all district schools
- Manage the Fine and Performing Arts and BOCES Arts In Education budgets
- Observed teachers and provided ongoing evaluation and support
- Hosted and planned various countywide festivals, concerts and rehearsals
- Created interview committees, hired, maintained and promoted staff for tenure
- Acted as the BOCES Arts In Education liaison for district
- Conducted professional development workshops and staff meetings
- Participated actively in architectural planning of new art and music facilities
- Actively sought grant monies, such as for a new Middle School MIDI lab
- Coordinated bookings and contracts for National Dance Competition events at the school district’s Rydzeski Hall.
Coordinator of Music and Fine Arts
Lindenhurst Public Schools
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Supervised Music and Art Departments for all seven schools in the district
- Observed teachers and provided ongoing evaluation and support
- Interviewed, hired and trained new staff
- Supervised new teacher training
- Conducted professional development workshops and monthly staff meetings
- Facilitated the development of music and art curriculum
- Managed budget allocations and ordering of supplies and equipment
Music Teacher
Grover Cleveland High School, Department of Education, City of New York
01.1993 - 01.2001
- Served as lead teacher for Advanced and Beginning Chorus classes
- Taught Chorus, Music Theory, Piano, Musical Theatre, and Independent Study courses
- Served as Project Arts Coordinator (1998-2001)
- Mentored student teachers
- Conducted winter and spring concerts (1993-2001)
- Directed and choreographed musicals (1994-2000)
- Served as chapter sponsor of the Tri-M Music Honor Society
- Organized Education at the Met - Metropolitan Opera Lincoln Center Trips.
Music Teacher
Bayside High School, Department of Education, City of New York
01.1991 - 01.1993
- Taught Chorus, Music Theory, Piano and General Music
- Evaluated incoming music students for placement into magnet program
- Prepared musical numbers for International Festivals
Education
Specialist Diploma - Administration and Supervision
Queens College, City University of New York
01.2002
Doctor of Education - undefined
Teachers College, Columbia University
New York01.1997
Master of Science - Music Education
Queens College, City University of New York
01.1993
Bachelor of Art - Music Education
Queens College, City University of New York
01.1991
Skills
- Classroom management
- Choral Conducting
- Vocal Pedagogy
- Multiple Language Skills
- Student engagement
- Diversity and inclusion
- Google classroom
- SMART technology
- MS office
- Course planning
- Academic writing
Affiliations
American Association of School Administrators, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, National Association for Music Education, New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education (Nassau NYSCAME President 2012-2014), Nassau County Music Educators’ Association
Certification
- New York State School District Administrator/Supervisor
- New York State Teacher of Music
Timeline
Substitute Teacher
New York City Public Schools
01.2022 - Current
District Coordinator of Music and the Arts
Garden City School District
01.2008 - 01.2022
Associate Professor
Five Towns College, Dix Hills, New York
01.2008 - 01.2014
Music Teacher
CenterStage: The Queens Center for the Performing Arts
01.2008 - 01.2013
Director of Art and Music
East Islip School District
01.2003 - 01.2008
Coordinator of Music and Fine Arts
Lindenhurst Public Schools
01.2001 - 01.2003
Music Teacher
Grover Cleveland High School, Department of Education, City of New York
01.1993 - 01.2001
Music Teacher
Bayside High School, Department of Education, City of New York
01.1991 - 01.1993
Doctor of Education - undefined
Teachers College, Columbia University
Master of Science - Music Education
Queens College, City University of New York
Bachelor of Art - Music Education
Queens College, City University of New York
Specialist Diploma - Administration and Supervision
Queens College, City University of New York
Publications
- Doctoral Dissertation: “An examination of the effect of writing melodies, using a computer-based song-writing program, on high school students’ individual learning of sight-singing skills.” Teachers College, Columbia University, New York
- “The Use of Music to Enhance Language Learning.” The SIGnal, (Spring 1996 issue)
- “West Side Story: A real story.” FOTNOTEN, No. 6, 1994, Swedish Board of Education
Honors
Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, 5th & 7th editions (1998, 2002), Pi Kappa Lambda, National Music Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi National Educational Honor Society, Queens College Choral Society Award in Music Education, Discimus Ut Servianus Music Award, Rathause Memorial Award