PATRICIA M. OAKLAND
Arlington,MA
Summary
Dynamic Special Education Teacher specializing in Orton-Gillingham and Wilson instruction and IEP development. Proven track record of enhancing student engagement and progress monitoring while fostering a supportive learning environment. Passionate about empowering students with diverse learning needs to achieve their fullest potential.
Overview
1
1
Certification
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Reading teacher
Lexington Public Schools
01.2026 - 05.2026
- Delivered targeted reading instruction aligned with Lexington Public Schools literacy curriculum to enhance student reading skills.
- Assessed student reading levels to identify and select effective intervention materials for improved literacy outcomes.
- Planned and implemented differentiated lessons for small groups and individual learners to address diverse reading needs.
- Monitored student progress through reading conferences and observations
- Encouraged love of reading and promoted literacy to students.
- Communicated positively with students through engaging conversations.
- Interpreted assessment data to determine best intervention methods for students.
- Analyzed and reported on each student's progress in reading in accordance with school district's policies.
- Spoke with parents to discuss student progress and discuss reading issues.
- Engaged students in meaningful conversations about literature topics using higher order questioning techniques.
- Employed authentic assessment tools such as progress monitoring or self-reflection activities to measure progress towards reading objectives.
- Integrated technology into the classroom by utilizing online resources to supplement traditional teaching methods.
- Provided individualized support to struggling readers through one-on-one tutoring sessions.
- Adapted lessons according to the needs of diverse learners to make them engaging.
- Promoted positive behavior management techniques while monitoring student conduct in the classroom.
- Established an effective rapport with parents and guardians through regular communication regarding student progress.
- Provided feedback on student performance and incorporated best practices into daily instruction.
- Created and implemented compliant IEPs, progress reports and state-specific special education documentation.
- Evaluated student needs to provide helpful resources and support.
- Demonstrated appropriate behaviors using behavior modeling and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Advocated for student inclusion and success in general education environments.
- Adapted instructional techniques to appropriate ages and skill levels of students.
- Helped students learn to persevere with challenging tasks and build resilience for later educational efforts.
Special Education Teacher
Winchester Public Schools
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Developed IEP goals and accommodations for Winchester Public Schools students.
- Supported general education teachers with inclusive lesson planning.
- Tracked student progress and adjusted instruction based on assessments.
- Managed behavior plans through positive supports and clear classroom routines.
- Delivered direct instruction in reading, writing, and math skill areas.
- Communicated with families about student needs, services, and classroom expectations.
- Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs.
- Created a safe environment conducive to learning for special education students.
Special Education learning center teacher
Belmont Public Schools
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Taught individualized reading and math lessons in Belmont Public Schools learning center
- Monitored student progress through regular assessment and data review
- Collaborated with classroom teachers on lesson planning and instructional support
- Adapted instructional materials for diverse learning needs and skill levels
- Communicated with families about student learning and classroom concerns
- Managed small-group instruction with clear routines and behavior expectations
- Created a positive classroom environment that encouraged learning and collaboration amongst peers.
- Assisted students with understanding course material by providing individualized instruction and guidance.
- Assisted in the development of IEPs for special education students.
- Integrated multimedia resources into daily lessons in order to engage students in active learning experiences.
- Conducted assessments of student progress in order to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional methods.
- Developed lesson plans, activities and assignments to help students master academic concepts.
- Encouraged independent problem solving techniques amongst students through guided practice sessions.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress.
- Attended professional development workshops in order to stay abreast of new trends in education.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
- Developed interesting and interactive learning methods tailored to help students with individual needs.
- Solved student behavioral issues according to building expectations and codes of conduct.
- Established and maintained dynamic working relationships with students and parents to support classroom objectives.
- Prepared and graded subject tests for students.
- Created and enforced child-based, hands-on curriculum to promote student interest and receptive learning.
- Used videos, and moderated discussions to engage students during class.
- Performed student background reviews and strengths to develop lessons based on student needs.
Special Education learning center teacher
Brookline Public Schools
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Taught individualized reading and math lessons in Belmont Public Schools learning center
- Supported student accommodations aligned with IEP goals and classroom expectations
- Monitored student progress through regular assessment and data review
- Collaborated with classroom teachers on lesson planning and instructional support
- Adapted instructional materials for diverse learning needs and skill levels
- Managed small-group instruction with clear routines and behavior expectations
- Guided students in building study habits, independence, and classroom confidence
- Counseled individual students regarding personal issues that may be affecting their academic achievement.
- Assisted students with understanding course material by providing individualized instruction and guidance.
- Assisted in the development of IEPs for special education students.
- Integrated multimedia resources into daily lessons in order to engage students in active learning experiences.
- Conducted assessments of student progress in order to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional methods.
- Adapted curricula as needed based on student strengths and weaknesses in order to ensure success in meeting educational objectives.
- Provided feedback on performance and progress to parents and school administrators.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, grades, behavior.
- Encouraged independent problem solving techniques amongst students through guided practice sessions.
- Facilitated small group discussions among students to encourage critical thinking skills.
- Utilized data analysis tools such as rubrics or checklists in order to assess student performance levels.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Supported English language learners by providing additional assistance with language development skills.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
- Maintained consistent and timely contact with parents about student behavior and upcoming events.
- Collaborated with outside agencies providing services for students and families to deliver cohesive support.
- Established and maintained dynamic working relationships with students and parents to support classroom objectives.
- Facilitated student operation of augmented communication devices.
Special Education Teacher
Waltham Public Schools
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Monitored student progress and adjusted instruction based on assessments.
- Managed behavior plans using positive supports and clear classroom routines.
- Communicated with families about student needs, services, and classroom expectations.
- Provided direct instruction in reading.
- Collaborated with other educators and professionals to design instructional plans.
- Created a safe environment conducive to learning for special education students.
- Conducted assessments of student performance and provided feedback to parents.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Collaborated closely with related services providers such as speech therapists.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
- Established positive relationships with students and their families.
- Developed and maintained individualized skill-appropriate lesson plans to promote and build student confidence.
- Assisted in the development of IEP goals based on data analysis.
- Instructed special education classes using evidence-based practices.
- Supported diverse student populations through equitable instructional design and programming.
- Utilized technology resources such as online programs and assistive devices.
- Created and implemented compliant IEPs, progress reports and state-specific special education documentation.
- Designed and delivered personalized learning for each student and advocated for student inclusion and success in general education environments.
- Built relationships with students and guardians through active communication and positive feedback.
Reading Specialist
Christa McAuliffe Charter School
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Collaborated with teachers as co-teacher and interventionist to enhance student learning in reading, math, and writing.
- Planned and conducted targeted small group lessons to improve study skills and content understanding.
- Managed IEP paperwork and data collection to ensure compliance and support student progress.
- Led annual reviews, prepared and presented at 3-year re-evaluations
Response to Intervention
Tecca Connections Academy
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Taught exclusively on line, using a complex and thorough SLM system
- Taught individualized and small group response to intervention lessons to students in grades K-5 and monitored progress, attendance, concept taught and level of engagement
- Created engaging and fun lessons that kept students attention
- Co-taught with grade-level teachers daily
- Coordinated with teachers and provided support for students and the technical platform during co-teaching
- Developed online lessons and identified supplemental tools to enhance instructional effectiveness
- Reached out to families and teachers to coordinate content and invite to extra lessons.
- Updated lesson reports to reflect attendance and content taught
- Assisted students with additional resources during class
- Became lead teacher on occasion of classroom teacher absence.
- Implemented evidence-based practices such as Applied Behavior Analysis, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, Response to Intervention to support student success.
Special Education Co-Teacher and interventionist
Billerica Public Schools
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Implemented targeted interventions in Math, Reading, and Writing for 4th graders to enhance student comprehension and performance
- Co-facilitated engaging lessons in Math and ELA classrooms, promoting collaborative learning and individualized support
- Supported inclusion classrooms at Billerica Public Schools with special education instruction
- Adapted assignments and materials for individualized student accommodations and learning needs
- Counseled individual students or small groups of students about educational issues or personal concerns.
- Implemented research-based interventions that addressed student learning deficits.
- Prepared lesson plans that incorporated accommodations and modifications based on individual student's needs.
- Provided direct and specialized instruction in small groups or one-on-one settings, as specified on the IEPs.
- Created an environment conducive to learning by establishing clear expectations for behavior while providing appropriate guidance when needed.
- Teamed with general education teachers to plan and implement curriculum, state and district-wide assessments.
- Encouraged student empathy of others to build confidence and improve self-image.
- Analyzed student data and prescribed remediation and enrichment to meet learning needs.
- Enhanced students' physical, behavioral and social skills through class activities.
- Helped students learn to persevere with challenging tasks and build resilience for later educational efforts.
- Adapted instructional techniques to appropriate ages and skill levels of supervised students.
- Communicated student needs with school support teams.
- Enforced restorative justice initiatives designed to help address underlying problems that lead to misbehavior.
- Documented evaluation results, treatment plans and other actions according to requirements.
- Created Individual Education Plans for students who needed additional support or accommodations.
- Analyzed data from assessments and observations in order to identify trends in student behavior over time.
- Maintained detailed records of interventions, progress, and challenges to inform future planning.
- Chaired IEP meetings and guided agenda priorities.
- Conducted appropriate educational evaluations and presented for incorporation into development of IEP.
- Managed IEP timeline and accompanying paperwork.
Special Education Resource Room Teacher, Liaison and co-teacher
McAll Middle School
01.2018 - 05.2018
- Collaborated with lead teacher to enhance instruction in 6th grade ELA, Math, and Science classrooms.
- Managed and organized IEP paperwork to ensure compliance and support student needs.
- Planned and conducted targeted small group lessons to improve study skills and content understanding.
- Led annual reviews, prepared and presented at 3-year re-evaluations
Special Education Associate Teacher
Prospect Hill Academy Charter School
01.2017 - 05.2017
- Sub-separate Social Studies, ELA, Executive Function Skills Teacher
- Co-teacher 6th grade ELA
- Facilitated self-regulation strategies to enhance on-task performance for all students
- Coordinated multidisciplinary services to ensure comprehensive support for students' diverse educational needs
Inclusion Support Teacher 6th& 8th grade
Ottosen Middle School
Arlington, MA
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Delivered tailored accommodations and modifications for the caseload of 30 students to enhance learning access.
- Responsible for ensuring that IEP plans were followed by providing instruction, guidance, and direction to teachers and teaching assistants
- Coordinated and led IEP meetings, including initial and exit transition meetings, driving effective planning and support.
- Facilitated clear and ongoing communication with IEP team members to ensure collaborative support for student needs.
- Created study skills curriculum and taught lessons to 2-4 classes per day
- Conducted and presented educational assessments (Woodcock-Johnson, Scranton, others).
- Transitioned the data management system from SEMStracker to Easy IEP for improved efficiency.
- Developed assistive technology for students and teachers to use in assessments.
Substantially Separate Language Based Grade 5 Teacher
Horace Mann Laboratory School
Salem, MA
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Organized and presented curriculum to eight students according to state and local standards and their individualized IEP goals and objectives.
- Developed measurable lessons and collected data to enhance student performance in the MCAS Alternative Assessment.
- Oversaw the process of creating an MCAS alternative portfolio for seven students.
- Developed Behavioral Plans; maintained and collected data to support each student's behavioral plan.
- Managed complex schedule of pull-out services to ensure timely support for student learning needs.
- Advocated for increased inclusion, resulting in improved access to educational opportunities for students.
- Maintained communication with parents, students, and colleagues
Grade 5 Teacher/Grade 6 teacher
Saint Clement's Elementary School
Medford, MA
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Developed curriculum for 4th-6th grade ELA classes to meet accreditation standards.
- Delivered Archdiocese curriculum to up to 26 students.
- Created, administered, and corrected grade-level lessons and assessment pieces in all curriculum areas.
- Maintained ongoing communication with parents, students, and colleagues; scheduled and conducted parent conferences.
- Participated in parent-teacher conferences, weekly tutoring sessions, daily recess and pickup duty, and weekly lunch and drop off duty.
- Developed, managed, and updated class and individual behavior plans.
- Promoted enhanced support services for students facing learning and behavioral challenges.
- Supported faculty with IEP-related issues and attended IEP meetings for school.
- Reviewed and assessed accreditation documents in committee meetings to ensure compliance.
Health Teacher
Lawrence Public Schools
Lawrence, MA
01.2005 - 01.2005
- Delivered health curriculum to 5th-8th grade students, aligning instruction with state and local standards.
- Taught health education lessons aligned with Lawrence Public Schools curriculum
- Planned classroom activities for student wellness and health literacy
- Assessed student understanding using quizzes, discussions, and classwork
- Managed a bi-weekly rotating schedule.
ABA/Floor Time Therapist
ARC
Boston, MA
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Provided early intervention services for infants and toddlers diagnosed with PDD- NOS.
- Collected and analyzed ABA data to inform individualized treatment plans.
- Drafted special education goals for presentation at IEP meetings, aligning them with each child's unique needs.
- Advocated for children's needs at IEP meetings by articulating concerns and clarifying information for parents and educators.
- Assisted parents in navigating complex emotions during early intervention. through the initial stage of acceptance.
- Taught parents and new employees to carry over and deliver floor time therapy and ABA.
- Prepared children's families to attend Integrated Education Plan meetings
- Participated in transitional IEP meetings.
Paraprofessional
various Districts
01.1999 - Current
- Performed duties in line with my position as asked.
- Assisted teachers with lesson preparation and instructional materials
- Supervised students during class, in transitions, and at recess
- Instructed reading, math, and writing skills in small groups
- Helped implement IEP accommodations
- Communicated student needs with teachers and district staff
- Applied positive reinforcement to redirect negative behaviors
- Created and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues
- Supported students with accessing academic instruction.
- Attended professional development workshops related to job responsibilities.
- Communicated and collaborated well with educators from various grade levels.
- Performed duties in line with my position as asked.
- learned how to work with paraprofessionals in a classroom setting, in anticipation of working with people who held the role under my supervision.
Education
Master of Education - Professional Studies in Secondary Education
Salem State College
Salem, Massachusetts01-2002
Bachelor of Science - Physical Education and Biology
Salem State University
Salem, MA01-1995
Massachusetts Initial Special Education License - Moderate Disabilities Prek-8
Massachusetts Teaching License - General Science 1-5, 5-8
SEI endorsement -
Skills
- Orton-Gillingham instruction
- Wilson Instruction
- Reading intervention
- Educational assessment
- IEP development
- Special education compliance
- Progress monitoring
- Small Group Instruction
- Transition planning
- Special education laws
- Student engagement
- Parent-teacher engagement
Certification
License # 383149
Timeline
Special Education Reading teacher
Lexington Public Schools
01.2026 - 05.2026
Special Education Teacher
Winchester Public Schools
01.2024 - 01.2025
Special Education learning center teacher
Belmont Public Schools
01.2023 - 05.2023
Special Education learning center teacher
Brookline Public Schools
01.2023 - 05.2023
Special Education Teacher
Waltham Public Schools
01.2022 - 01.2023
Reading Specialist
Christa McAuliffe Charter School
01.2022 - 05.2022
Response to Intervention
Tecca Connections Academy
01.2019 - 01.2020
Special Education Co-Teacher and interventionist
Billerica Public Schools
01.2018 - 01.2019
Special Education Resource Room Teacher, Liaison and co-teacher
McAll Middle School
01.2018 - 05.2018
Special Education Associate Teacher
Prospect Hill Academy Charter School
01.2017 - 05.2017
Inclusion Support Teacher 6th& 8th grade
Ottosen Middle School
01.2010 - 01.2013
Substantially Separate Language Based Grade 5 Teacher
Horace Mann Laboratory School
01.2009 - 01.2010
Grade 5 Teacher/Grade 6 teacher
Saint Clement's Elementary School
01.2006 - 01.2008
Health Teacher
Lawrence Public Schools
01.2005 - 01.2005
ABA/Floor Time Therapist
ARC
01.2003 - 01.2005
Paraprofessional
various Districts
01.1999 - Current
Master of Education - Professional Studies in Secondary Education
Salem State College
Bachelor of Science - Physical Education and Biology
Salem State University