Paula DiCanio
CHEEKTOWAGA
Summary
Dedicated and skilled literacy specialist proficient in implementing tailored instruction and addressing individual needs focusing on fostering student growth and maximizing potential. Known for collaborative teamwork and achieving impactful results in an educational setting. Skillful in directing classroom environments and enhancing student behavior through positive and forward-thinking approaches. Caring relationship-builder with analytical mindset and good decision-making skills.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Elementary Education Teacher
Niagara Falls City School District
08.2021 - Current
- Developed learning objectives for each subject area to quantify learning and set benchmarks.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
- Implemented hands-on activities to promote active learning and reinforce concepts across multiple subjects.
- Promoted student growth by differentiating instruction based on individual needs and learning styles.
- Designed daily lesson plans customized to student needs.
- Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
- Assisted struggling students with targeted interventions, leading to increased confidence and improved academic performance.
- Provided regular feedback to students on progress and assigned grades based on performance.
- Facilitated cooperative learning groups to encourage teamwork skills and peer collaboration within the classroom setting.
- Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Prepared and administered grade-specific tests and examinations regulated by school district to monitor students' growth and to report progress to parents.
- Evaluated student performance regularly through assessments, providing timely feedback for continued improvement.
- Maintained student portfolios to monitor learning progress and completion of work required for promotion to next grade level.
- Administered various reading tests and determined student reading levels based on assessment findings.
- Enhanced classroom management by implementing positive reinforcement and clear expectations for behavior.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
- Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Contributed towards achieving school-wide goals by serving on committees focused on curriculum development, instructional technology integration, or other relevant topics within the field of elementary education.
- Organized extracurricular programs such as clubs or tutoring sessions to provide additional support for students in need.
- Completed professional development courses to stay current on best practices in elementary education, applying new techniques to improve teaching methods.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Coached, mentored and evaluated student teachers for progress against program objectives.
- Pursued professional development during summer months to maintain certification and extend skills.
- Attended students' concerts, sporting events and performances to offer support and encourage extracurricular activities.
- Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Scheduled and directed field trips and hands-on activities to foster student learning and creativity.
- Established a positive classroom environment by fostering strong relationships with students and their families.
- Improved parent-teacher communication through regular updates, conferences, and newsletters detailing student progress.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
Fully Remote Classroom Teacher
South Buffalo Charter School
08.2020 - 07.2021
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, ensuring all students were able to access the curriculum and make progress in their learning.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and refining instructional techniques accordingly.
- Championed inclusionary practices within the classroom setting by accommodating diverse needs of students with special education plans or language barriers, enabling them to succeed alongside peers in mainstream classrooms.
- Established clear expectations for behavior and classroom management, creating a respectful and productive learning atmosphere.
Reading Coach
South Buffalo Charter School
08.2017 - 08.2019
- Conducted ongoing evaluations of literacy improvement action and communicated results to teachers and administrators.
- Trained educators on best practices in literacy instruction, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Guided teachers to collect and analyze data and developed action plans in response to determined student needs.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop individualized literacy plans for struggling students, resulting in improved reading levels.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with literacy research and best practices, ensuring continued growth as an educator.
- Evaluated instructional materials and resources to ensure alignment with district goals and state standards for English Language Arts education.
- Created engaging lesson materials that encouraged critical thinking and text analysis skills among students.
- Conducted professional development workshops on effective literacy strategies for colleagues, enhancing overall instructional quality.
- Analyzed student assessment data, providing insights for tailored instruction and support.
- Promoted a culture of collaboration among staff members through regular team meetings focused on sharing best practices in literacy instruction.
- Contributed to the development of school-wide literacy initiatives that promoted student achievement across all subject areas.
- Developed cross-curricular projects that integrated literacy skills into other subject areas, deepening student understanding.
- Assessed literacy needs of school by reviewing student data and current curriculum.
- Served as a mentor to new educators, sharing expertise in curriculum planning and classroom management techniques.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators and parents to determine how best to support student success.
Literacy Specialist
South Buffalo Charter School
09.2015 - 08.2019
- Collaborated with teachers across various subjects to incorporate literacy skills into their lesson plans, enhancing interdisciplinary learning.
- Established positive relationships with families, collaborating on strategies to support at-home literacy development efforts.
- Collaborated with teachers to ensure consistent implementation of reading interventions across all subject areas.
- Monitored and evaluated effectiveness of reading interventions, making data-informed adjustments as needed.
- Streamlined process of tracking student progress in reading, making it easier to adjust instructional strategies for better outcomes.
- Boosted reading fluency through consistent, focused practice and personalized feedback.
- Developed individualized learning plans for diverse learners, addressing specific literacy needs and goals.
- Enhanced reading comprehension by implementing targeted literacy interventions and strategies.
- Contributed to the development of school-wide literacy initiatives aimed at improving achievement for all students.
- Reduced reading achievement gaps by identifying and addressing specific barriers to individual student progress.
- Promoted a culture of literacy within the school community through various events, such as book fairs, author visits, and family reading nights.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, adjusting instruction as needed to optimize growth.
- Conducted comprehensive reading assessments to identify student needs and tailor instruction accordingly.
- Analyzed data trends to identify areas of need and inform instructional decision-making processes related to reading interventions
- Performed assessments and analyzed results to spot students in need of further help.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
Elementary Teacher
South Buffalo Charter School
08.2004 - 08.2015
- Diversified classroom instruction and group activities to successfully support students with unique strengths and learning styles.
- Implemented assessment techniques to document growth, development, and knowledge advancements.
- Communicated with parents regarding curriculum and upcoming activities and provided feedback on student performance.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Integrated existing and new technology into classroom to help provide a creative and fun learning environment.
- Leveraged classroom discussion strategies to engage students, promote topics and boost learning opportunities.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular lesson plans, deepening students' understanding of multiple subjects.
- Developed strong relationships with students and their families through consistent communication and involvement in school events.
- Provided individualized and diversified instruction to support student comprehension and assist with navigating challenges.
- Increased overall student achievement by utilizing differentiated instructional methods tailored to individual learning styles.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular lesson plans, deepening students'' understanding of multiple subjects.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Supported special education inclusion efforts by adapting lessons and working closely with specialists to meet individual student needs.
- Communicated student progress, academic difficulties, or behavioral concerns to parents, guardians and administration using tact and professionalism to improve student academic performance.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses, and learning patterns.
- Maintained student portfolios to monitor learning progress and completion of work required for promotion to next grade level.
- Promoted a positive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations and fostering strong communication between students, parents, and staff members.
- Improved students'' reading comprehension levels by implementing interactive and engaging literacy activities.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through formative assessments, adjusting teaching strategies as needed for improved outcomes.
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments, and assessments, and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
- Led extracurricular activities such as after-school tutoring programs, enhancing student success beyond the classroom setting.
- Served on school committees focused on improving instructional practices, furthering professional growth, and advancing educational initiatives.
- Incorporated multicultural perspectives into lesson plans, promoting diversity awareness among students.
- Enhanced student motivation and participation through the development of diverse, hands-on learning experiences.
- Implemented creative classroom management techniques to maintain an orderly and focused learning environment.
- Contributed to the improvement of school-wide curriculum by participating in professional development workshops and sharing insights with colleagues.
- Fostered critical thinking skills in students through inquiry-based instruction methods that challenged them to analyze complex ideas.
- Designed and presented lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using variety of teaching techniques to appeal to various learning styles within assigned grade level.
- Prepared and administered grade-specific tests and examinations regulated by school district to monitor students' growth and to report progress to parents.
- Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Coached, mentored and evaluated student teachers for progress against program objectives.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
- Taught core subjects of math, science, technology, and history.
- Pursued professional development during summer months to maintain certification and extend skills.
- Administered various reading tests and determined student reading levels based on assessment findings.
- Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
- Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
- Retained student interest and maximized receptive learning.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Attended students' concerts, sporting events and performances to offer support and encourage extracurricular activities.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
- Scheduled and directed field trips and hands-on activities to foster student learning and creativity.
- Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
- Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
- Provided regular feedback to students on progress and assigned grades based on performance.
Education
Master's of Education - Reading and Elementary Education
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg, PA2006
Bachelor of Science - Media Communications and Technology
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg, PA2003
Skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Student assessment
- Cultural awareness
- Student records management
- Differentiated instruction
- Individualized learning
- Adaptability
- Cognitive development
- Progress monitoring
- Continuous improvement
- Team teaching
- Goal setting
- Parent-teacher communication
Certification
- Childhood Education
- Literacy Specialist
Leadership Experience
- Active member of school leadership team
- ELA Department Chair for grades 4-8
- Induction/Mentoring program support teacher
- Student Government Advisor
- Grade level data leader
- Homebound Instructor
- Vice President, Families First, non-profit community organization
- Spearheaded various fundraisers for Families First
Timeline
Elementary Education Teacher
Niagara Falls City School District
08.2021 - Current
Fully Remote Classroom Teacher
South Buffalo Charter School
08.2020 - 07.2021
Reading Coach
South Buffalo Charter School
08.2017 - 08.2019
Literacy Specialist
South Buffalo Charter School
09.2015 - 08.2019
Elementary Teacher
South Buffalo Charter School
08.2004 - 08.2015
Master's of Education - Reading and Elementary Education
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science - Media Communications and Technology
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
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