RAYMOND C. MCKENNA
Atlantic Highlands
Summary
Dynamic Transition Coordinator and Special Education Teacher with a proven track record at Governor Livingston High School, excelling in IEP development and vocational training. Adept at fostering relationships and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to enhance student outcomes, I successfully implemented tailored curricula that significantly improved student engagement and skill acquisition.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Transition Coordinator & Special Education Teacher
Governor Livingston High School
Berkeley Heights
08.2025 - Current
- Developed and supervised community-based job placements for high school students with disabilities, coordinating with local employers, providing on-site training, and ensuring that each placement aligned with students' individualized vocational goals and transition plans.
- Created and implemented vocational curricula tailored to students' individual strengths and needs, integrating real-world skill development with classroom instruction.
- Co-taught English, History, and Social Studies, adapting academic content, designing accessible materials, and supporting students' literacy, comprehension, and critical-thinking skills across settings.
- Presented, discussed, and analyzed student progress during IEP meetings with families and interdisciplinary teams, communicating data on academic, behavioral, and vocational development; collaborated closely with general education teachers-including co-teaching partners in English, History, and Social Studies-to ensure that instructional plans and accommodations were aligned and effective.
Head English Tutor
Academic Resources
Morris Plains
08.2018 - Current
- Instructed students in standardized test preparation (ACT, SAT, HSPT, ISEE, SSAT).
- Strengthened student skills in reading comprehension, grammar, and essay writing.
- Conducted in-person and virtual small group classes for middle and high school students.
Co-Director
ABLE Adults
Stirling
02.2025 - 07.2025
- Oversaw day-to-day operations of a day habilitation program for adults with developmental disabilities.
- Coordinated staffing, programming, and individualized support plans.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations and maintain a person-centered philosophy.
Vocational Teacher
First Children Services
Plainfield
01.2024 - 08.2024
- Developed community job placements for high school students with disabilities.
- Created and implemented vocational curricula tailored to individual needs.
- Presented and discussed student progress in IEP meetings with families and interdisciplinary teams.
Transition Coordinator
The Center School
Somerset
11.2020 - 07.2023
- Partnered with local businesses and colleges to develop transition pathways for students.
- Created individualized transition plans and coordinated post-secondary support.
- Facilitated IEP meetings with a focus on future planning and skill development.
Teacher
Lafayette Elementary School
Chatham
01.2020 - 11.2020
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
Teacher
ECLC of NJ
Chatham
09.2016 - 08.2019
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child's educational journey.
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching: Dual Certification (K-6 and Students with Disabilities)
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ05.2016
Bachelor of Arts - English, Minor in Psychology
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ05.2012
Skills
- IEP Development & Implementation
- Vocational & Life Skills Training
- Standardized Test Preparation
- Curriculum Design
- Team Collaboration & Leadership
- Virtual and In-Person Instruction
- Community job placement
- IEP facilitation
- Problem solving
- Relationship building
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Transition Coordinator & Special Education Teacher
Governor Livingston High School
08.2025 - Current
Co-Director
ABLE Adults
02.2025 - 07.2025
Vocational Teacher
First Children Services
01.2024 - 08.2024
Transition Coordinator
The Center School
11.2020 - 07.2023
Teacher
Lafayette Elementary School
01.2020 - 11.2020
Head English Tutor
Academic Resources
08.2018 - Current
Teacher
ECLC of NJ
09.2016 - 08.2019
Master of Arts - Teaching: Dual Certification (K-6 and Students with Disabilities)
Montclair State University
Bachelor of Arts - English, Minor in Psychology
Montclair State University