Renee Rossi
Summary
Dynamic kindergarten teacher with almost 30 years of experience in creating impactful learning experiences. Skilled in integrating social-emotional learning and collaborating with families to support student progress. My mission has been to transform my classroom into a collaborative, growth and kindness environment. A place where children actively work together to solve problems, achieve common goals and shared decision making! My approach combines high academic rigor with targeted social-emotional support. I believe that "we're better together" and would love to support our school in celebrating our diversity, fostering resilience and nurturing that passion for learning.
I am committed to continuing to grow alongside my students and colleagues.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Kindergarten Teacher
Wallingford Board Of Education
New Haven, Connecticut
08.1996 - Current
- Established a model classroom for small group instruction that influenced the practices at Stevens School and throughout Wallingford Public Schools.
- Integrated SEL through daily check-ins, affirmations, and student discourse, fostering a safe classroom culture where students feel empowered and connected.
- Implemented individualized instruction tailored to diverse learning needs.
- Organized materials and resources, enhancing learning experiences tailored to student needs.
- Collaborated with parents and guardians to address student progress.
- Integrated technology tools within lessons to boost student engagement.
- Participated in professional development workshops to enhance teaching methodologies.
- Designed and executed engaging lesson plans and expanded purposeful play centers, aligning with state curriculum standards to support holistic development.
Permanent Substitute Teacher
New Haven Public Schools
New Haven, CT
09.1995 - 06.1996
- Adapted teaching methods for bilingual special education pre-k class, delivering engaging lessons across subjects to cater to diverse learning needs.
Summer School Teacher/Tutor
Wallingford
, Connecticut
- Created and implemented lesson plans that engaged students in the learning process for ELA in Wallingford and privately over the years.
Education
Sixth Year Degree - Foundations
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT05-1998
Master of Science - Remedial Reading
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT05-1996
Bachelor of Science, Duel Major - Elementary EDU & Recreation And Leisure Studies
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT08-1994
Skills
- Positive Behavior Supports
- Data driven instruction
- Differentiated Instruction
- STEM Instruction
- Grade Level Collaboration
Skills Continued:
- Technology integration
- Parent collaboration with Star Attraction Week, Student highlights on ParentSquare and Mystery Readers
- Piano proficiency
- Play based curriculum design
- Patient and Flexible
- Empathetic and Compassionate
- Creative and Innovative using music, role playing and feeling checks
- Active Listening and Adaptability
- Experience with assessment tools (Dibbles, I-Ready, PAST, Second Step)
- Working Partnerships with Instructional and Special Education Para-Educator, Lunch/Recess AIde, Intervention Teachers and Resource Teachers
Certification
PROVISIONAL EDUCATOR (13) ELEMENTARY, K-6
PROVISIONAL EDUCATOR (13) REM READING & REM LANG, 1-12
PROVISIONAL EDUCATOR (13) REM READING & REM LANG, 1-12
Accomplishments
EC Stevens School Teacher of the Year 2026
Affiliations
STEM Enrichment Program
Each meeting included exciting hands-on experiences that introduced students to a wide variety of concepts about space science.
Each meeting included exciting hands-on experiences that introduced students to a wide variety of concepts about space science.
Professional Development
- Building Thinking Classrooms online webinar 2026
- Wiley Blevins Phonics and Small Group Instruction and online webinars 2024-2026
- Heart Centered Management Method online trainings and toolkit implementation 2023-2026
- Literacy HOW– Literacy HOW/Wallingford Public Schools 2022-2023
- Math Running Records-Ann Elise/Wallingford Public Schools 2023
- Number Talks and The Math Block- TJ Jemison Wallingford Public Schools 2022-2024
- Monthly and yearly district professional development Wallingford Public Schools 1996-2026
Committees and School Involvement
- Climate Committee
- Building-based PD. I have lead activities and attended:
- Family Arts Night at Stevens
- Volunteered at Planetarium, Science Nights
- Kindergarten Bus Orientation
- Stevens Ice-Cream Social
- Directed our Kindergarten End of Year Program and accompanied students on the piano
Timeline
Kindergarten Teacher
Wallingford Board Of Education
08.1996 - Current
Permanent Substitute Teacher
New Haven Public Schools
09.1995 - 06.1996
Summer School Teacher/Tutor
Wallingford
Sixth Year Degree - Foundations
Southern Connecticut State University
Master of Science - Remedial Reading
Southern Connecticut State University
Bachelor of Science, Duel Major - Elementary EDU & Recreation And Leisure Studies
Southern Connecticut State University