Richard F. Spinelli
Buffalo,NY
Summary
I am a highly motivated educator who has experience working in a wide variety of school related positions. I believe in teamwork, positive support strategies, and restorative practices. Coming from a family of educators, my passion for teaching, supporting, and presenting opportunities is deep rooted. I am focused on making the most out of time, energy and resources in order to maximize student success and provide a robust school experience for all stakeholders.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Middle School Principal
Pioneer Central School District
Yorkshire, New York
04.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented school wide policies, procedures and protocols for student safety.
- Provided leadership to faculty and staff in order to ensure successful academic programming.
- Monitored staff performance and provided feedback to ensure quality instruction.
- Coordinated professional development activities for teachers.
- Organized school events such as assemblies, field trips, parent nights.
- Created and maintained positive relationships with parents and community members.
- Supervised all aspects of daily operations including budgeting, scheduling, personnel management.
- Conducted regular evaluations of school programs to identify areas for improvement.
- Maintained records on student attendance, grades and discipline issues.
- Investigated complaints from parents or students regarding any issues within the school environment.
- Participated in the hiring process by interviewing potential candidates.
- Developed positive relationships with school students, teachers and local community.
Middle School Assistant Principal
Pioneer Central School District
Yorkshire, New York
01.2023 - 04.2023
- Provided guidance and support to teachers, staff and students in the school.
- Developed and implemented school policies, procedures and programs for student achievement.
- Resolved conflicts between faculty members and students.
- Acted/Assumed the roles and responsibilities of building principal from April 2023-April 2024.
Assistant Principal
Stanley G. Falk School
Buffalo, NY
08.2019 - 12.2022
- Provided guidance and support to teachers, staff, students and families.
- Facilitated CSE meetings and reviewed IEP writing.
- Trained all staff in TCI (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention) and offered on the spot demonstrations in the classroom.
- Responsible for tracking student attendance and addressing chronic absenteeism.
- Facilitated and participated in the DEI committee.
- Bridged communication, trust and relationships with all stakeholders.
Support Counselor/Behavior Specialist
Stanley G. Falk School
Buffalo, NY
09.2016 - 08.2019
- Responsible for managing behaviors by building relationships, identify specific student needs and training staff in instructional and support strategies.
- Offered immediate support for students, staff and families in crisis. Developed plans, behavior mods and implemented Positive Behavioral Intervention Strategies.
- Trained and supervised staff in documenting student situations.
- Transportation Coordinator
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) Instructor
- Lunch room monitor & support
Special Education Teacher Grade 6-7 & High School
Stanley G. Falk School
Buffalo, NY
03.2011 - 08.2016
- Developed interesting course plans to meet academic, intellectual and social needs of students.
- Developed and implemented interesting and interactive learning mediums to increase student understanding of course materials.
- Received high remarks for the creativity of classroom lesson plans and instructional techniques from students, parents and faculty.
Teacher Aide
Stanley G. Falk School
Kenmore, NY
02.2006 - 09.2011
- Worked cooperatively with teachers at the middle and high school levels to instruct large and small groups, track grades and behavioral progress, and create class-wide and individual behavioral interventions.
- Assisted students with emotional and learning disabilities in completing class work and working towards IEP goals.
- Chaperoned student work study experiences and field trips.
- Trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention.
- Coached junior varsity basketball and baseball
Education
Master of Science - School Building Leadership
Canisius College
Buffalo, NY05-2020
Master of Science - Special Education
D'Youville College
2011
Bachelor's Degree - Human Services
Hilbert College
Skills
- Experience working with students of all ages, as well as students with special needs
- Communication with all stakeholders
- SEL, TCI, DEI, Attendance and PBIS leader and instructor
- Classroom management
- Behavior modifications
- Clear public speaking skills
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) trainer
- Compassionate
- Child Protective Services (CPS) knowledge and McKinney Vento facilitator
- Conflict resolution training
- Behavioral intervention specialist
- Special Education and IEP knowledge
Accomplishments
Education Strategies
- Worked with special education students, grades K through 12, for over 12 years.
- Employed special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory/perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory.
Timeline
Middle School Principal
Pioneer Central School District
04.2024 - Current
Middle School Assistant Principal
Pioneer Central School District
01.2023 - 04.2023
Assistant Principal
Stanley G. Falk School
08.2019 - 12.2022
Support Counselor/Behavior Specialist
Stanley G. Falk School
09.2016 - 08.2019
Special Education Teacher Grade 6-7 & High School
Stanley G. Falk School
03.2011 - 08.2016
Teacher Aide
Stanley G. Falk School
02.2006 - 09.2011
Master of Science - Special Education
D'Youville College
Bachelor's Degree - Human Services
Hilbert College
Master of Science - School Building Leadership
Canisius College