Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Section name
Timeline
Generic

Rosemarie Finn-Torchia

Moorestown,USA

Summary

Dynamic Special Education Teacher with extensive experience at Steinhauer School, adept at developing individualized education plans (IEPs) and fostering a positive learning environment. Skilled in differentiated instruction and classroom management, I empower diverse learners to achieve academic success while promoting self-advocacy and independence. Committed to enhancing student growth through collaboration and innovative strategies. Qualified School Counselor certified with solid background in Special Education, providing tailored instructional strategies for diverse learning needs. Successfully implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) to enhance student engagement and progress. Demonstrated expertise in behavior management and fostering inclusive classroom environments.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Special Education Teacher, MD, ERI and SC

Maple Shade BOE - Steinhauer School
08.2016 - Current
  • 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.
  • Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
  • Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
  • Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methods.
  • Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
  • Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
  • Encouraged parent and guardian involvement in educational process, enhancing home-school connection and supporting student achievement.
  • Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
  • Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.

Job Coach

Moorestown School District
10.2014 - 08.2016
  • Monitored client progress and adjusted job coaching strategies to meet needs and navigate challenges.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with community resources to support job coaching.
  • Monitored and tracked client progress through consistent follow-up sessions, adjusting strategies as needed to ensure continued success in achieving employment goals.
  • Collaborated with local employers to identify job opportunities for clients.
  • Implemented practical goal-setting techniques with clients to keep them focused on achieving desired outcomes during their job search process.
  • Empowered entry-level job seekers by developing essential soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and adaptability through targeted coaching sessions.

Emotional Support Teacher

Pine Hill School District
09.2001 - 06.2003
  • Participated in professional development opportunities focused on supporting the emotional growth of students, enhancing my skills as an educator.
  • Served as a mentor to new Emotional Support Teachers, providing guidance on best practices and sharing valuable resources.
  • Enhanced emotional well-being of students by fostering positive relationships and creating a supportive classroom environment.
  • Provided one-on-one support for students struggling with emotional or behavioral challenges, promoting healthy coping skills and self-regulation strategies.

Transition Coordinator, Special Education Teacher

Central Bucks School District
02.1996 - 06.2001
  • Collaborated with service members to provide effective transition planning.
  • Researched and located appropriate services for students with various disorders.
  • Promoted inclusion within the school community by collaborating with special education staff to facilitate seamless transitions for students with disabilities.
  • Assisted individuals with addressing disabilities and developing career plans.
  • Coordinated community resources and secured referrals.
  • Organized college and career exploration events to help prepare students for post-secondary transitions successfully.
  • Increased parent involvement in transition planning through targeted outreach efforts and educational workshops.
  • Advocated on behalf of transitioning students in IEP meetings, ensuring that appropriate accommodations were made available as needed.

Education

Master of Arts - School Counseling

Gwynedd Mercy College
Gwynedd Valley, PA
05.2001

Master of Science - Special Education

College of New Rochelle
New Rochelle, NY
05.1995

Bachelor of Arts - English, Minor in Communications

Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PA
05.1990

Skills

  • Differentiated instruction
  • Classroom management
  • Individual education plans ieps
  • Small group instruction
  • Behavior management

Certification

  • Wilson Reading Certified
  • CPR certified
  • YMHFA (Youth Mental Health First Aid) certified

Accomplishments

  • Teacher of the Year-2023
  • Veteran Teacher of the Year -2020
  • Outstanding Wildcat Recipient
  • 9 Years of Changing One Life at a Time

Section name

  • Serve on the Community Outreach and Special Projects Committee at Steinhauer School.
  • Advisor for the Battle of the Books Program 2022-2025
  • Retirement Committee Chair for Steinhauer
  • Announcer for Pheasant Run Swim Club Swim meets

Timeline

Special Education Teacher, MD, ERI and SC

Maple Shade BOE - Steinhauer School
08.2016 - Current

Job Coach

Moorestown School District
10.2014 - 08.2016

Emotional Support Teacher

Pine Hill School District
09.2001 - 06.2003

Transition Coordinator, Special Education Teacher

Central Bucks School District
02.1996 - 06.2001

Master of Science - Special Education

College of New Rochelle

Bachelor of Arts - English, Minor in Communications

Saint Joseph's University

Master of Arts - School Counseling

Gwynedd Mercy College