Shannon Elizabeth Lawless
Secondary Science And Special Education Teacher
Verona,NJ
Summary
Fourth-year high school Life Science teacher experienced in supporting diverse general and special education learners through equitable, inquiry-centered instruction. Skilled in designing and facilitating phenomena-based learning aligned with NGSS to deepen student engagement and scientific reasoning. Active MTSS team member contributing to data-informed instructional decisions and collaborative problem solving. Currently completing a Master of Education in Science Education and pursuing doctoral study to research how phenomena-based learning and NGSS-aligned practices can be more effectively leveraged to improve science teaching and learning.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
General Education and Special Education Science Teacher
Vernon Township High School
09.2021 - Current
- Designed and implemented NGSS-aligned curricula in Biology and Life Sciences.
- Utilized differentiated instruction to meet the needs of general education and special education students.
- Conducted action-based research within the classroom to improve teaching practices and student learning outcomes.
- Integrated social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies and culturally responsive teaching methods.
- Served as member of the Freshman Academy and I&RS (MTSS) intervention teams.
- Instructor for Vernon Success Academy, supporting at-risk students through credit recovery programs.
District Local Coordinator
Educatius – International Program
05.2023 - 06.2024
- Managed the International Students Program for VTSD.
- Coordinated student placements with host families, conducted home visits, and monitored student well-being.
Volunteer ESL Tutor
TESOL Certification Program
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Provided 1:1 tutoring to adult ESL learners from Brazil, China, and Taiwan.
- Implemented instructional strategies for language acquisition and communication improvement.
- Collaborated with TESOL faculty to evaluate language-learning progress and instructional efficacy.
Clinical Experience 3 – High School Biology Student Intern
Newark Arts High School
01.2021 - 05.2021
- Supported instruction in Forensic Science and CP Biology courses.
- Led small-group virtual lessons and facilitated online learning platforms.
Clinical Experience 2 – High School Biology Student Intern
Columbia High School
09.2020 - 12.2020
- Assisted instruction in AP, Honors, and CP Biology as well as Anatomy.
- Integrated digital tools to promote inquiry-based learning.
Clinical Experience 1 – High School Biology Student Intern
Cranford High School
01.2020 - 05.2020
- Observed and analyzed instructional practices across multiple science disciplines.
- Reflected on teaching philosophy and inclusive classroom practices.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Secondary & Special Education
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ05.2022
Master of Education - Teaching Science Teachers
Teachers College Columbia University
New York, NY 05.2001 -
No Degree - Teaching English To Speakers of Other Languages
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ 05.2001 -
Skills
Instructional design
Fostering student involvement
Academic support
Effective classroom instruction
Hands-on project instruction
Implementing inquiry-driven educational strategies
Certification
NJ Teaching Certification in Biological Science
ACADEMIC HONORS
New Jersey Distinguished Clinical Award Nominee - Nominated 2022
Kappa Delta Pi International Honors Society in Education - Inducted Spring 2022
Seton Hall College of Education Ambassador - Inducted Fall 2022
Affiliations
- National Science Teacher Association Member (NSTA)
- New Jersey Education Association Member (NJEA)
- Phi Delta Kappa International Honors Society Member (KDP)
Timeline
District Local Coordinator
Educatius – International Program
05.2023 - 06.2024
NJ Teaching Certification in Biological Science
08-2022
NJ Teaching Certification of Students with Disabilities, Grades K-12
05-2022
Seton Hall Endorsed Certificate of Information Technologies
05-2022
General Education and Special Education Science Teacher
Vernon Township High School
09.2021 - Current
Clinical Experience 3 – High School Biology Student Intern
Newark Arts High School
01.2021 - 05.2021
Clinical Experience 2 – High School Biology Student Intern
Columbia High School
09.2020 - 12.2020
Clinical Experience 1 – High School Biology Student Intern
Cranford High School
01.2020 - 05.2020
Volunteer ESL Tutor
TESOL Certification Program
01.2019 - 01.2022
Master of Education - Teaching Science Teachers
Teachers College Columbia University
05.2001 -
No Degree - Teaching English To Speakers of Other Languages
Seton Hall University
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Secondary & Special Education
Seton Hall University