SONJA GRIFFIN
Rochester,New York
Summary
Experienced Lead Teacher Mentor with valuable experience in classroom administration, professional development, and project planning, equipped with an extensive background in versatile education environments, seeking an Assistant Principal position within the Rochester City School District. Student-centric instructor, academic facilitator, and motivational coach working to promote academic advancement for all students by ensuring educational equity in all areas of learning.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
LEAD TEACHER MENTOR
Rochester City School District
08.2018 - Current
- Provided intensive instructional support guided by four Domains of Danielson's Framework for Teaching: Planning and Preparation, Classroom Environment, Instruction, and Professional Responsibilities.
- Established positive relationships with teacher interns and provided timely, specific oral and written feedback on classroom observations.
- Analyzed student work and data to support identifying instructional goals and developing long-range plans.
- Examined Common Core teaching standards and directed classroom application with teacher interns.
- Explored and facilitated professional opportunities for new teacher interns and attended workshops and conferences jointly.
- Examined student work and discussed effective assessment techniques
- Explored classroom management techniques, including implementing Culturally Responsive Teaching.
- Developed and optimized rich learning environment by capitalizing on diverse engagement strategies and enriching teaching techniques
- Observed and recorded teacher methods to suggest improvements and increase student interest.
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Rochester City School District
08.2006 - 08.2018
- Responsible for delivering instruction to students with various classifications, including students diagnosed with Autism.
- Over ten years of experience working in Self-contained and Integrated Co-Teaching Classrooms.
- Developed lesson plans and delivered Specially Designed Instruction that aligned with Common Core Standards and provided different approaches to learning based on students' Individual Educational Learning Plans.
- Created and monitored SMART goals with students based on learning needs.
- Discussed students' progress with parents, other teachers, counselors, and administrators.
- Supervised and mentored teacher assistants and paraprofessionals who work with students with disabilities.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on special education laws and regulations.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies and applied instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
Department of Human Services Case Worker
Monroe County Department Of Health
02.1999 - 06.2006
- Adhered to strict client confidentiality laws and site-specific procedures to uphold privacy and provide best experience possible.
- Described procedures, requirements and benefits to clients and interested parties.
- Prepared documents for review and completion by service applicants, supporting completion and responding to questions.
- Kept and established comprehensive case files to support proper documentation and record retention.
- Established positive relationships with aid recipients and assessed goals, working hard to address individual needs and tailor services to suit them.
- Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.
- Collaborated with other professionals to plan and coordinate care for clients.
- Assisted clients in developing and setting realistic goals to promote positive change.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with community resources for successful referrals.
- Provided crisis counseling and intervention services to clients in emergency situations.
Education
School District Leadership Certification - Educational Leadership
Bank Street College of Education
New York, NY07.2020
Master of Education Leadership -
Bank Street College of Education
New York, NY05.2020
Certificate of Specialization in Autism - Education of Individuals With Autism
Nazareth University
Rochester06.2017
Master in Education - Education of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs
Roberts Wesleyan College
Rochester, NY05.2008
Bachelor of Science - Human Services/ Health Science Counseling
SUNY College At Brockport
Brockport, NY05.2000
Skills
- Strong talent for finding unconventional solutions to imposing problems
- Exhibit cultural awareness that is grounded in authentic relationships, which honors cultural identities of all school community members
- Ability to foster teacher leaders in support of collective responsibility, innovation, and improved pedagogy
- Leads others individually or in teams to ensure that curriculum, instruction, and assessment are deeply rooted in culturally responsive approaches
- Facilitated professional development training focusing on restorative practice strategies
Certification
School Building Leader, Initial Certificate
Students With Disabilities (Grades 5-9), Generalist, Professional Certificate
Generalist In Middle Childhood Education (Grades 5-9), Professional Certificate
Students With Disabilities (Grades 1-6), Professional Certificate
Childhood Education (Grades 1-6), Professional Certificate
Certificate of Specialization in Autism
Timeline
LEAD TEACHER MENTOR
Rochester City School District
08.2018 - Current
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Rochester City School District
08.2006 - 08.2018
Department of Human Services Case Worker
Monroe County Department Of Health
02.1999 - 06.2006
School District Leadership Certification - Educational Leadership
Bank Street College of Education
Master of Education Leadership -
Bank Street College of Education
Certificate of Specialization in Autism - Education of Individuals With Autism
Nazareth University
Master in Education - Education of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs
Roberts Wesleyan College
Bachelor of Science - Human Services/ Health Science Counseling
SUNY College At Brockport
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