STEPHEN MACKESSY
Newtown,CT
Summary
Dynamic educator with extensive experience teaching children of all ages and cultural backgrounds across diverse settings. Passionate about fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, acceptance, and creativity. Proven ability to adapt teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each student, ensuring a supportive and engaging learning experience. Committed to inspiring a love for learning and empowering students to reach their full potential.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
First Grade Teacher
New Milford Public Schools
New Milford, CT
08.2019 - Current
Literacy Tutor
Regional School District 12
Bridgewater, CT
08.2017 - 06.2019
- Developed individualized literacy plans to enhance student reading comprehension and fluency.
Kindergarten/First Grade Multi Grade Classroom Teacher/Long Term Sub
Regional School District 12
Bridgewater, CT
08.2015 - 06.2016
Interventionist
New Milford Public Schools
New Milford, CT
08.2014 - 06.2015
Drama Instructor K-6
New Covenant Charter School
Albany, NY
08.2004 - 06.2005
First/Second/Third Grade Teacher
Scott Joplin Elementary School
Chicago, IL
08.2000 - 06.2003
First Grade Teacher
PS-103
The Bronx, NY
08.1998 - 06.2000
Education
Master of Education - Curriculum and Instruction: Education
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL01-2002
Bachelor of Science - Education-Elementary Education: Annotation in Early Childhood Concentration in Theater Arts
State University of New York at the College of Oneonta
Oneonta, NY01-1999
Skills
- Used Science of Reading programs and strategies to help students become strong readers
- Created, organized, and shared a digital library of information and tools with my colleagues to help facilitate best practices across the grade level
- Leading member of the school climate committee responsible for assessing, promoting, and improving the social, emotional, and physical safety of the school environment
- Organized and acted as MC for school wide activities and assemblies to help promote a loving, supportive, and accepting community
- Member of the report card evaluation committee, tasked with evaluating and rewriting the district report card
- Used meditation and mindfulness techniques in the classroom to cultivated a community of compassion and respect
- Organized school-wide literacy events (visiting authors) promoting reading engagement among students and families
- Established a positive classroom environment fostering social and emotional development
- Taught in a collaborative classroom, working with special education staff to support diverse learning needs including ADHD, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, cognitive disorders, and autism spectrum
- Utilized assessment tools like Dibels and IReady to monitor student progress and adjust instructional strategies, identifying areas of need for individual students and assist with MTSS
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring all students made progress towards academic goals
- Built positive relationships with families to involve them in the educational process
- Used various tools including emails, Parent Square, Google Classroom, Class Dojo to effectively communicate with families
- Created a website for parents to view pictures and videos of classroom activities throughout the year to help families build connection and form a better understanding of their child's day
- Developed students' critical thinking skills through inquiry-based learning activities and group projects
- Explored age appropriate science topics with STEM activities
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication
- Used responsive classroom to foster proactive learning communities based on empathy, acceptance, and respect
- Employed Ipads, Chromebooks, IMovie, Google Classroom, and art to facilitate creative project based lessons
- Advised the Student Council in providing school spirit activities and fundraising events for local charities
- Used a strong background in theater arts to create and expressive and imaginative classroom
- Created and coordinated a production showcasing talent from many grade levels
Timeline
First Grade Teacher
New Milford Public Schools
08.2019 - Current
Literacy Tutor
Regional School District 12
08.2017 - 06.2019
Kindergarten/First Grade Multi Grade Classroom Teacher/Long Term Sub
Regional School District 12
08.2015 - 06.2016
Interventionist
New Milford Public Schools
08.2014 - 06.2015
Drama Instructor K-6
New Covenant Charter School
08.2004 - 06.2005
First/Second/Third Grade Teacher
Scott Joplin Elementary School
08.2000 - 06.2003
First Grade Teacher
PS-103
08.1998 - 06.2000
Master of Education - Curriculum and Instruction: Education
Lewis University
Bachelor of Science - Education-Elementary Education: Annotation in Early Childhood Concentration in Theater Arts
State University of New York at the College of Oneonta