Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

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, IL
01-2002

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, NY
01-1999

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