Suzanne Amato
Tuxedo Park,NY
Summary
Experienced Elementary Montessori teacher with a proven record of pioneering new in-person, virtual, and homeschool programs. Skilled at translating elementary Montessori methods into diverse learning environments, driven by a genuine passion for fostering innovative, inclusive, and engaging educational experiences.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Elementary Lead Guide
Guidepost Montessori Virtual School
08.2020 - Current
- Spearheaded successful launch of inaugural Montessori virtual classroom, leveraging digital tools and materials for an enriched and inclusive learning experience.
- Innovatively crafted immersive virtual student workspace using Kumospace, elevating engagement and collaboration within virtual realm.
- Translated Montessori curriculum into compelling virtual setting, prioritizing community, connection, and consistency to create an inclusive, engaging, and enjoyable learning experience.
- Formulated data-driven goals and objectives, tailoring differentiated instruction and individualized learning plans to accommodate diverse learning styles across four grade levels.
- Pioneered conducive learning environment for neurodiverse learners, introducing digital tools and community parameters to support executive function and ADHD learners.
- Significantly enhanced student growth and achievement, evidenced by data-driven outcomes on MAP Growth and IXL diagnostic, with majority of students progressing from below to significantly above grade level performance.
- Implemented my customized Montessori-based language arts curriculum, demonstrating data-proven student growth and achievement.
- Attained and sustained highest levels of parent satisfaction and student engagement within new virtual program.
- Established robust parent communication tools and parameters, providing comprehensive parent education through written and digital detailed weekly updates and periodic parent education seminars.
- Conducted meetings with prospective families to provide comprehensive overviews of program structure, Montessori pedagogy, and adeptly addressed inquiries to ensure informed decision-making.
- Crafted concise and engaging social media posters to effectively promote advantages of virtual Montessori learning environment across various social media platforms.
- Fostered a strong sense of community and connection school-wide by implementing systems to consistently share student presentations across multiple program levels.
- Served as mentor and model for new and assistant guides, contributing to the professional development and team success.
Upper Elementary Teacher
Ridgewood Montessori School
08.2016 - 08.2020
- Pioneered and expanded the upper elementary program from its inception with eleven 3rd and 4th graders to a thriving class encompassing 4th through 8th graders.
- Orchestrated impactful parent education events, effectively communicating the advantages of a Montessori elementary education to foster understanding and support.
- Systematically transcribed intricate Montessori shelf-work details onto a spreadsheet, laying the foundation for the seamless digitization of individualized work plans.
- Innovatively crafted digital individualized work plans, catering to the diverse needs of both neurotypical and atypical learners, showcasing a commitment to inclusive education.
- Assiduously monitored and documented behavior for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), maintaining direct communication with student therapists to optimize learning environments.
- Strategically implemented the elementary program in Transparent Classroom, streamlining administrative processes and enhancing overall program efficiency.
- Spearheaded the creation of an adaptive online/remote learning program, ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of high-quality Montessori education through digital and printable materials at the onset of the pandemic.
Owner
Home-Based Educational Services
08.2009 - 08.2016
- Founded and led a successful Montessori elementary homeschool program, showcasing leadership in educational innovation.
- Demonstrated resourcefulness by personally curating and acquiring Montessori materials, fostering a seamless progression from concrete to abstract learning for students.
- Pioneered a dynamic educational approach, emphasizing discovery and project-based learning, elevating the overall educational experience for students under my guidance.
Curriculum Coordinator
Waterfront Montessori
08.2008 - 08.2009
- Coordinated both upper and lower elementary curricula, showcasing strong organizational and leadership skills in ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive educational approach.
- Spearheaded the establishment of a pioneering upper elementary program, meticulously crafting the curriculum, designing weekly work plans, coordinating presentations, and delivering engaging lessons.
- Used multifaceted skill set to develop, orchestrate, and deliver comprehensive lessons across all academic subjects for both lower and upper elementary.
- Crafted and presented distinctive, captivating lessons across all subject areas, fostering an environment of enthusiasm and active participation.
- Innovated in diverse areas, including technology integration, experiential learning, literacy initiatives, and conflict resolution, contributing to a dynamic and enriched educational experience.
- Navigated the educational landscape by instructing both general education students and individuals with diverse learning needs, demonstrating adaptability and inclusivity.
- Implemented effective techniques and strategies for behavior redirection, systematically replacing disruptive patterns with positive behaviors to create a conducive learning atmosphere.
- Provided guidance to trainee teachers to ensure program success.
Upper Elementary Language Arts Specialist
The Spring School
08.2004 - 08.2008
- Collaboratively instructed a diverse group of sixty 4th through 8th-grade students across all subjects, concurrently pioneering the establishment of an impactful upper elementary language arts program.
- Created Montessori-based reading and writing program including the six meta-cognitive comprehension strategies and the six traits of writing.
- Created and led two annual full-length theater productions with 60 students, including casting, directing, producing and coaching students in theater activities.
Inside Sales Specialist
Sanyo Semiconductor
Allendale, NJ
10.1995 - 10.2001
- Analyzed data from various sources such as sales orders, forecasts, inventories. to create accurate production plans.
- Negotiated prices, terms of sale and service agreement to close transactions.
- Developed and maintained production schedules to meet customer demands.
- Maintained detailed account records and contact logs to facilitate sales process.
- Responded to customer inquiries quickly and professionally to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Liaised between outside sales representatives and accounts to optimize customer service.
- Used strong verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
Education
CMTE -
The Center for Montessori Teacher Education
01.2008
BA - English Literature, education/
Montclair State University
01.1999
Montessori Elementary Level I and II Macte certified -
Skills
- Canva for Education
- Altitude Learning Platform
- G Suite for Education
- Microsoft 365
- Transparent Classroom
- Dibel, F&P literacy assessments
- Learning platforms: IXL, Kahoot, Zearn, Kumospace, Zoom
- Test prep: MAP Growth remote testing, ISEE, SAT, SSAT, Terra-Nova; Bergen Academies entrance exam/essay
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
"Education is not simply the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think."
A. Einstein
Timeline
Elementary Lead Guide
Guidepost Montessori Virtual School
08.2020 - Current
Upper Elementary Teacher
Ridgewood Montessori School
08.2016 - 08.2020
Owner
Home-Based Educational Services
08.2009 - 08.2016
Curriculum Coordinator
Waterfront Montessori
08.2008 - 08.2009
Upper Elementary Language Arts Specialist
The Spring School
08.2004 - 08.2008
Inside Sales Specialist
Sanyo Semiconductor
10.1995 - 10.2001
CMTE -
The Center for Montessori Teacher Education
BA - English Literature, education/
Montclair State University
Montessori Elementary Level I and II Macte certified -
Affiliations
AMS: American Montessori Society
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