Tara DOttavio
Summary
Passionate Elementary Teacher for 5 years in both rural and urban settings. Proven history of creating engaged classroom environments supporting diverse educational styles. Versatile student-oriented approach consistently supporting optimum performance and advancement.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
1st Grade Elementary Teacher
Mā`ili Elementary School
07.2021 - Current
- Taught in a Title 1, hard-to-place school, serving a diverse student population with high needs which included a population of 21, ages 6-8
- Differentiated instruction to support students from varied socioeconomic and linguistic backgrounds.
- Implemented trauma-informed and culturally responsive teaching strategies to foster student engagement.
- Developed strong classroom management and conflict resolution skills in a high-needs environment.
- Implemented effective assessment strategies for ongoing monitoring of student progress, adjusting instruction as needed to support success.
- Served on school committees focused on curriculum development, safety initiatives, behavioral support, student wellness, technology integration, and community outreach programs contributing positively to the overall school environment.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends, enhancing instructional techniques accordingly.
- Established strong relationships with parents through regular communication, involving them in their child''s education and fostering a supportive home-school partnership.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects that reinforced important concepts across multiple subjects.
Head Special Education Teacher
REECE SCHOOL
09.2020 - 06.2021
- Cared for and taught a population of six students, ages 9-11, all with various disabilities or learning needs as defined by an individualized education plan (IEP) in a 6:1:1 classroom
- Created and implemented lesson plans daily including but not limited to literacy, math, social studies, science, and health based on the needs and interests of students
- Developed and implemented Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for all students along with Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) and ensured that these goals and interventions were being followed to support student success and achievement
- Conducted, analyzed, and maintained data logs for all formal and informal assessments along with student portfolios
- Tracked progress and continuously altered instruction and differentiated for all students
- Designed teaching philosophy, refined classroom management skills, and procedures that reflected teaching experiences
- Co-planned and collaborated with other head teachers regularly to enhance learning for students
- De-escalated situations professionally and thoughtfully including physical intervention as needed through Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training
- Exercised continuous two-way communication with parents and caregivers to ensure the emotional, physical, and overall well-being and success of all students
Assistant Director & Co-Pre-K teacher
CREATIVE KIDS OF MAHOPAC CHILDCARE CENTER
06.2019 - 06.2020
- Planned and implemented daily differentiated lessons for multiple parts of the day with a class of 11 ages 4-5
- Supervised staff to ensure safety, health, and curriculum was implemented to the highest level
- Conducted weekly observations of staff to discuss possible enhancements to classroom
- Acted as a mentor to teachers and trained teachers to improve their skills
- Assisted director with planning, managing, marketing, and directing the childcare program
- Maintained center paperwork, keeping files on each child and proof of meeting government regulations
- Planned school events including field trips, school visitors, and other learning-enhancing experiences
- Exercised continuous two-way communication with parents and caregivers to ensure the emotional, physical, and overall well-being and success of all students
- Designed and executed a lesson plan on multiculturalism and diversity through a read aloud and discussions
- Supported students' writing skills by instructing multiple writing workshops
- Contributed to students' understanding by leading small-group and whole-class instruction
- Took initiative through managing the Morning Meet and Greet each day
- Developed and implemented 2 whole-class lessons including a math/science lesson and an art lesson for a classroom of individuals with disabilities
- Worked one on one with students with autism, developmental delays, non-verbal students, and other students with a range of disabilities
- Designed and executed multiple lesson plans through read aloud and discussion
- Consistently adapted lesson plans to fit the individual needs of each student
Education
Master of Science - Literacy Education
STATE UNIVERSITY of NEW YORK - College at Cortland
Cortland, NY08.2020
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood/Childhood Education Dual Major, Concentration in English
STATE UNIVERSITY of NEW YORK - College at Cortland
Cortland, NY05.2019
Skills
- Certified Google Educator
- Classroom-based project management
- CPR & First Aid Certified
- In-Depth Knowledge of Microsoft Office Tools
- CPI Trained (Crisis Prevention Institute)
- Peer collaboration
- Child development
- Special education support
- Project-based learning
- Creating Individualized Education Plans
- Physical education
Additional Teaching Experience
- Practicum Student, 1st Grade, Cayuga Heights Elementary School, Ithaca, NY, 01/01/18 - 05/31/18
- Practicum Student, 3-5-Year-Olds, Franziska Racker Center, Cortland, NY, 01/01/17 - 05/31/17
- Student Teacher, Pre-K, Homer Elementary School, Homer, NY, 01/01/19 - 03/31/19
- Student Teacher, 5th Grade, Alton B. Parker Elementary School, Cortland, NY, 03/01/19 - 05/31/19
- Student Intern, Kindergarten, Groton Elementary School, Groton, NY, 09/01/18 - 12/31/18
Presentations & Professional Development
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHOOLS CONFERENCE
Atlanta, Georgia | February 2019
- Created and implemented lesson plan with a kindergarten class based on math read-aloud child study
- Debriefed with a team of educators, revised lesson plan, and observed in a new kindergarten classroom
- Coordinated a presentation regarding the math read-aloud child study conducted in a kindergarten placement
SUNY CORTLAND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WEBINAR
Cortland, NY, 05/01/20
- Co-created a professional development for a variety of teachers based on formative assessment
- Planned with a team of pre-service teachers to develop webinar
- Overlooked webinar to ensure understanding for cooperating teachers
Timeline
1st Grade Elementary Teacher
Mā`ili Elementary School
07.2021 - Current
Head Special Education Teacher
REECE SCHOOL
09.2020 - 06.2021
Assistant Director & Co-Pre-K teacher
CREATIVE KIDS OF MAHOPAC CHILDCARE CENTER
06.2019 - 06.2020
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood/Childhood Education Dual Major, Concentration in English
STATE UNIVERSITY of NEW YORK - College at Cortland
Master of Science - Literacy Education
STATE UNIVERSITY of NEW YORK - College at Cortland
Similar Profiles
Antoine MabonghotAntoine Mabonghot
Language Instructor at International Language Institute (ILI)Language Instructor at International Language Institute (ILI)
Julius MinglanaJulius Minglana
Classroom Teacher in Multi-grade class of 5th and 6th Grade, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Arts Teacher at Josol Elementary School, Lambayong Elementary School, Tampakan Central Elementary School, Datal Biao Elementary School, Tablu Elemntary SchoolClassroom Teacher in Multi-grade class of 5th and 6th Grade, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Arts Teacher at Josol Elementary School, Lambayong Elementary School, Tampakan Central Elementary School, Datal Biao Elementary School, Tablu Elemntary School
VaChanta A. SimmsVaChanta A. Simms
Contract Teaching Artist at Carter G. Woodson Elementary, Ariel Elementary Community Academy, James E. McDade Elementary Classical School, James R. Doolittle Elementary SchoolContract Teaching Artist at Carter G. Woodson Elementary, Ariel Elementary Community Academy, James E. McDade Elementary Classical School, James R. Doolittle Elementary School
Michelle FordMichelle Ford
1st Grade Elementary Teacher at Crosby Independent School District1st Grade Elementary Teacher at Crosby Independent School District
Kelsey (Bates) BrunellKelsey (Bates) Brunell
1st Grade Elementary Teacher at Oxford Preparatory Academy1st Grade Elementary Teacher at Oxford Preparatory Academy