Tara V.T. Lappa
Lucas,TX
Summary
Highly knowledgeable, committed, and creative educator with 23 years of teaching experience at the elementary level with 6th Year Advanced Studies degree in Literacy & Coaching. Possesses excellent leadership and communication skills for effective collaboration with students, parents, teachers, and staff. The breadth of skills and expertise gained from working with diverse populations and environments enables cultivating productive, trusting, and authentic relationships. Dedicated professional strongly committed to maintaining high standards in education and ensuring student success.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Educator, Third-Grade Math; First-Grade
LOVEJOY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
08.2023 - Current
- Performed all standard duties as an elementary general education teacher per Texas requirements
- Member of the Superintendent Council
- Completed HB 3 Reading Academy
Third Grade Teacher and Team Leader
WILTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
08.2012 - 06.2023
- Wrote district-wide curriculum for third-grade Reading and Math
- Team Leader
- Member of the Adult Design Team; formed to create a positive school climate
- Organized, planned and directed weekly team meetings to plan interventions
- Prepared materials and classrooms for class activities
- Observed and evaluated students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' needs and interests
- Planned/conducted activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time
- Instructed students individually and in groups, using appropriate teaching methods
- Established clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects
- Prepared, administered, and graded tests and assignments in order to evaluate students' progress
- Attended staff development and wrote district curriculum with Jennifer Serrevallo
- Conferred with parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic needs
- Met with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress, and to determine their priorities for their children and their resource needs
- Maintained accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations
- Established and taught the Newspaper Club resulting in the first newspaper in the school
- Taught Helping Hands Club to students interested in improving school climate
Permanent Building Substitute K-5
WESTPORT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
08.2011 - 06.2012
- Fulfilled short- and long-term substitute assignments in various classrooms
- Built positive rapport with students and educators
- Completed Singapore Math and Responsive Classroom Staff Development Trainings
Educator, Fourth-Grade General Education
HIGHLAND PARK INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
08.2010 - 06.2011
- Performed all standard duties as an elementary general education teacher per Texas requirements
- Initiated and implemented the Lucy Calkins Units of Study Reader’s Workshop
- Wrote Social Studies Curriculum for the district
Educator, Fourth-Grade Writing Interventionist; Third-Grade Math; First-Grade
DALLAS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
08.2002 - 06.2010
- Consistent, measurable track record of student success when intervening with at-risk populations in reading and writing
- Prepared 75 students/year for state writing assessment with a track record of student growth and success that consistently exceeded expectations
- Presented writing curriculum during DISD staff development trainings
- Staff coordinator for Special Events, Arts Partners, United Way, and Oprah’s Angel Network
- Member of the Campus Instructional Leadership Team; Master Teacher; New Teacher Mentor
Transaction Control Authority Coordinator
GE CORPORATE (Outsourced by Advantage Human Resource)
09.2001 - 07.2002
- Assisted with quarterly audit and monitored all GE Capital Transaction Restricted Employees (TRE) for the appearance of insider trading and stock tipping
Media Affairs Intern
THE WHITE HOUSE
06.2001 - 08.2001
- Media Liaison for White House Spokesman
Community Relations/Player Development Intern
NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS
06.2000 - 05.2001
- Coordinated highly diverse and detailed programs for the Directors of Community Relations and Player Development departments in the areas of Special Events, Alumni Projects, Charitable Donations, Player Foundations, and the Players’ Wives Organization
- Wrote feature articles and press releases for the New York Giants quarterly newsletter and website
Education
6th Year Degree of Advanced Studies - Literacy
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CT01.2016
Master of Science - Reading
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Commerce, TX01.2008
B.S. - Business Management
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT01.1999
Skills
- Curriculum Development
- Classroom Management
- Instructional Best Practices
- Training & Coaching
- TEAM Trained
- At-Risk Populations
- Special Needs & IEPs
- Research-Based Protocols
- Assessment & Diagnosis
- Literacy Program Implementation & Evaluation
- 1-on-1 & Small Group Instruction
- Fluency & Comprehension
Certification
- Texas Educator Generalist EC-4, 01/01/22
- Connecticut Reading and Language Arts Consultant: 097, 01/01/15
- Connecticut Literacy Specialist: Remedial Reading 102, 01/01/08
- State of Connecticut Educator: K-6, 01/01/08
- Texas English as Second Language Supplemental Certification, 02/01/2024
- Texas HB 3 Reading Academy Certification, 07/01/2024
- Texas Gifted and Talented Foundational Certification, 07/01/2024
Publications
- Learning about “PR” helps develop writing skills in fourth graders., Teske, T., 02/01/10, Reading Today, Vol. 27, No. 4, 40
- Game Day Journalism., A transdisciplinary program consisting of 7 lesson plans exposing students to nonfiction text about NFL athletes., 01/01/19, Available on TeachersPayTeachers.com
- Gameday Fluency- A New Fluency Strategy, Lappa, Tara, 11/01/23, https://www.timrasinski.com/presentations/Gameday-Fluency-A-New-Fluency-strategy.pdf
Volunteer & Community Service
Board Member, St. Paul Christian School, Westport, CT, 01/01/15 - 12/31/19
Timeline
Educator, Third-Grade Math; First-Grade
LOVEJOY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
08.2023 - Current
Third Grade Teacher and Team Leader
WILTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
08.2012 - 06.2023
Permanent Building Substitute K-5
WESTPORT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
08.2011 - 06.2012
Educator, Fourth-Grade General Education
HIGHLAND PARK INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
08.2010 - 06.2011
Educator, Fourth-Grade Writing Interventionist; Third-Grade Math; First-Grade
DALLAS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
08.2002 - 06.2010
Transaction Control Authority Coordinator
GE CORPORATE (Outsourced by Advantage Human Resource)
09.2001 - 07.2002
Media Affairs Intern
THE WHITE HOUSE
06.2001 - 08.2001
Community Relations/Player Development Intern
NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS
06.2000 - 05.2001
Master of Science - Reading
Texas A&M University-Commerce
B.S. - Business Management
Fairfield University
6th Year Degree of Advanced Studies - Literacy
Sacred Heart University
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