Tessa Steller
Niskayuna
Summary
Compassionate and professional teacher experienced in diverse learning environments. Hardworking and dedicated to achieve desired outcomes for student success. Pursuing a position as a Case Specialist for the Caring Gene Initiative to learn and grow in case management. Experienced with assessment and support planning as well as team collaboration. Passionate to help others achieve their goals. Managed case loads of students for Title I grant funds as well as District programs.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
AIS Reading Teacher
Schenectady City School District
09.2023 - Current
- Managed a caseload of 50+ students from an urban setting. Assessed student progress regularly using various assessment tools, adjusting instructional strategies as needed to maximize learning outcomes.
- Created positive and engaging environment in classroom that encouraged literacy skills.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to differentiate lessons based on individual student needs, ensuring all learners had access to appropriate resources and support.
- Contacted parents to discuss student progress and notify about class issues.
- Supported struggling readers through individualized interventions and progress monitoring, leading to improved reading levels.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lessons that reinforced reading skills across subject areas.
Title I AIS Reading Teacher
Catapult Learning, LLC
01.2018 - 06.2023
- Developed strong relationships with students, creating a positive learning environment that encouraged active participation and growth.
- Assessed and maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance in accordance with policies developed by Catapult Learning LLC, to ensure continued grant funding.
- Hosted events for parent engagement in the program and to discuss student progress as well as concerns.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lessons and utilized data-driven instruction to differentiate lessons based on individual student needs, ensuring all learner had access to appropriate resources and support.
Self Contained Classroom Teacher, K-3
Mechanicville Elementary School
01.2008 - 01.2012
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse needs of all learners in the classroom.
- Mentored general education teachers to provide teaching strategies for students with needs in their classrooms.
- Contributed to a positive school culture by participating in extracurricular activities and supporting various initiatives within the school community such as the Character Education Committee, the PTA and actively volunteering for school events.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education aligned with NY state standards.
- Facilitated parent-teacher conferences, communicating student progress and addressing concerns collaboratively for optimal success.
Language Arts Tutor
01.2006 - 01.2010
- Facilitated development of reading and writing skills for special and regular education children
Resource Room Teacher, K-5
Valley View Elementary School
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Supported diverse learners by differentiating instruction according to their specific strengths and challenges, ensuring all students could access the curriculum effectively.
- Assessed student progress regularly through formative and summative assessments, adapting instructional approaches as needed to support growth.
- Participated on Principal’s Liaison Committee, Second Year Club, Book Club and Co-Taught Hip- Hop Dance
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities in literacy and special education teaching methodologies. Also participated in school enrichment by being a member of the Principal's Liaison Committee, Second Year Club, Book Club and Co-Taught the Hip-Hop Dance Club.
Nursery Teacher/Teacher Assistant/One-On-One Aide (Summer)
Helping Hands Clinic
01.2006 - 01.2006
- Led integrated class of12 students; teamed with special education teacher to meet the needs of diverse students
- Addressed sensory issues for eating, fine motor skills, and general academic skills such as learning months, days of week, numbers, colors, and shapes; worked one-on-one with students needing extra instruction
Preschool Special Education Teacher
Mililani Mauka Elementary School
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication and involvement in the educational process, fostering a strong home-school connection.
- Implemented instructional modifications for positive behavior plans, visual schedules, and picture exchange communication system (PECS) based on individual responsiveness and learning abilities
- Promoted early literacy skills by incorporating phonics-based instruction into daily reading activities and exposing students to a variety of age-appropriate literature.
- Supported students emotional well-being by creating a safe and nurturing classroom atmosphere where they felt comfortable expressing themselves openly.
- Participated on team that developed global learning outcomes for students and served on science and technology board to help school gain accreditation
Substitute Teacher/Aide
Lansingburgh School District/Dutchess County BOCES
01.2003 - 01.2004
- Filled in for reading specialist; worked with small groups of children to increase vocabulary and build number of sight words
- Instructed students in elementary and middle schools, following lesson plans established by regular teachers that covered all basic subjects; taught library-based classes
Student Teacher
Middle Hope Elementary School/Dutchess County BOCES
01.2003 - 01.2003
Education
M.S. - Literacy Specialist
The State University of New York
Albany, New York01.2006
B.A. - Special Education/Elementary Education
Marist College
Poughkeepsie, New York01.2004
Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Relationship building
- Individualized coaching
- Progress evaluations
Timeline
AIS Reading Teacher
Schenectady City School District
09.2023 - Current
Title I AIS Reading Teacher
Catapult Learning, LLC
01.2018 - 06.2023
Self Contained Classroom Teacher, K-3
Mechanicville Elementary School
01.2008 - 01.2012
Language Arts Tutor
01.2006 - 01.2010
Resource Room Teacher, K-5
Valley View Elementary School
01.2006 - 01.2008
Nursery Teacher/Teacher Assistant/One-On-One Aide (Summer)
Helping Hands Clinic
01.2006 - 01.2006
Preschool Special Education Teacher
Mililani Mauka Elementary School
01.2004 - 01.2005
Substitute Teacher/Aide
Lansingburgh School District/Dutchess County BOCES
01.2003 - 01.2004
Student Teacher
Middle Hope Elementary School/Dutchess County BOCES
01.2003 - 01.2003
B.A. - Special Education/Elementary Education
Marist College
M.S. - Literacy Specialist
The State University of New York
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