Tina Cardinali
West Haven
Summary
Dedicated educator committed to fostering personalized learning environments that enhance student engagement and academic growth. Strong communicator adept at collaborating with diverse teams, including ESOL teachers and administrators, to design and implement effective lesson plans tailored to individual student needs.
Overview
1
1
Certification
43
43
years of professional experience
Work History
English to Speakers of other Languages Teacher
Henry County School System
McDonough
07.2020 - 05.2026
- Developed personalized lesson plans based on student needs using student data.
- Collaborated with ESOL teachers to design and implement comprehensive unit plans that address diverse student needs.
- Monitored and maintained individual ESOL student records to support academic progress.
- Administered yearly ACCESS tests for student assessment.
- Worked closely with counselors and administrators to ensure accurate academic placement.
- Created a safe, warm environment catering to diverse academic and social needs.
- Provided mentoring assistance to classroom teachers to enhance ESOL instructional effectiveness in grades six through twelve.
Special Education Teacher, Eighth Grade English Language Arts and Personalized Learning Project Manager
Union Grove Middle School
McDonough
07.2016 - 01.2020
- Developed individualized lesson plans aligned with student data, goals, and needs.
- Taught one eighth-grade ELA resource class, fostering academic growth and engagement.
- Co-taught with eighth-grade ELA teachers to enhance instructional strategies and support students.
- Created warm, safe environment that addressed academic, behavioral, cultural, and social needs of diverse learners, promoting engagement and success.
- Monitored and maintained student IEP files, ensuring compliance with educational standards and supporting individualized learning.
- Collaborated with PL team to design and implement UGMS personalized learning program, enhancing student-centered learning for 2016-2017 school year.
- Served as school council representative, advocating for student interests and community engagement.
Seventh Grade Social Studies and Science Teacher
Hampton Middle School
Hampton
10.2014 - 06.2016
- Designed and implemented balanced lessons aligned with seventh-grade CCSS for social studies and science.
- Collaborated with grade-level team to disaggregate student data, improving targeted instruction and grouping strategies.
- Enhanced academic and social growth through personalized learning, problem-based learning, and blended instruction.
- Established safe, welcoming environment that supported diverse academic, behavioral, and social needs of students.
- Co-chaired MTSS building-level team, mentoring new teachers and advocating for student needs in school council.
Interim Family Resource/School Readiness Coordinator
DC Moore Elementary School
East Haven
07.2014 - 10.2014
- Oversaw core components of family resource center program at DC Moore School Elementary, including school readiness and parents as teachers initiatives.
- Supervised and evaluated parent educators and preschool staff to ensure high-quality instruction.
- Developed and implemented program evaluations, producing monthly and year-end reports to support school readiness and NAEYC accreditation.
- Secured and upheld NAEYC accreditation for all school readiness classrooms.
- Established and maintained partnerships with community agencies, enhancing outreach and resource access for families.
- Assisted families in securing financial subsidies from Care4Kids program and local social service agencies, facilitating access to essential resources.
- Maintained accurate records of family income to assess fees based on sliding fee scale.
Extended Day Site Coordinator
Overbrook Elementary School
East Haven
11.2013 - 05.2014
- Developed and implemented East Haven's extended day program for academic and behavioral support.
- Supervised students in program activities, identified needs, and developed new initiatives to enhance overall program effectiveness.
- Collaborated with school-linked services to enhance program development and integration.
- Established attendance accounting systems and managed reporting processes to ensure accurate tracking of student participation.
- Trained and supervised staff to ensure effective program delivery.
- Created and administered program budget, overseeing fee billing and collection to maintain financial sustainability.
- Prepared, maintained, and analyzed student data for performance evaluation.
Leadership Intern
Live Oaks Elementary School
Milford
09.2013 - 04.2014
- Collaborated with building administrator to enhance student assessment team program, improving assessment processes. Redesigned SRBI program, increasing teacher engagement in strategy development. Developed individualized strategies for struggling learners, supporting their academic growth.
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and student engagement strategies.
- Organized educational materials and resources for lesson planning and implementation.
- Supported the development of after-school programs to enhance student learning experiences.
Mentor and DCF Supervisor
All Pointes Care LLC
Cheshire
04.2013 - 04.2014
- Provided academic support, tutoring, career exploration, and emotional guidance for students with special needs.
- Collaborated with educational teams to enhance support strategies for students with special needs.
- Completed daily reports on community activities to track student progress and inform IEP adjustments.
- Facilitated social activities to promote interaction and personal growth among students.
- Oversaw visits between parents and children in community settings or DCF office to ensure positive interactions.
- Ensured child safety during supervised visits while offering parental guidance.
- Facilitated social activities to promote interaction and personal growth among students. for students to promote personal growth and development.
- Submitted visitation reports to assist in determining future child placements based on observed behaviors.
first grade teacher
Troup School
New Haven
08.2012 - 03.2013
- Designed and implemented balanced lessons aligned with Common Core State Standards for first grade.
- Utilized diverse teaching strategies, including whole group, individual, and small group instruction to foster academic growth.
- Created a safe and inviting classroom environment, supporting diverse academic and social development.
- Collaborated with grade level team and coaches to analyze student data, informing targeted instructional strategies.
second grade teacher
Flippen Elementary School
McDonough
08.2003 - 01.2012
- Developed well-balanced lessons aligned with CCGPS for second grade, promoting academic success.
- Collaborated with SST team to create parental support strategies and effective teaching methods, improving student outcomes.
- Led team in collaborative planning based on data, addressing student needs and CCGPS requirements.
- Supervised teacher candidates from Mercer and Phoenix University, contributing to their professional growth and instructional skills.
- Collaborated with principal and county science department to implement K-5 science curriculum policies.
- Designed and implemented Flippen's new discipline program, resulting in decreased suspensions and behavior referrals.
- Established yearly science fair for fourth grade team, enhancing student engagement in STEM activities.
- Developed programs to qualify school as clean air school, enhancing environmental awareness and student participation.
sixth grade science and reading teacher
Austin Road Middle School
Stockbridge
08.2001 - 07.2003
- Designed instructional materials aligned with Georgia's GPS for sixth-grade science and reading.
- Planned diverse teaching strategies that promoted critical and creative thinking among students.
- Facilitated parent-teacher meetings to strengthen communication and engagement with families regarding school updates.
- Established meeting agendas and times to enhance collaboration as sixth-grade team leader.
- Evaluated student projects at the science fair to assess creativity and understanding of scientific concepts. at science fair, fostering academic achievement.
- Coordinated practice schedules and communication systems with parents for effective collaboration.
- Contributed to school improvement committee to establish norms and implement enhancements for overall school development.
- Monitored cheerleading squad during games to ensure student safety and promote a positive environment.
2nd & 3rd grade Math & Reading Teacher
Liberty Elementary School
Clarksville
01.2001 - 05.2001
- Collaborated with classroom teacher to provide individualized math and reading instruction, enhancing student engagement.
- Developed tailored instructional plans aligned with Tennessee's framework, addressing diverse student abilities.
- Developed engaging reading lesson plans for diverse student needs.
- Implemented effective reading strategies to enhance student comprehension.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create a supportive learning environment.
Educational Technician, GS-5
Family Support Division, Child Development Services
Fort Campbell
11.1997 - 06.1999
- Developed and executed engaging plans for before and after school programs at Lucas Elementary School, fostering a supportive environment for student learning and development.
- Created activities tailored to children's social, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs, enhancing overall student well-being and engagement.
- Supported educators in implementing individualized education plans for children.
- Assisted in developing engaging learning materials and activities for students.
- Monitored student progress and reported observations to teaching staff.
Flight Operations Coordinator
United States Army
01.1983 - 01.1985
- Coordinated travel arrangements for incoming military personnel, maintained pilot flight records, and provided timely weather advisories to ensure base readiness.
- Coordinated flight schedules for military operations and training missions.
- Managed communication between pilots, crew, and ground support teams.
- Oversaw pre-flight inspections to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Education
Educational Leadership Certification -
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT06-2014
Educational Specialist with Honors - Curriculum and Instruction
Lincoln Memorial University
Harrogate, TN07-2010
Masters of Arts in Education with Honors - Curriculum and Instruction – Minor - Reading
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN08-2001
Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude - Interdisciplinary Studies (Education)
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN05-2000
Associates in Arts -
University of Maryland, Asian Division
Japan01-1997
Skills
- ESOL strategies
- Curriculum development
- Lesson planning
- Student assessment
- Instruction strategies
- Data analysis
- Culturally responsive teaching
- Classroom management
Certification
- Georgia
T-6, Early Childhood Education (P-5), Middle Grades (4-8), Math, Reading, Science, Social Science, Language Arts (4-12)
Connecticut
Elementary - Pre-K through 6th grade (013), Special Education (165), TESOL (111), English 6-12 (015), Intermediate Administration and Supervision (092) - Gifted
- Academic Coach
- Reading
- ESOL
- SSF
- Special Education General Curriculum (P-12), SP ED Language Arts (P-12), Math, reading, science, social studies (P-5, 4-8), Connecticut: K-6 (013) (092-Administration and Supervision)
Hobbies
I enjoy attending theatrical and musical performances, reading, crafting, baking, boating, and spending time with my children and grandchildren
References
- Purvis Jackson-Woodland High School Principal-Stockbridge, GA-770-389-2784-purvis.jackson@henry.k12.ga.us
- April Robinson-Woodland High School Assistant Principal-Stockbridge, GA-404-275-5509-april.robinson@henry.k12.ga.us
Timeline
English to Speakers of other Languages Teacher
Henry County School System
07.2020 - 05.2026
Special Education Teacher, Eighth Grade English Language Arts and Personalized Learning Project Manager
Union Grove Middle School
07.2016 - 01.2020
Seventh Grade Social Studies and Science Teacher
Hampton Middle School
10.2014 - 06.2016
Interim Family Resource/School Readiness Coordinator
DC Moore Elementary School
07.2014 - 10.2014
Extended Day Site Coordinator
Overbrook Elementary School
11.2013 - 05.2014
Leadership Intern
Live Oaks Elementary School
09.2013 - 04.2014
Mentor and DCF Supervisor
All Pointes Care LLC
04.2013 - 04.2014
first grade teacher
Troup School
08.2012 - 03.2013
second grade teacher
Flippen Elementary School
08.2003 - 01.2012
sixth grade science and reading teacher
Austin Road Middle School
08.2001 - 07.2003
2nd & 3rd grade Math & Reading Teacher
Liberty Elementary School
01.2001 - 05.2001
Educational Technician, GS-5
Family Support Division, Child Development Services
11.1997 - 06.1999
Flight Operations Coordinator
United States Army
01.1983 - 01.1985
Educational Leadership Certification -
Southern Connecticut State University
Educational Specialist with Honors - Curriculum and Instruction
Lincoln Memorial University
Masters of Arts in Education with Honors - Curriculum and Instruction – Minor - Reading
Austin Peay State University
Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude - Interdisciplinary Studies (Education)
Austin Peay State University
Associates in Arts -
University of Maryland, Asian Division