TOMMY L. WASHINGTON II
Jersey City,NJ
Summary
A dedicated educator and media professional transitioning into special education, driven by a decade of experience supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This frontline work, managing complex behaviors, and witnessing firsthand the educational gaps faced by individuals with diverse needs, directly inspired my pursuit of an M.Ed. from NYU (4.0 GPA). I now combine hands-on pedagogical strategies for diverse learners with 12 years of media production expertise to create engaging, accessible, and effective learning environments.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ELA Teacher
Urban Dove
Queens, New York
08.2025 - Current
- Led instruction in an ICT classroom for 11th and 12th grade ELA courses.
- Created engaging lesson plans for diverse student groups to promote active learning.
- Facilitated discussions that enhanced critical thinking skills among students.
- Maintained clear communication with parents regarding student progress and challenges.
- Encouraged inquiry-based activities to develop students' critical thinking abilities.
Resident Teacher
Empower Upper Charter School
Brooklyn, NY
08.2024 - 06.2025
- Led U.S. History instruction in an ICT classroom, designing and executing differentiated lesson plans.
- Utilized the S.T.A.R.I curriculum to advance reading and literacy skills for 7th-grade students.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- Collaborated with colleagues to create a positive, supportive learning environment.
Direct Support Professional / Adult Educator
Lifespire
New York, NY
10.2013 - 08.2024
- Served as the primary support for adults with diverse needs, including ASD and intellectual disabilities.
- Designed and led individualized activities focused on life-skills, communication, and education for adult learners.
- Developed expert skills in adaptive instructional methods and behavior management.
- Identified critical gaps in educational continuity, providing the purpose for pursuing a Master's in Special Education.
Media Manager / Edit Coordinator
WCBS-TV, WJLA, WGCL
- Held key roles in media production and management, including Media Manager at WCBS-TV.
- Directed newsroom workflows and managed teams in fast-paced news environments to produce high-quality content.
- Awarded a Regional Emmy Award (Southeast Region, 2003) for excellence in production.
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching (SWD K-12 + History Extension)
New York University
New York, NY07.2025
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
North Carolina A&T State University
Greensboro, NCSkills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Communication & Collaboration
- Empathy & Patience
- Leadership
- Cross-Functional Teamwork
- Differentiated instruction
- Individualized education programs
- Literacy enhancement
- Curriculum development
- Team collaboration
- Behavior management
- Special education expertise
- Social-emotional learning
Certification
- NYS Certification: Students with Disabilities K-12, In progress
- NYS Certification: History Extension, In progress
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
ELA Teacher
Urban Dove
08.2025 - Current
Resident Teacher
Empower Upper Charter School
08.2024 - 06.2025
Direct Support Professional / Adult Educator
Lifespire
10.2013 - 08.2024
Media Manager / Edit Coordinator
WCBS-TV, WJLA, WGCL
Master of Arts - Teaching (SWD K-12 + History Extension)
New York University
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
North Carolina A&T State University