Overview
Work History
Education
Certification
Publications
Volunteer Experience
Presentations
Timeline
Wendy F. Thompson

Wendy F. Thompson

Bayonne,NJ

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Teacher Educator Liaison

New Jersey City University -A. Harry Moore School
Jersey City, New Jersey
09.2022 - Current
  • Employs special educational strategies and techniques during model instruction to improve the development of sensory/perceptual motor skills, language, cognition, and memory
  • Support teachers with the acquisition of knowledge of current resources and the development of a systematic process for identifying and selecting AT and instructional resources to improve the likelihood of successful student/consumer outcomes
  • Established positive, stimulating learning environment for students and exciting education-focused setting for teachers.
  • Communicated with parents to encourage active parental participation in education.
  • Observed teachers, documented activities and implemented improvement plans to optimize classrooms.
  • Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
  • Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.

Demonstration Teacher

New Jersey City University -A. Harry Moore School
09.1993 - Current
  • Boosted cultural awareness by incorporating children's literature from world cultures.
  • Created lessons and online testing materials to facilitate remote learning.
  • Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
  • Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
  • Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
  • Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs.
  • Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
  • Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
  • Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
  • Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.

Adjunct Instructor Special Education Department

New Jersey City University
01.2012 - 05.2013
  • Collaborated with department head to create dynamic, ongoing curriculum development, and instruction improvement program.
  • Defined and articulated goal learning outcomes, performance metrics, and changes to improve student learning.
  • Improved student performance by defining clear goals and communicating performance metrics.
  • Created and implemented course agendas, lesson plans and activities to successfully meet course objectives.
  • Used technological equipment to enhance process of students' learning.
  • Used lectures, discussions and demonstrations to increase learning and classroom success.
  • Engaged students with insightful and compelling classroom discussion of topics relevant to coursework to boost student learning and retention.
  • Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
  • Taught Special Education courses, providing instruction to up to 45 undergraduate students.

Behavioral Early Interventionist

Hudson Milestones
01.2000 - 12.2003
  • Provide individual intervention for infants and toddlers from birth to three years old who have developmental delays or who are at risk for delays in the areas of cognitive, adaptive behavior, social-emotional, self-care, fine motor, gross motor, and communication development
  • Model best practices for teaching and learning in a special education classroom setting
  • Develop and present professional development on Social Emotional Learning, school and staff vision, curriculum development, and behavioral intervention schoolwide strategies
  • Assisted in onboarding new employees, facilitating orientation sessions and ensuring compliance with school policies
  • Conducted child assessments during intervention visits.
  • Offered guidance and support to families of children with disabilities or developmental challenges.

Autism Teacher

Florence School District 1
07.1989 - 05.1993
  • Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
  • Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
  • Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
  • Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
  • Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
  • Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
  • Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
  • Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
  • Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
  • Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
  • Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
  • Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
  • Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
  • Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.

Education

Ed.D. - Educational Technology Leadership

New Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ
05-2018

Master of Arts - Educational Technology

New Jersey City University
05-2007

Master of Arts - Urban Education

Jersey City State College
05.1997

Bachelor of Arts - Special Education

Jersey City State College, Jersey City, NJ
05.1989

Post-Degree Certificate - Curriculum And Supervision

New Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ
05-2013

Graduate Certificate - Library Media Specialist

New Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ
05-2011

Graduate Certificate - Behavioral Managment

Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
05-2009

Certification

  • Supervisor- Standard Certification, 08/19
  • Behavior Management, 08/09
  • Teacher of the Handicapped, 07/89

Publications

  • Holzman, P. & Thompson, W., 2023, Digital Literacy for Students With Intellectual Disabilities, Handbook of Research on Current Trends in Cybersecurity and Educational Technology, 233-249, IGI Global, https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-6092-4.ch014
  • Thompson, W. F., 2019, Employee perspectives: Technology as an accommodation for employees with autism spectrum disorder (dissertation)
  • Pepe, C., Thompson, W., & Benejam, C. (2016, December 26). 2016 A year of meaningful human connections. Retrieved from http://thelearningcounsel.com/article/2016-year-meaningful-human-connections
  • Pepe, C., & Thompson, W. (2016, August 23). 5 ways to use pokemon go as a learning tool. Retrieved from http://dailygenius.com/5-ways-use-pokemon-go-learning-tool
  • Course proposal for NJCU EDTC 672, Hardware, Software, and Telecommunications Devices for Individuals with Disabilities, for the Assistive Technology Specialist Certification Program.

Volunteer Experience

  • President, New Jersey Coalition for the Advancement of Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology (NJCART)
  • Member, A Harry Moore School Leadership Committee
  • Member, A. Harry Moore Assistive Tech Committee
  • Member, A. Harry Moore New Teacher Support Group
  • Member, school-based AT-assessment team
  • Seesaw Certified Educator Provider
  • Member, Lalilo Teacher Advisory Committee

Presentations

Holzman, P.  & Thompson, W. (2024) Digital Literacy and Cyber Safety Concerns for Students With Intellectual Disabilities. Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA). San Antonio, Texas


Thompson, W., Holzman, P., & Fredericks, C. (2024). Building Paraprofessional Knowledge with On-Demand PD Modules. Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA). Orlando, Florida


Thompson, W. & Holzman, P. (2019). The Role of Technology in Transition to Life After K-12. Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA). Orlando, Florida.


Holzman, P. & Thompson, W. (2018). The Role of Technology in Transition to Life After K-12. Closing the Gap 2018. Prior Lake, Minnesota


Talalai, S., Holzman, P., & Thompson, W. (2017).  Robotics for Students with Significant Disabilities. [Webinar].  Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC). 

Holzman, P., Talalai, S., & Thompson, W. (2017). iBeacon 2.0 - Navigating the World. [Poster Session]. New Jersey Research & Education Network (NJEdge). West Long Branch, New Jersey.  

Thompson, W. & Talalai, S. (2017). Technology to Support the Workplace. EdCampAccessNJ 2017. Morristown, New Jersey.

Talalai, S., Holzman, P., & Thompson, W. (2017).  Technologies for Engagement. NJ Educational Computing Cooperative (NJECC). Upper Montclair, New Jersey.

Holzman, P., Talalai, S. & Thompson, W. (2017). iBeacon: Navigating the World. NJ Educational Computing Cooperative (NJECC). Upper Montclair, New Jersey.

Pepe, C., Holzman, P., Lucey, T., Talalai, S., & Thompson, W. (2016) Making Human Connections. InnovateNJ Winter Convening. Jersey City, New Jersey.

Lucey, T., Pepe, C. & Thompson, W. (2016) Technology for Human Connections. EdCampNYC 2016. New York, NY.

Nagler, D., Holzman, P., Talalai, S. & Thompson, W. (2016). The iBeacon Project: Using Pingable Technology in Schools. New Jersey Research & Education Network (NJEdge). Plainsboro, New Jersey.

Thompson, W., Holzman, P. & Talalai, S. (2016). Robotics Playground. Tech & Learning Live: Insight and Innovation for Technology Leaders. Princeton, New Jersey.

Gadtke, A., Gauck, H., Ohms, K. & Thompson, W. (2016). PD in Your PJ's: Empowering Students With Special Needs. [Webinar]Seesaw. Retrieved from https://help.seesaw.me/hc/en-us/articles/213759123-Specials-Empowering-Students-with-Special-Needs

Pepe, C.; Talalai, S., Thompson, W., Holzman, P., Nagler, D., & Osei-Yaw, M. (2016). A School iBeacon Project: Uses for a Pingable Technology in Schools. [Poster Session]. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Denver, Colorado.

Finch, H., Pepe, C., Talalai, S., Holzman, P. & Thompson, W. (2016). To Beacon or Not To Beacon? International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Denver, Colorado.

Pepe, C., Lucey, T., Talalai, S., Holzman, P. & Thompson, W. (2016). Redefining 21st Century Collaboration with Dancing Robots and Google Hangouts. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Denver, Colorado.

Talalai, S., Holzman, P., Sokol, R. & Thompson, W. (2016). Robotics for Diverse Learners. EdTechNJ. Edison, New Jersey.

Talalai, S., Sokol, R. & Thompson, W. (2016) Inclusive Tech Innovations w/ Robotics and Pingable Technology. EdcampAccessNJ 2016. Morristown, NJ.

Holzman, P., Sokol, R.,Talalai, S.,  & Thompson, W. (2016). Get Your Hands-on Robotics. SpEdcamp NJ 2016, Tinton Falls, New Jersey.

Thompson, W. & Talalai, S. (2016). Solutions for Parental Involvement. Technology Trends for Teachers: A Colloquium featuring Educational Technology Doctoral Candidates. Jersey City, NJ.

Thompson, W. & Talalai, S. ( 2015). Robotics at Work (School). EdCampNJ 2015. Springfield, NJ.

Carnahan, C., Holzman, P., Sokol, R., Talalai, S. & Thompson, W., Vanyi, J. (2015). Tech Tools for Teaching Social Studies. NJEA Convention 2015. Atlantic City, NJ.

Zieger, L., Carnahan, C., Holzman, P., Sheehy, L., Talalai, S. & Thompson, W. (2015). Robotics Across the Content Areas. NJEA Convention 2015. Atlantic City, NJ.

Pepe, C., Holzman, P., Talalai, S. & Thompson, W. (2015). 21st Century Assistive Technology, AR, and Robots. TeachMeetNJ 2015. Galloway, NJ.

Thompson, W. & Talalai, S. (2015). Using Robots in Special Ed Classrooms. SpEdcampNJ 2015. Neptune, NJ.

Timeline

Teacher Educator Liaison - New Jersey City University -A. Harry Moore School
09.2022 - Current
Adjunct Instructor Special Education Department - New Jersey City University
01.2012 - 05.2013
Behavioral Early Interventionist - Hudson Milestones
01.2000 - 12.2003
Demonstration Teacher - New Jersey City University -A. Harry Moore School
09.1993 - Current
Autism Teacher - Florence School District 1
07.1989 - 05.1993
Jersey City State College - Master of Arts, Urban Education
New Jersey City University - Ed.D., Educational Technology Leadership
New Jersey City University - Master of Arts, Educational Technology
Jersey City State College - Bachelor of Arts, Special Education
New Jersey City University - Post-Degree Certificate, Curriculum And Supervision
New Jersey City University - Graduate Certificate, Library Media Specialist
Pennsylvania State University - Graduate Certificate, Behavioral Managment
Wendy F. Thompson