BRENDA UMBRIANNA
Bridgewater
Summary
Experienced educator with 15 years in K-4 inclusive classrooms, specializing in differentiated instruction and curriculum design. Cultivated positive learning environments for diverse learners, including students with disabilities and at-risk populations. Focused on driving academic growth and social-emotional development through effective teaching strategies and strong student engagement.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Second Grade Teacher (Integrated Co-Teaching / Resource Model)
Westhill Central School District
Fairmount
09.2025 - Current
- Deliver standards-based instruction in a classroom supported by push-in and pull-out special education services
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members, including special education teachers, OT, PT, SLP, ABA/BCBA providers, ENL staff, and vision specialists, to address and meet diverse student needs
- Implement IEP goals, accommodations, and targeted interventions across content areas
- Differentiated instruction to effectively accommodate varied academic and behavioral needs of all students
- Created inclusive, structured learning environment that fostered engagement and support for all learners
Long-Term Substitute Teacher, Grade 3
Westhill Central School District
Fairmount
09.2024 - 06.2025
- Deliver standards-aligned instruction using district curriculum and Common Core benchmarks
- Differentiated lessons to address diverse academic, behavioral, and developmental needs, promoting inclusive learning environments
- Integrated technology, arts, and hands-on learning experiences to enhance student engagement and participation
- Fostered positive, respectful classroom culture through Responsive Classroom strategies, supporting student social-emotional development
Building Substitute / Interim Teacher (Grade 4)
West Genesee Central School District
Camillus
03.2023 - 11.2024
- Delivered differentiated, inquiry-based instruction, supporting ENL learners' needs
- Executed lesson plans to ensure instructional continuity and student engagement
- Maintain a safe, structured, and inclusive classroom environment
- Reported student progress and classroom updates to lead teachers for effective collaboration
Inclusion Teacher, Kindergarten & Grade 1
Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District (L.B. Merrill Elementary)
Raynham
09.2014 - 09.2022
- Designed and delivered inclusive instruction aligned with Common Core standards
- Differentiated instruction to meet academic and behavioral needs of diverse learners, fostering inclusive learning environment
- Employed multi-sensory and interactive strategies to boost student engagement and participation in classroom activities
- Collaborated with specialists to implement individualized education plans, ensuring tailored support for each student
Grade 1 Inclusion Teacher
East Bridgewater Public Schools
East Bridgewater
09.2011 - 09.2014
- Delivered targeted instruction for students with IEPs, 504 plans, and ELL needs, enhancing individualized learning experiences
- Collaborated with Child Study Teams to develop and implement intervention strategies, supporting student success
- Created a structured, supportive classroom environment focused on student growth
- Facilitated social-emotional learning through Responsive Classroom practices, fostering positive classroom dynamics
Team Leader / Senior Technical Administrator
Putnam Investments
04.1995 - 03.2001
- Led team of 12 to support $2B in client assets
- Oversaw retirement plan administration and ensured regulatory compliance
- Conducted financial analysis and reporting to evaluate performance
Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Elementary Education (Grades 1–6)
Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater, MABachelor of Science - Accounting
St. John Fisher College
Rochester, NYSkills
- Massachusetts curriculum frameworks and common core instruction
- Data-driven instruction and formative assessment
- Differentiated and standards-based instruction (K–4)
- Integrated co-teaching and inclusive practices
- Special education collaboration and IEP/504 implementation
- MTSS/RTI frameworks and academic intervention
- Structured literacy and science of reading
- English language learner (SEI/ELL) instruction
- Positive behavior supports (PBIS) and responsive classroom strategies
- Social-emotional learning (SEL) and trauma-informed practices
- Technology integration for instruction
- Family engagement and professional collaboration
Publications
- Please Grow Away! — Children’s Book (Author)
- Flying Over the Finish Line: Women Triathletes’ Stories of Life — Contributing Author
Leadership Professional Involvement
- Supervising Practitioner & Student Observer Host Bridgewater State University
- Science Committee Member Partnership with Bridgewater State University
- Inclusion Model Pilot Participant
- EnVision Math Pilot Participant
- Family Math Night & Family Literacy Night Committees
- Ongoing professional development
Certifications Licensure
- Massachusetts Professional Licenses: Moderate Disabilities (PreK–8), Early Childhood (PreK–2), with and without Disabilities, Elementary Education (Grades 1–6), Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement
- New York State Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 2), Initial Certificate
- New York State Childhood Education (Grades 1–6), Initial Certificate
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Schools (TCIS), Cornell University — Certified
- LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), Lexia Learning — Completed
- Responsive Classroom Certification – Level I, Level II
Timeline
Second Grade Teacher (Integrated Co-Teaching / Resource Model)
Westhill Central School District
09.2025 - Current
Long-Term Substitute Teacher, Grade 3
Westhill Central School District
09.2024 - 06.2025
Building Substitute / Interim Teacher (Grade 4)
West Genesee Central School District
03.2023 - 11.2024
Inclusion Teacher, Kindergarten & Grade 1
Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District (L.B. Merrill Elementary)
09.2014 - 09.2022
Grade 1 Inclusion Teacher
East Bridgewater Public Schools
09.2011 - 09.2014
Team Leader / Senior Technical Administrator
Putnam Investments
04.1995 - 03.2001
Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Elementary Education (Grades 1–6)
Bridgewater State University
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
St. John Fisher College