Michelle Johnson
Lanesborough
Summary
To obtain an Elementary Reading Specialist teaching position where I can incorporate my experience and education to create lessons that are framework-aligned, engaging, differentiated and rooted in the science of reading. I strive to use my energy, compassion, and drive to develop a positive community of learners who respect differences and have high expectations for themselves.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Reading Specialist
Pittsfield Public Schools
08.2021 - Current
- Analyzed data trends to identify areas of need and inform instructional decision-making processes related to reading interventions.
- Implemented research-based instructional practices to improve overall reading proficiency among students.
- Provided ongoing support for struggling readers by offering one-on-one tutoring sessions and small group instruction.
- Built positive and productive relationships with teachers and students to drive improvements with reading outcomes.
- Contributed to the development of school-wide literacy initiatives and after school events aimed at improving achievement for all students.
Morris Elementary School Special Education Teacher
Lenox Public Schools
01.2015 - Current
- Using patience, kindness, humor, and high expectations to provide the best possible educational experience for my students.
- Developing targeted goals at team meetings and creating engaging, skill-based lessons targeted towards those goals.
- Collaborating with a variety of professionals including Classroom Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational and Physical Therapists to provide coordinated implemented strategies and learning tools, addressing the individual needs of the students (of students identified with a variety of disabilities. learning challenges).
- Writing and editing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), coordinating and chairing team meetings, completing required documentation and paperwork in a timely manner, and communicating with families to ensure an understanding of grade-level curriculum expectations and the needs of their child to meet classroom demands in a way that is both compassionate and direct.
- Consistently reach out to parents to provide clear and honest information to make them feel part of their child's learning/part of the team, facilitate their learning across settings, advocate for their child's needs, and really listen to the needs of the families.
C.T. Plunkett Elementary Third Grade Teacher
Adams-Cheshire Regional School District
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Developed fun, engaging lessons aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for all areas of the curriculum.
- Collaborated with the three other third-grade teachers in the building to implement the Bay State Reading Initiative model (small group, rotational model) in my English Language Arts instruction block. As a result, I was able to successfully differentiate my instruction to meet the needs of all students. Collaborated with grade level peers to develop differentiated ELA instruction implementing the Bay State Reading Initiative model (small group, rotational model), resulting in greater student access and educational gains.
- Using the BSRI model within my Mathematics instructional block, students demonstrated measured success in Mathematics gaining knowledge and skills with more hands-on opportunities and fluid group movement.
- Developed outreach systems to families to communicate key concepts of the mathematics and reading curriculum encouraging practice at home, which resulted in greeted involvement in the school culture and student success
- Developed a classroom atmosphere that allowed all learners to grow, experience success, and reach their potential through the use of positive behavioral supports, a safe welcoming environment, and high expectations.
C.T. Plunkett Elementary Title 1 Teacher/Cheshire Elementary Special Education Teacher
Adams-Cheshire Regional School District
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Half-time Title 1 Teacher at C.T. Plunkett and a half-time Special Education Teacher at Cheshire Elementary School.
- In both positions I created differentiated and dynamic skill-based lessons and provided data driven reading instruction for small groups of students.
- As a Title 1 teacher, I focused on improving basic reading skills with small groups of students in first grade. I used a great deal of humor, encouragement and focusing on student strengths to help my students progress with their reading skills, celebrating every success along the way.
- While at Cheshire, I facilitated small group math and reading instruction, supported in-class instruction to meet IEP goals, and advocated for best possible outcomes for my students through IEP meetings and collaboration with educational professionals, families, and educational advocates.
Special Education Teacher
Kittredge Elementary School
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Managed a self-contained, therapeutic classroom with students with a variety of disabilities including learning disabilities and social/emotional disabilities.
- Created a highly structured classroom including a reward/point system with a focus on responsibility for personal behavior.
- Developed individualized curriculum for students in grades K-5 that aligned with the Massachusetts Frameworks and each Individualized Education Program (IEP) within the classroom.
- Participated in team approach for developing and maintaining a structured, supported classroom for students with significant social/emotional and learning needs, working with administrators, behavior specialists, paraprofessionals, and families.
Special Education Teacher
Hillcrest Educational Centers, Housatonic Academy
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Lead a small, self-contained classroom with students who have a variety of disabilities at the elementary level with compassion, structure, and positive behavioral supports.
- Built and fostered a sense of community while providing engaging, effective individualized curriculum for students in grades 2-6 that aligned with the Massachusetts Frameworks and the individual needs of the students.
- Created and implemented IEPs with achievable goals for students with social/emotional challenges as their primary disabilities as part of the IEP team process.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
Bay Path College @ The Reading Institute
Williamstown, MA01.2011
Post-Baccalaureate Elementary Education Licensure Program - undefined
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
North Adams, MA01.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
North Adams, MA01.1996
Skills
- Massachusetts Certifications: Elementary Education 1-6, Reading Specialist, and Special Education PK-8 (#426736)
- BA Psychology, MS Special Education
- 13 years teaching experience
- A passion for education
Timeline
Reading Specialist
Pittsfield Public Schools
08.2021 - Current
Morris Elementary School Special Education Teacher
Lenox Public Schools
01.2015 - Current
C.T. Plunkett Elementary Third Grade Teacher
Adams-Cheshire Regional School District
01.2013 - 01.2015
C.T. Plunkett Elementary Title 1 Teacher/Cheshire Elementary Special Education Teacher
Adams-Cheshire Regional School District
01.2013 - 01.2014
Special Education Teacher
Kittredge Elementary School
01.2010 - 01.2012
Special Education Teacher
Hillcrest Educational Centers, Housatonic Academy
01.2008 - 01.2010
Post-Baccalaureate Elementary Education Licensure Program - undefined
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Master of Science - Special Education
Bay Path College @ The Reading Institute
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