My experience in the field of education has included the design and implementation of new programs - in a private school setting, small public schools and for a large district. In each of the schools, the programs I developed were successful, allowing the students to demonstrate considerable progress academically and socially. I have served as a Literacy Program Trainer and provided consultation/support for classroom teachers. While working for one public school, I developed and implemented a literacy program in a Language Arts Resource Room setting. The students in these classes were held to high standards, with an expectation of growth and measurable achievement. I designed a targeted, multi-sensory program that included computer-based instruction and a vocabulary program integrating music, reading comprehension and writing connections. The students in my classes ranged in ability; struggling readers/writers, students at grade-level and students reading at an advanced level.

As a special education teacher at a private school, I taught students with emotional/behavioral disorders and students with multiple disabilities/autism, developing and successfully implementing a new curriculum. The curriculum I designed provided all student populations with extensive interaction and opportunities for growth and communication. The program was based on a multi-sensory approach; I included music, reading buddies, small group work, hands-on life skills practice and Reading Therapy dogs. The students ranged in age from eight to twenty-one.

I have also taught at the college level as an adjunct professor. In order to provide a quality special education component for both undergraduate and graduate students, I needed to be in touch with the latest research. I am experienced with professional development, building learning communities and forming a collaborative atmosphere that encourages sharing ideas and working toward positive outcomes.