PICTURES TO PROVE IT

Providing support to students with educational challenges for 11 years. Co-teaching, small class instruction, small group intervention instruction, one on one instruction. English Language Arts, Reading/Writing Workshops, Math, Science, History/Social Studies. Developing and implementation of IEPs with a focus on forming a strong collaboration between educators to meet students needs. Closely collaborating with the school psychologist, speech/language/occupational therapist, school counseling services and social workers to develop a plan that is not only implemented in the school but is encouraged to continue at home. New York State professional certificate (students with disabilities grades 5 - 9) California Eduction Specialist Instruction Credential: Mild/Moderate, Moderate/Severe learning disabilities.

I love to express my own enthusiasm for learning because I think it’s important to make connections with students that last. I like to teach through my own experience and use my own photography to motivate interest and build confidence. All students learn in their own special way. I enjoy helping students understand their own learning style so they can take that knowledge and apply it to any learning environment. Accommodating resources while sustaining high academic rigor and using a multi-sensory approach to learning. Using a variety of behavior intervention strategies that nurtures positive interactions with one another, and fosters growth both academically and personally. Facilitating activities that encourages students to value the learning process so they can build a strong sense of academic responsibility.

Implementing community based learning activities where students get a chance to step outside of the school to learn something new. Going into the community to conduct surveys, interview others, making observations, approaching social issues with an objective lens and presenting what they have learned to the rest of school. Leading and conducting a rhythm ensemble that included brazilian, afro-cuban, rock, and hip-hop beats that performed at each school talent show using buckets as drums. Conducting assemblies that gave students on the spectrum the opportunity to celebrate various cultural heritage and traditions.

City University of New York Master of Science in Education, Special Education 2007 Seton Hall University, South Orange New Jersey Bachelor of Science in Criminology with Psychology minor 2000 Manhattan Samba School w/ Ivo Araujo Caixa(snare drum) studies 2007-2010 Maracatu New York Alfaia drum studies 2007 - 2008 Brook Martinez Drum Instruction: Rock & Jazz 2005-2008

My wife and I along with our son and two dogs (Luna & Dee) live in Santa Cruz County California. We enjoy traveling, walking the dogs, riding our bikes to the beach, going out to see music and spending time with friends and family. I like taking lots of photographs where ever we go and enjoy incorporating those pictures into new and exciting learning tools.