RESEARCH ASSISTANT

University of Pennsylvania | 2022 - Present

• Support Dr. Ed Brockenbrough, Associate Professor and Calvin Bland Fellow, with his research on diversity, social justice, and identity.

• Perform comprehensive online research by utilizing digital resources such as Google Scholar, EBSCO, and Education Source.

• Conduct literature reviews on relevant literature regarding the experiences of Queer individuals in sex education.

• Utilize Dedoose and other coding tools for data coding and analysis.

• Supporting the instruction of the Urban Teacher Apprentice Program's course on Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in Urban Secondary Schools.

TEACHER, ACADEMIC INTERVENTIONIST, SPECIAL EDUCATION COORDINATOR

New York City Department of Education | 2010 – 2022

• Developed culturally relevant and trauma-informed lesson plans, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and interventions for students by utilizing social-emotional, behavioral, and academic data.

• Collaborated with students experiencing academic challenges, delivering targeted, direct instruction in both reading and math.

• Engaged in collaboration with the school's executive cabinet to devise inclusive curriculum, materials, and professional development opportunities for educators, showcasing a focus on culturally responsive pedagogy and trauma-sensitive practices.

• Attained certification in Therapeutic Crisis Interventions in Schools (TCIS) techniques and applied them effectively to provide compassionate and safe support to students during challenging situations, successfully deescalating behaviors.

• Partnered with early-career educators, offering guidance and support during their initial years in teaching.

• Developed digital classrooms enabling students to interact with curriculum tailored to meet their individualized needs.

• Designed workshops with the purpose of aiding caregivers in navigating the special education process and acquiring the essential support for their students.

• As a member of the School Implementation Team, I ensured adherence to special education protocols, facilitated the delivery of mandated services to students, and analyzed data to support students' transition to less restrictive settings.

• As a member of the school-based support team, collaborated with all stakeholders to develop and implement plans designed to aid students facing physical, emotional, and educational challenges.

NEW YORK CITY TEACHING FELLOW

New York City Department of Education | 2006 – 2008

• Worked within District 75, the specialized district comprised of students with dis/abilities.

• Collaborated with counselors, therapists, and school psychologists to design and implement learning programs fostering the educational, emotional, and social growth of students.

• Collaborated with students experiencing academic challenges, delivering targeted, direct instruction in both reading and math.

• Tailored lesson plans to cater to the diverse ability levels and learning styles of students, aligning with their respective IEP goals.

• Oversaw the administrative operations, educational objectives, and related services of an inclusion program.

• Tailored lesson plans to cater to the diverse ability levels and learning styles of students, aligning with their respective IEP goals.