Karen M. Castlevetro
122 E. Hebron Turnpike, Lebanon, CT 06249

[email protected]  ♦ (203) 494-6888

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Reading Specialist who engages students in high-interest, rigorous, and supportive instruction; works collaboratively with students and colleagues, while providing an effective learning environment for all.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Norwich Adult Education GED Proctor, Adult Education Program, Norwich, CT               10/2017-Present
Reading Interventionist, Huntington School, Norwich, CT                                                       10/2016-Present
Reading Specialist, Shepard Hill Elementary School, Plainfield, CT                                           10/2015-06/2016

Literacy Tutor, Breakthrough Magnet School, Hartford, CT                                                        9/2013–10/2015

Reading Interventionist Teacher, CREC Public Safety Academy, Enfield, CT                            1/2012–3/2013

Reading Teacher, Fifth Grade Teacher, Alfred E. Burr School, Hartford, CT                            11/2010–7/2011

Reading Intervention Tutor, Global Partnership Schools, Inc, Hartford, CT                                3/2010–6/2010

Second Grade Teacher, Saint Lawrence School, Inc., West Haven, CT                                      8/2002–11/2010

Third Grade Teacher, Timothy Dwight School, New Haven, CT                                                  9/2000–6/2001

Reading Specialist Experience

Assessments and programs:

·         MAP, SBAC, Las Links, Lexia, Aimsweb, Dibels, CMT, Fundations and Wilson, Rewards, Fountas and Pinnell’s LLI, Six Minute Solution, DRA 1 and 2, I-Ready, Options, Sounds and Motions, A to Z, Explore, Explode the Code, Running Record, Rigby, Dolch and Fry Phrases, READ 180, CREC Common Core

Responsibilities:

·         Assesses individual reading intervention needs using accumulated data through progress monitoring: in-school assessments, standardized tests, classroom artifacts.

·         Incorporates various district literacy initiatives into lessons in support of regular education, ELL, and special education literacy gains.

·         Collaborates with classroom teachers, data teams, and curriculum specialists to provide consistent academic goals for students.

·         Implements Behavioral Intervention Plans.

·         Reports data to SRBI and Data Teams.

·         Participates in PPT’s, Grade Level Teams and CST’s.

·         SBAC Testing Administrator

Professional Leadership Experience

Achievements:

Prepared lessons and trained three paraprofessionals, two certified tutors and a Master’s Intern
Assessed all reading intervention students; including ELL, SPED and various other students as directed
Literacy Tutor Mentor – Supported new tutors in assessment, lesson development, and record keeping
Member of Comprehensive School Plan Team – Monitored effectiveness of behavioral and academic strategies used to support student success, and adjusted tactics as needed.
Language Arts Coordinator – Implemented Archdiocese Curriculum Standards, piloted programs, determined instruction needs, and maintained clear communication with department and administration.
Comprehensive School Plan – Timothy Dwight School New Haven 2000-2001 Assisted in designing a successful academic and behavioral program.
Reading Literacy and Comprehensive School Plan – Public Safety Academy CREC 2012-13 Assisted in designing a successful reading and behavioral program.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

“I Can” Statements, Smartboard Training, Instruction of English Learners
CT Works – Excel, Powerpoint, Keyboarding, Computer 1 & 2
Reader’s Workshop, Writer’s Workshop with Lucy Caulkins at Columbia University Teacher’s College, Empowering Writer’s, STEP, Expeditionary Learning, Close reading, Dibel’s, Wilson, Common Core, SBAC, Sounds and Motions, Fountas and Pinnell LLI
Columbia University Reading Conference: Teacher’s College Reading and Writing Project (TCRWC)-Reading Strategies
Reading and Writing Workshop model training
SMART Board™ training
Kidspiration/Inspiration® computer-based Programs
Physical-Restraint Management Training Certified
Best Practices in Handwriting and Spelling: Improved Literacy for All
Annual Connecticut Reading Association Conference
Feedback Cycle- “Data” Workshop-Visible Learning for Teachers-How to use what you “see” from your students as a tool for data collection
Differentiated Instruction Institute: Brain Based Differentiation 2009
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

Paralegal Certification

Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts (102)

Elementary Education (005)

Certificate in Religion

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2015 MSA Ronald P. Simpson Distinguished Merit Award – Breakthrough Magnet School, National Magnet School of the Year
1999 Pi Lambda International Honor Society and Professional Association in Education
1999 Graduated Sacred Heart University with High Honors
1996 All-American Scholar Collegiate Award
1996 Sacred Heart University Dean’s List
1995 Sacred Heart University Dean’s List
1993 Gateway Community College Dean’s List
1992 Gateway Community College Dean’s List
EDUCATION

Master of Arts in Teaching: Elementary Education, minor in Reading, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT

Bachelor of Arts: Psychology, minor in Elementary Education, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT

Associate of Science: Early Childhood Education, minor in Elementary Education, Gateway Community College, New Haven, CT