Courtney Zemsky
Educator And Dyslexia Tutor
Philadelphia,PA
Summary
Professional educator with proven track record of fostering academic success and inspiring love for learning. Adept at creating and differentiating curriculum, utilizing best practices, and leveraging strong communication skills to engage students. Known for collaboration, adaptability, and consistently achieving measurable results in diverse educational settings. Reliable and focused on continuous improvement and support for both students and colleagues.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Department Chair / Senior Guide
The Walden School
Media, PA
03.2024 - Current
- Lead monthly department meetings and mentor faculty
- Manage departmental budget and purchasing
- Support hiring decisions and student admissions processes
- Serve as liaison between faculty and administration
- Promote a positive, collaborative work environment
Montessori Primary Teacher
The Walden School
Media, PA
08.2023 - Current
- Co-lead a classroom of 20+ students (ages 3–6), delivering Montessori curriculum across academic and cultural domains
- Design and implement lessons in art, science, geography, and cultural studies
- Use observation and assessment to guide individualized student progress
- Foster a respectful, inclusive classroom through social-emotional instruction (grace & courtesy, conflict resolution)
- Partner with families and colleagues to support holistic student development
Orton-Gillingham Tutor
Dyslexia Tutoring Services
Bethlehem/ Philadelphia, PA
03.2021 - Current
- Provide individualized literacy intervention using structured, multisensory OG approach
- Conduct diagnostic assessments and develop targeted instructional plans
- Track student progress and adapt instruction to meet evolving needs
- Collaborate with families and school teams to ensure student success
Advisory Board Member
Lehigh Valley Summerbridge
Bethlehem, PA
10.2017 - 11.2025
- Provided strategic guidance on program development and sustainability
- Supported initiatives in teacher development, fundraising, and student retention
- Contributed to community outreach and program visibility
First Grade Teacher
Winchester Thurston School
Pittsburgh, PA
08.2014 - 06.2016
- Delivered core academic instruction and assessed student progress
- Designed engaging, cross-curricular learning experiences
- Built strong partnerships with families to support student growth
Math Enrichment Teacher
Sewickley Academy
Sewickley, PA
08.2013 - 06.2014
- Developed and taught enrichment curriculum for grades 2–3
- Collaborated with faculty to align instruction with core curriculum
Office Manager
Communities In Schools
Sewickley, PA
06.2012 - 08.2013
- Managed payroll, billing, and HR support functions
- Provided logistical and operational support to staff and programs
Education
Orton-Gillingham Associate Certification -
Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners And Educators
Bethlehem, PA10.2021
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM05.2005
AMI Primary Certification - Ages 3–6
Montessori Institute Northwest
Portland, OR06.1998
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy and Religion
University of California
Santa Cruz, CA06.1996
Skills
Student Assessment & Progress Monitoring
Diagnostic & Prescriptive Instruction
Orton-Gillingham Literacy Intervention
Curriculum Development & Lesson Design
Differentiated Instruction
Montessori Education (Ages 3–6)
Classroom Community Building
Team Leadership & Mentorship
Parent Communication & Education
Observation, Feedback & Coaching
Collaborative Problem Solving
Lesson planning
Verbal and written communication
Growth mindset
In-person tutoring
Parent-teacher communication
Organization and preparation
Staff collaboration
Differentiated instruction
Classroom management
Progress reporting
Affiliations
- Orton-Gillingham Associate
- Reading Allowed
- Specialists of Schools
- Lehigh Valley Summerbridge
- Association Montessori Internationale
- Responsive Classroom
- Positive Discipline
- Critical Friends
Timeline
Department Chair / Senior Guide
The Walden School
03.2024 - Current
Montessori Primary Teacher
The Walden School
08.2023 - Current
Orton-Gillingham Tutor
Dyslexia Tutoring Services
03.2021 - Current
Advisory Board Member
Lehigh Valley Summerbridge
10.2017 - 11.2025
First Grade Teacher
Winchester Thurston School
08.2014 - 06.2016
Math Enrichment Teacher
Sewickley Academy
08.2013 - 06.2014
Office Manager
Communities In Schools
06.2012 - 08.2013
Orton-Gillingham Associate Certification -
Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners And Educators
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
University of New Mexico
AMI Primary Certification - Ages 3–6
Montessori Institute Northwest
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy and Religion
University of California