Susan Smolczynski
Philadelphia,PA
Summary
To obtain a rewarding position as a special education teacher where my experience as a SPECM and learning support teacher will be utilized to support and facilitate the goals of the School District of Philadelphia.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Learning Support Teacher/Special Education Compliance Monitor
The School District of Philadelphia - Webster Elementary
08.2016 - Current
- Develop and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with diverse learning needs, ensuring tailored support and academic success.
- Maintain compliance with all initial evaluations and reevaluations for the school team.
- Ensure compliance with all special education laws and regulations, maintaining accurate documentation and meeting deadlines for IEP meetings and reports.
- Completion of Early Intervention Process for incoming students.
- Complete all placement request for special education students.
- Set up and maintain Special Education Profile Portfolio
- Provide differentiated instruction in small groups and one-on-one settings to address individual learning styles, focusing on literacy, math, and social-emotional development.
- Collaborate with general education teachers, specialists, and parents to monitor student progress and adjust instructional strategies as needed.
- Monitor student progress regularly, analyze data, and adjust teaching methods to ensure academic growth and achievement.
- Complete Positive Behavior Support Plans and Functional Behavior Assessments
- Use appropriate and timely verbal de-escalation techniques
- Maintain ongoing collaboration with staff regarding co-planning of academics
- Engage students in stimulating, multi-modality learning experiences consistent with prescribed Lindamood Bell (LiPS) intensive reading program curriculum
- Set up and maintain Special Education Profile Portfolio
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop curriculum aligned with state standards, ensuring consistency across grade levels.
Elementary Teacher Grade 2 and Grade 3
Archdiocese of Philadelphia - St. Dominic
08.2014 - 06.2016
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments, and assessments, and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
- Implemented creative classroom management techniques to maintain an orderly and focused learning environment.
- Promoted a positive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations and fostering strong communication between students, parents, and staff members.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through formative assessments, adjusting teaching strategies as needed for improved outcomes.
- Increased overall student achievement by utilizing differentiated instructional methods tailored to individual learning styles.
- Developed strong relationships with students and their families through consistent communication and involvement in school events.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular lesson plans, deepening students'' understanding of multiple subjects.
Special Education Inclusion Teacher Grades 2 and 3
Ewing Township School District - Antheil Elementary
01.2002 - 01.2007
- Lead teacher of multi-grade level inclusion classroom
- Work collaboratively with general education teacher to prepare all lessons
- Utilized Responsive Classroom techniques in teaching style and classroom management
- Use data to drive small guided reading groups based on Fountas and Pinnell training
- Utilized DRA’s to assess reading fluency and comprehension to drive instruction
- Work with the child study team to create and maintain progress monitoring, IEP, behavior plans and all legal paperwork
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
Elementary Teacher Grade 2 and Grade 3
Archdiocese of Philadelphia - St. Andrew
01.1997 - 01.2002
- Drive student achievement and set high expectations for all students
- Assess the skill level of students and aligns classroom goals and activities to established state and local standards
- Implement rigorous and appropriate lesson plans, assignments, and assessments
- Provide instruction in respective subject area
- Teach inquiry techniques that encourage experimentation and alternative approaches to problem solving
- Create a classroom environment in which students have access to subject-related materials that address their needs and interests
- Work closely with school leaders to analyze student assessment data to measure progress and use data to inform instruction
- Collaborate in grade level teams to discuss student work and share best practices
- Engage families in their children’s education by building relationships and maintaining regular communication
- Demonstrate genuine interest, belief, and care for students’ personal and academic success
Education
Post Masters Certification - Educational Leadership and Administration
PennWest University
Edinboro, PA12.2024
Masters of Arts - Special Education
LaSalle University
Philadelphia05.2002
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Bloomsburg University
Bloomsburg12.1996
Certification
- Supervisor of Special Education, June 2024
- Principal K-12, (As of June 2025)
- Instructional II - Elementary and Special Education, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, April 2007
- Instructional I - Elementary Education, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, January 1997
- Elementary and Special Education Teacher, The State of New Jersey, August 2002
Timeline
Learning Support Teacher/Special Education Compliance Monitor
The School District of Philadelphia - Webster Elementary
08.2016 - Current
Elementary Teacher Grade 2 and Grade 3
Archdiocese of Philadelphia - St. Dominic
08.2014 - 06.2016
Special Education Inclusion Teacher Grades 2 and 3
Ewing Township School District - Antheil Elementary
01.2002 - 01.2007
Elementary Teacher Grade 2 and Grade 3
Archdiocese of Philadelphia - St. Andrew
01.1997 - 01.2002
Post Masters Certification - Educational Leadership and Administration
PennWest University
Masters of Arts - Special Education
LaSalle University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Bloomsburg University
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