MARIA BRYAN-DIXON

193-20 119th Avenue

St. Albans, NY 11412
718-527-6509 mb1036bba@westpost.net
QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY
Dedicated Special Education Teacher with seven years experience motivating all s
tudents to achieve their highest potential. Empathetic child advocate who strive
s to build a supportive educational environment and develop creative, data-drive
n instruction / methodologies that address the unique needs of each student. Ski
lled at all phases of IEP development and implementation; expert at designing /
adapting instruction, managing classroom behavior, and integrating technology ac
ross the curriculum. Collaborative team player with excellent organization and c
ommunication abilities; proficient using a variety of Microsoft and educational
applications.
EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION
TOURO COLLEGE - New York, NY
Master of Science in Education, Special Education (Grades 1-6), 2010
NEW YORK STATE READING ACADEMY - New York, NY
Reading Certificate, 2006
YORK COLLEGE - Jamaica, NY
Bachelor of Science in Accounting, 2003
Certification: Public School Teacher, Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6) -
State of New York
Public School Teacher, Common Branches (Grades 1-6) - State of New York
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
PS 136 QUEENS, St. Albans, NY 2006 - 2010
Special Education Teacher (2008-2010)
* Provide individualized instruction, academic support, and IEP oversight for st
udents with emotional disturbances and learning disabilities identified as needi
ng special education services.
* Write Individual Education Plans (IEPs) based on assessment findings and prior
ities identified by each student's care team.
* Implement IEP objectives across various settings and collect data on effective
ness; evaluate student achievement toward goals and objectives, modifying curric
ulum and strategies as needed.
* Conduct observations and needs assessments; create and lead diverse, different
iated, and data-driven instructional activities that are age-appropriate, functi
onal, motivating, and fully reflective of IEP goals.
* Utilize hands-on activities, manipulatives, learning centers, and thematic uni
ts to engage students and improve knowledge retention.
* Partner with parents, regular education teachers, and other service providers
to employ accommodations, and develop and modify curriculum and learning strateg
ies to meet academic and developmental goals.
* Facilitate IEP meetings and parent conferences.
MARIA BRYAN-DIXON 718-527-6509 Page Two
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE - Continued
PS 136 QUEENS - St. Albans, NY Continued
Substitute Teacher / Student Teacher (2006-2008)
* Provided extensive creative and engaging individualized instruction in reading
and math.
* Developed and implemented modifications and interventions, including behavior
contracts and positive reinforcement, to manage behavior of students with learni
ng disabilities and behavioral disorders.
* Partnered closely with mentor teachers and colleagues in lesson planning and a
ssessment strategies.
* Integrated technology across the curriculum; maintained records and regular co
mmunication with parents.
BETHEL CHRISTIAN LEARNING ACADEMY - Cambria Heights, NY 2003 - 2006
3rd and 4th Grade Teacher
* Designed hands-on lessons and provided engaging, data-driven instruction in al
l subject areas, including reading, writing, math, social studies, and science,
in a private school setting.
* Oversaw third grade Reading First program; partnered with local restaurant to
establish Family Literacy Nights; provided assistance with Career Day and Christ
mas production.
* Developed small-group lessons and weekly assessments to meet varying academic
levels and needs.
* Maintained regular communication with parents through conferences, corresponde
nce, and monthly newsletter.
* Ensured order and discipline through a positive classroom management plan; man
aged student records.
* Implemented technology across the curriculum.
RELATED EXPERIENCE
ALLEN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL - Jamaica, NY 2008 - 2010
Math Club Coach
* Led enrichment activities for math club students; oversaw student participatio
n in the Stock Market Game.
* Won 2008 Award of Excellence.