Nicole Fazio
New Lenox
Summary
Experienced education professional with strong background in special education. Skilled in developing individualized education plans, implementing effective teaching strategies, and fostering inclusive classroom environments. Focused on team collaboration and achieving measurable results, adapting to changing needs seamlessly. Known for patience, empathy, and excellent communication skills.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Homer 33c
Homer Glen, IL
06.2013 - Current
- Collaborated with support staff to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for diverse learners.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Utilized adaptive technologies to enhance learning engagement and accessibility for students with disabilities.
- Conducted parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress, challenges, and strategies for support.
- Designed behavioral intervention plans tailored to individual student needs and monitored their effectiveness.
- Assessed and documented student progress regularly, adjusting instructional methods based on assessment outcomes.
SI Paraprofessional
William J. Butler Elementary School
Lockport, IL
08.2011 - 06.2013
- Integrated an assortment of teaching methods such as complete class discussion, cooperative learning centers, hands-on activities, student productions, and individual work to reach desired learning results
- Generate reading lessons and activities for the weekly stories
- Adapted books to meet the students need
- Created monthly packets to enhance their knowledge of the skills they were studying each month
- Organized the classroom for the staff and students
- Modified students’ formal and informal assessments
- Facilitated the implementation of individualized learning plans, promoting academic success for students with diverse needs.
1st Grade Elementary Teacher
Spencer Pointe Elementary School
New Lenox, IL
02.2009 - 06.2010
- Integrated a variety of teaching techniques such as whole group discussion, hands-on activities, and individual work to obtain required educational outcome
- Created positive classroom environments conducive to learning while promoting respect and collaboration among students.
- Monitored student progress through formative assessments, adapting instruction based on individual learning needs and outcomes.
- Cultivated strong relationships with families by maintaining open communication regarding student achievements and challenges.
- Implemented guided reading groups consisting of students with various reading abilities
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards to foster student curiosity and academic growth.
- Designed enrichment activities that reinforced core subject areas, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.
1st Grade Teacher
Spencer Pointe Elementary School
New Lenox, IL
08.2009 - 06.2010
- Generated lessons using the Everyday Math Program
- Devised center activities based on the Daily 5 Reading Program
- Incorporated a variety of teaching techniques such as whole group discussion, hands-on activities, and individual work to obtain required educational outcome
- Developed guided reading groups consisting of students with various reading abilities
- Administered running records
- Implemented RTI within the classroom
Classroom Aide- Third Grade
Spencer Pointe Elementary School
New Lenox, IL
08.2008 - 06.2009
- Modified students’ formal and informal assessments
- Created journal packets correlating with events in each month
- Co-taught lessons using the Everyday Math Program
- Developed bulletin boards to monitor the students behavior
- Assisted in quick reads
- Worked with guided reading groups containing students with various reading levels
- Incorporated an assortment of teaching methods such as complete class discussion, cooperative learning centers, hands-on activities, student productions, and individual work to reach desired learning results
Student Teaching Experience- Second Grade
Spencer Pointe Elementary School
New Lenox, IL
01.2008 - 05.2008
- Constructed standards-based lesson plans with measurable objectives to evaluate learning outcomes in all subject areas
- Monitored student progress through formal and informal assessment
- Implemented the use of technology during the preparation and presentation of lessons
- Provided differentiated instruction through collaboration with the inclusion teaching staff and cooperating teacher
- Integrated a variety of instructional methods such as whole group discussion, cooperative learning, guided reading groups, centers, hands-on activities, games, student-led presentations, and individual work to achieve desired learning outcomes
- Developed lessons using the Everyday Math Program
Clinical Teaching Experience- Fourth and Fifth Grade Special Education
Woodgate Elementary School
Matteson, IL
08.2007 - 12.2007
- Instructed with an ethnically diverse population
- Educated students with Autistic, Down Syndrome, Asperger’s Syndrome, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Retardation, and Emotional Disorder students
- Created and taught standards-based lessons in Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics, using measurable objectives to evaluate learning outcomes
Education
Master of Arts - Reading Specialist
Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, IL01-2016
Master of Science - LBS1 Endorsement
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL12-2011
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education, Math Concentration
Governors State University
University Park, IL06-2008
Elementary Education Major
Northern Illinois University
De Kalb, IL01-2006
Associates in Arts - Elementary Education Major
Joliet Junior College
Joliet, IL06-2004
Skills
- Classroom Suite, Board Maker, Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Publisher, Power Point, Kidspiration, and Inspiration
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans ieps
- Small group instruction
- Co-teaching experience
- Collaborative teamwork
- Trained in CPI
- Behavior intervention plans
- Visual supports
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Functional behavior assessment
Accomplishments
- Trained fellow teachers on the procedures for completing Individual Education Plans.
- Mentor teacher for 3 colleagues
- Member of the school leadership team for 3 years.
- Member of the district's special education council for 2 years.
- Member of the district's MTSS committee for 8 years
Certification
- Type 03 Elementary Education Initial Teaching Certificate
- LA- Language Arts Endorsement
- LBS1 Certificate
- Reading Specialist Certificate
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Homer 33c
06.2013 - Current
SI Paraprofessional
William J. Butler Elementary School
08.2011 - 06.2013
1st Grade Teacher
Spencer Pointe Elementary School
08.2009 - 06.2010
1st Grade Elementary Teacher
Spencer Pointe Elementary School
02.2009 - 06.2010
Classroom Aide- Third Grade
Spencer Pointe Elementary School
08.2008 - 06.2009
Student Teaching Experience- Second Grade
Spencer Pointe Elementary School
01.2008 - 05.2008
Clinical Teaching Experience- Fourth and Fifth Grade Special Education
Woodgate Elementary School
08.2007 - 12.2007
Master of Science - LBS1 Endorsement
Lewis University
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education, Math Concentration
Governors State University
Elementary Education Major
Northern Illinois University
Associates in Arts - Elementary Education Major
Joliet Junior College
Master of Arts - Reading Specialist
Olivet Nazarene University
Special Recognition
Honor Role at Joliet Junior College 2002-2004, Deans List at Governors State University 2006-2008, Those Who Make a Difference Nominee at Spencer Pointe School 2008
Additional Experience
- Preschool Teacher, Cozy Kids Cottage, 2006-Present
- Lunch Aide, Wright Elementary School, 2004-2006
- Before and After School Day Care Teacher and Director, The Growing Place, 2004-2006
- Preschool Teacher, Kids & Company, 2002-2004