Lesia Castellano
57 Ridgewood Dr. Turkey Point
Summary
Enthusiastic educator with communication and interpersonal skills necessary to lead classrooms and execute lesson plans. Provides instruction and guidance to students of all ages, with specialization in Alternative Education classroom settings . Creates positive classroom environments and effectively manages student behavior.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher
District School Board Of Niagara
09.2007 - Current
- Teaching Gr.9-12 students enrolled in SSAC through Pathstone Mental Health
- various subjects include courses in English, Phys Ed, Learning Strategies, Essential Math, Parenting, Financial Literacy
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child's educational journey.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students'' learning experiences outside the traditional classroom setting.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
Teacher
District School Board Of Niagara- Section 23
09.2006 - 06.2007
- Port's End Youth Home for Girls ( Gr. 6-12)
- Various courses taught in portable classroom onsite focusing on Math, Literacy, Social Sciences and Social skills
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
Teacher
District School Board Of Niagara
02.2002 - 06.2005
- Various Long Term Occasional positions covering courses in Horticulture, English, Learning Strategies, Geography
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Incorporated exciting and engaging activities to achieve student participation and hands-on learning.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students'' learning experiences outside the traditional classroom setting.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
Education
BA (Hons) - Independent Studies
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON02.2000
M. Sc. Education - Secondary Education
Niagara University
Lewiston, NY 05.2002
AQ - Special Education Part 1
Brock University
St. Catharines, ON 04.2005
AQ - Special Education Part 2
Brock University
St.Catharines, ON 04.2006
AQ - Special Education Part 3 (Specialist)
Brock University
St. Catharines, ON08.2006
AQ - Teaching Students With Communication Needs/Autism
Brock University
St. Catharines ON 04.2021
Skills
- Discussion Facilitation
- Special Education Emphasis
- Lesson Plan Implementation
- Multi-Subject Instruction
- Effective Classroom Management
- Group and Individual Instruction
- IEP Writing/Understanding
- Differentiated Instruction
- School Collaboration
- Personal Learning and Development
Languages
Italian
Limited Working
Ukrainian
Limited Working
Other Qualifications/Professional Development
February- May 2023: FNMI Teacher Navigator Workshop ( DSBN)
November 27-29, 2023: Ontario Mental Health Summit, Oakville, ON
-PD workshops in Anxiety and Agitation, Stress and Resilience, Youth Mental Health Crisis, Traffic Circle of Frustration
May 2023: Standard First Aid Training/CPR Level C ( DSBN)
May 2022: Jack Hirose and Associates Workshops ( online)
- Judith Matz: Emotional and Binge Eating, Chronic Dieting and Shame
- Lynn Lyons: Teens, Anxiety and Depression
May 1-2, 2019: The Toronto Educators Conference- Brain-Based Learning, Behavioural Challenges and Mental Health
-various other PD workshops offered through DSBN and OSSTF including Toxic Masculinity, Safe Talk Suicide Alertness, TRIBES Learning Communities, D2L training, plus ongoing PD day sessions throughout the academic year
Timeline
Teacher
District School Board Of Niagara
09.2007 - Current
Teacher
District School Board Of Niagara- Section 23
09.2006 - 06.2007
Teacher
District School Board Of Niagara
02.2002 - 06.2005
BA (Hons) - Independent Studies
University of Guelph
M. Sc. Education - Secondary Education
Niagara University
AQ - Special Education Part 1
Brock University
AQ - Special Education Part 2
Brock University
AQ - Special Education Part 3 (Specialist)
Brock University
AQ - Teaching Students With Communication Needs/Autism
Brock University