Biography
James is a 7th grade special education teacher responsible for over 30 students in a resource and inclusion setting in the Stamford, CT, public school system. He is also concluding his field work as a BCBA certificate recipient with St Joseph's University, working with students on the autism spectrum in the Westchester, NY, and Fairfield County, CT, areas. While studying toward his certification, he has acquired valuable experience related to ASD and treatment related to this diagnosis, including starting a school-based autism program, where he acted as an ambassador for students with ASD, and teaching a class for three years where the majority of students were diagnosed with autism. He has worked as an IEP teacher, conducted SETT’s classes, served as Special Education liaison, conducted Functional Behavior Analysis, written/implemented Behavior Intervention Plans, conducted SANDI/FAST progress analysis, and has been trained to conduct NYSAA testing.
While working with students, he has given academic assistance through tutoring, but also assisted by acting as a scribe or reading to students who required dictation, giving individualized attention in the classroom. Prior to receiving his Master’s degree in Special Education, James also gained experience teaching adults with profound to moderate developmental disabilities, focusing on vocational skills, activities of daily living and behavior modifications and interventions.
His strengths include managing a classroom successfully, dealing with the unexpected challenges in the classroom environment and teaching individuals who benefit from guidance during their learning experience. With the New York State learning standards in mind, James is familiar with concepts such as Gardner’s multiple intelligences, response to intervention, and differentiation, as well as the
