SARAH GAFFNEY

9324 Town Walk Drive, Hamden, CT 06518 • Cell: 7742703346 • sarahisabelgaffney@gmail.com

Skills
Critical thinker Urban and Suburban public school experience
Flexible and adaptive Curriculum development
Calm under pressure IEPs and differentiation knowledge
Responsive Classroom techniques Experience with parental and collegial
communication

Experience
Student Teacher, 08/2017 to Current
Green Acres Elementary School – North Haven, CT
Observed and assessed student performance and kept thorough records of progress.
Managed classrooms of 14 to 24 students.
Implemented a variety of teaching methods such as reader's and writer's workshop, math stations, and project
and inquiry-based instruction.
Set and communicated ground rules for the classroom based on respect and personal responsibility.
Established positive relationships with students, parents, fellow teachers and school administrators.
Collaborated with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning and student
engagement.
Created lesson plans in accordance with Common Core State Curriculum and school-wide curriculum
standards.
Worked outside normal hours to be available to answer parent and student questions.
Participated in PPTs, grade-level district meetings, and profession development.

Math Tutor, 09/2017 to Current

Green Acres Elementary School – North Haven, CT
Encouraged students to persevere with challenging tasks.
Taught after-school enrichment programs.
Differentiated instruction according to student ability and skill level.

Group Leader, 12/2015 to 01/2017

The Tobin School – Natick, MA
Organized activities that developed children's physical, emotional and social growth.
Created daily lesson plans for activities.
Monitored children's play activities to verify safety and wellness.
Used clear communication and professionalism to develop constructive relationships with families, colleagues,
and students.
Openly exchanged ideas and materials with coworkers.

Assistant Teacher, 06/2014 to 12/2015

The Tobin School – Natick, MA
Redirected children to encourage safe, positive behaviors.
Helped facilitate indoor and outdoor play, parent-teacher communication and keeping the classrooms clean.
Collaborated daily with classroom teachers to keep activities running smoothly.

Field Study Intern, 09/2016 to 05/2017

Fair Haven School – New Haven, CT
Observed and assessed student performance and kept thorough records of progress.
Managed classrooms of 14 to 24 students.
Implemented Responsive Classroom methods and techniques.
Created lesson plans in accordance with state curriculum and school-wide curriculum standards.
Field Study Intern, 01/2016 to 05/2016
ISI Florence – Firenze, Toscana
-Observed and assessed student performance and kept thorough records of progress.
Managed classrooms of 14 to 24 students.
Implemented a variety of teaching methods such as discussions and demonstrations.
Taught English Language lessons via local curriculum.

Field Study Intern, 09/2015 to 12/2015

Montowese Elementary School – North Haven, CT
Observed and assessed student performance and kept thorough records of progress.
Managed classrooms of 14 to 24 students.
Implemented Responsive Classroom methods and techniques.
Created lesson plans in accordance with Common Core State Curriculum and school-wide curriculum
standards.

Education
High School Diploma: 2013
Dana Hall School for Girls - Wellesley
Member of Best Buddies Organization
Founder and member of Baking Fundraiser Club

Bachelor of Arts: English Literature, 2017

Quinnipiac University - Hamden
Member of Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority
Deans List 2016 - 2018
Coursework in Child Development
Completion of Senior Thesis: Complex literary concepts in Moby Dick applied in the elementary school setting.

Master of Arts: Elementary Education, 2018

Quinnipiac University - Hamden
Coursework in Management, Responsive Classroom Methods and Instruction, Differentiation, Common Core
Curriculum, and Classroom Discourse.
Special Education Certificate
4.0 GPA

Certifications
Anticipated Connecticut Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education (K-6)
Passing Scores for Praxis II
Passing Scores for Foundation of Reading
First Aid Certification
Participant in EdTPA Program