Alissa Alteri Shea Email & Phone Number

Hello! Currently, I am an Instructional Coach at Vernon Elementary School. I love my role mentoring and partnering with teachers to improve student learning. I have studied Jim Knight's work and use the Impact Cycle to set goals with teachers and create systems that support student growth. I also recently completed my Instructional Leadership Certificate at Harvard Graduate School of Education. This was an invaluable learning experience, studying with educators from around the world to learn more about coaching and instructional leadership. Previously, I was a first-grade teacher at Leverett Elementary School, where I taught for ten years. I feel very lucky to have been a classroom teacher for over two decades, creating child-centered learning environments with high-quality instruction and joyful learning opportunities for children. One of the things I love most is being outdoors in nature, and have taken classes in the Nature-based Certificate Program at Antioch, New England, presented at their In Bloom Conferences, and helped build the outdoor education program at Leverett School. I began my teaching career by joining the Jesuit Volunteer Corp in NYC, to work in racially and socio-economically diverse communities. After teaching Kindergarten in the Bronx, I received my MA in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College, which solidified my commitment to progressive education and building strong public schools for all children. I also learned how social studies can shape a curriculum so children can learn about themselves, become curious about the world around them, and prepare to be global citizens in an ever changing world. I also worked as a classroom teacher at a public Montessori Magnet School in Albany, NY and as a reading teacher in Brattleboro, VT, developing my skills as a literacy specialist and Montessori trained teacher. My other true passion is writing about my work. I've written several articles for Edutopia and the Writer's Collaborative with Truth For Teachers by Angela Watson.At this point in my career, I am looking for new ways to contribute towards building strong public schools that will help strengthen our democracy and provide equitable, child-centered learning opportunities for all children. This is what drives me as I continue my work in education as a teacher, coach, instructional leader, writer, and advocate for children. I would be happy to discuss my qualifications further as I seek to expand my role in education with new opportunities.