Bridget Fitzsimons Email & Phone Number

Crystal Lake, Illinois, United States

Greater Chicago Area

Greater Chicago Area

Taught Math, multiple levels of English, Reading, and World Geography to students representing the full range of special education eligibilities and instructional levels in grades 9-12.Served as the de facto technology leader for the special education department, including troubleshooting, coaching, and consultation.Adapted existing technology procedures, equipment, and apps/software to meet learning needs of students with physical, intellectual, and social emotional disabilities.Developed authentic, project-based lessons aligned to standards that incorporated technology and digital literacy skills.Collaborated with colleagues to solve instructional problems and share resources, strategies, and materials.Developed curricula and differentiated lessons to align to common core standards, graduation requirements, school/district improvement initiatives, IEP goals, and regular education course requirements and based on data from multiple sources.Piloted 1:1 Chromebook program for self-contained special education classes, including integrating Google Apps, Canvas Learning Management System, media, online textbooks, and other interactive applications to increase student engagement and achievement.Provided case management services including data collection, progress monitoring, goal and objective development, scheduling, transition planning, meeting facilitation, team leadership, behavior intervention plan development and implementation, and completion of IEP and related paperwork in compliance with federal and state mandates.Converted traditionally paper processes to digital to increase efficiency and reduce waste, including the data collection process for IEP development, the integration of calendars from multiple sources, and formative and summative assessments.

Greater Chicago Area

Responsible for professional development in technology for all certified staff at 27 buildings K-12 and Administration, including needs assessment, alignment to district initiatives, course content and resources, administration, assessment, data collection, and follow-up.Drove district initiatives to integrate technology meaningfully into teaching and learning.Led initiative to develop and implement K-12 articulated curriculum for both technology and digital literacy/research skills.Led a team to plan and implement a 1:1 pilot with iPads across multiple subjects at three high schools.Consulted with teachers, administrators, and parent to match technology resources to student needs.Researched and purchased apps, online resources, and software to augment existing curriculum.Coached teachers in the effective use and integration of technology.Presented annual reports to the Board of Education detailing accomplishments, goals, and budget needs Addressed curricular issues with consistency, assessment, and standards in three high school courses through the selection, purchase, and implementation of a Learning Management System. United library media specialists from 26 schools to overhaul the budget, ensure the equitable distribution of resources, redesign websites, share best practice, and provide support, reducing spending by 33% and reallocating funds to provide a comprehensive suite of digital resources for students.Administered Google Apps, Pearson, Follett Destiny Library Manager, online textbooks, Haiku Learning Management System, Type to Learn, and other online learning platforms and databases,Conducted community outreach efforts to strengthen ties to local libraries, and increase accessibility to programs for students

Aurora, Il

Responsible for managing all aspects of technology at a high school with approximately 3,000 students, including network administration, technology support, technology integration, professional development, equipment purchase, installation, maintenance, and upgrades, and technician and clerical staff supervision.Conceptualized and transformed unused space in West Aurora High School into "The Nexus", a modular, multi-functional technology space designed to increase equity and access for students and teachers. Attendance averaged over 500 students per week in year one.

Carpentersville, Il

Created new transition program for failing high school students with an IEP incorporating differentiated, small group instruction, a life-skills based positive behavior intervention program, community service, and vocational training. 92% of participants went on to graduate from high school.Co-authored and taught curriculum for 9th grade IEP students to address social and executive skills gaps. GPAs for students taking the class were higher on average than those who were not enrolled, and they received fewer discipline referrals.

Master'S Degree, Educational Leadership And Administration, General

Master'S Degree, Educational/Instructional Technology

Bachelor'S Degree, Education