Coleen Thomas-Debari Email and Phone Number

Developer of a 15 PDP SEI/ESL PD accessible for all educators( face to face and online), based on the RETELL curriculum. This can be offered in a two-day session or via a 5 week online course throughout the year. All educators must obtain 15 PDPs in ESL for each licensure cycle.  Ability to design courses in areas of social justice training, and culturally relevant teaching practices.

RETELL Instructor, MA DESE Vendor (October 2015-current)Trained under the DESE Massachusetts RETELL initiative to deliver Full, Long Bridge and Short Bridge courses to core teachers. Currently instructing the full course for for-cost vendors. Redesigned the course on an alternate online platform. Currently, provide independent services in the Central and Western MA areas.Developed a 15 PDP SEI/ESL PD accessible for all educators( face to face and online), based on the RETELL curriculum. This can be offered in a two-day session or via a 5 week online course throughout the year. All Professionally licensed MA educators must obtain 15 PDPs in ESL for each licensure cycle.

Duties as the district ESL Department Head include supporting all district staff in supporting English Language learners in their academic and language acquisition development. To work in cooperation with the Director of Pupil Services, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, andAssessment, and Building Administration to implement programming for English Learner students.  To facilitate regularly scheduled department meetings to establish communication processes with colleagues, articulate curricular initiatives, conduct department planning, and identify student needs ad expected achievement outcomes Coordinates ESL data collection and reporting at the school and district levels  Maintains records of all ESL students and their status (SIMS Management) Coordinates testing of all EL students, including initial screeners and ACCESS testing  To facilitate a process for identifying budgetary priorities To facilitate department event planning and monitor task completion To collaborate with Building Administration, the Director of Pupil Services, and the Director ofCurriculum, Instruction, and Assessment make decisions in the best interest of the students  To assume any other department responsibility deemed appropriate by the Director of Pupil Services, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, and Building Administration

Provide rigorous and appropriate instruction to ELL students that supports the acceleration ofEnglish language acquisition and appropriate academic language, which is aligned with state and district standards. Work with staff to assess and schedule all LEP students K-12 for program eligibility, including administration of required state and local assessments.  Demonstrate proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading and writing English.  Serve as a liaison between the LEP student, classroom teachers, and families.  Communicate with parents through conferences, and other means to discuss students’ progress. Evaluate each student’s progress in the acquisition of listening, speaking, reading and writing English skills on a regular basis and provide progress reports. Consult with staff on the types of accommodations, adaptations, and special resources that are appropriate for students. Assist and support colleagues seeking SEI endorsement. Work cooperatively with all relevant district staff in preparing an effective educational program for ELL students.  Perform other professional duties which the Building Principal, Director of Pupil Services, or Director of Curriculum may require.  Development of ESL Curriculum for K-12, Program Evaluation tool and ELL PAC meetings. Ongoing Mentor/mentee training, Staff Professional Development, RETELL/SEI Instructor.

Knowledge of subjects assigned, curriculum and instruction with the ability to instruct and manage students.  Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students. Develop and implement lesson plans that meet requirements of the curriculum program according to guidelines established by board policies and administrative regulations.  Use appropriate learning materials and equipment that reflect the accommodations for assessed student learning styles.  Coordinate with special education teachers and other staff as needed for special education students to determine individual goals, objectives, and methods of instruction.  Use technology to strengthen the teaching/learning process and help students analyze and improve study methods and habits, assessing student achievements through formal and informal testing.  Implementation of intervention SRBI groups and preparation for CMT state testing.  Current Committees: Yearbook Advisor, Technology

Part-time Language Arts Instructor for 8th grade transition and 9th-11th graders.  Strengthening of writing, vocabulary, reading comprehension, critical thinking, CAPT and SAT skills.  Provide thorough, rigorous instruction for the Summer and Saturday Enrichment Academies.      -Led students and staff in Diversity Training exercises    -Head teacher to assist in parent/student communication meetings    -Fall 2005, Developed and implemented Language Arts Curriculum for the 9th and 10th Grade components

Full-time English Instructor for grades 9-12.  Implementation of daily engaging, challenging lesson plans for American, Western, World and Senior English courses/Basic-Honors levels. Composed and taught grammar and critical analysis component for the classroom, enhancing the learning experience and increasing student interest in core material.  Consistent presentation of varied instructional strategies for diverse learners.  Organized field experiences in correlation with literary based themes.  Integration of technology; supplementing class lectures and developing word processing and research skills.  Established and maintained relationships with students, parents and colleagues fostering an environment of open communication and support.    -Head Advisor for the school’s diversity club, BRIDGES (Building Rich Instances of Diversity to Guide Effective Socialization)    -Head Advisor for Camp Anytown (Program which sponsors awareness of social injustices, promotes team leadership skills and appreciation for diverse communities)    -Established Project WORTHY (Windsor Offering Relief Through High School Youth/ Official fundraiser for Windsor Schools and Chamber of Commerce- Tsunami/Hurricane Katrina relief efforts)

Provide guidance and support to the student teacher during their six week practicum.  Assisting student teacher with lesson formatting and planning instruction.  Careful review of all lesson plans, and period by period teaching strategies.  Responsibility of providing both verbal and written feedback to the student teacher on a regular basis.  Execution of Connecticut Competency Instrument (CCI), for final evaluation of student teacher to determine successful completion of the program.