Special Education Academic Advisor
Resume:
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Inviolata L. Sore(Ph.D.)
Sanford, ME
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Educator Researcher/Author Mentor
EDUCATION
Ph.D., Literacy Education St. John’s University Queens, NYC, NY Fall 2017 – to Spring 2024 o Dissertation: Teachers' and Students' Perceptions Regarding Vocabulary Development in Classrooms Utilizing Emerging Trends in Literacy Development o Dissertation Committee members: Dr. Richard Brown - Dissertation Supervisor; Dr. Evan Ortlieb - Academic advisor (current Dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences at South Dakota State University); Dr. Michael Sampson - Dissertation Committee Member (St. John’s University School of Ed.). M.S., Teaching and Curriculum Syracuse University Syracuse, NY 2015 o Academic Advisor: Dr. Joana Masingila, Syracuse University, NY M.S., Special Needs Education Kenyatta University Nairobi, Kenya 2013 Thesis: Influences of Schooling on Social Participation of Students with H.I. in Nyeri, Kenya
o Thesis Committee: Dr. John Mugo; Formally Kenyatta University- Currently Executive Director of Zizi Afrique Foundation, Kenya (Principal supervisor) and Dr. Violet Wawire
(2nd supervisor).
B. Ed., Special Education Kenyatta University Nairobi, Kenya 2004 o Major – Special Education
o Minor - English
Primary 1 Teacher Certificate Asumbi Teachers Training Collect (ATTC) Asumbi Kenya.
o Trained to teach all primary school-level subjects. o Actively participated in co-curricular activities, including but not limited to drama, music, recitals, and sports.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
o Curriculum as relates to literacy development – Early Childhood to College o Education policies
o Grants
o Literacy development among diverse and at-risk populations: - o juvenile inmates
o Navigating Literacy Development among Immigrant Learners: Second Language Acquisition and L2 Learners’ Identity Negotiation
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o Disability pedagogy
o Struggling readers
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Principal Researcher – PhD Program Dissertation Research - 2020-2024 o Reviewing literature
o Creating a reference portfolio
o Developing and editing the dissertation proposal o Defending my dissertation proposal
o Planning research activities.
o Constantly consulting with my mentor
o Undertaking IRB training on Human Subjects
o Conducting data collection
o Compiling and analyzing mixed methods data
o Reporting results and findings
o Translating my dissertation from future tense to past tense. o Defending my dissertation research findings
o Formatting and submitting my dissertation to ProQuest for approval and publication. Research Assistant – St. John’s University Queens, NY August 2022 to April 2023 o Preparing interview questions and collecting data o Conducting research experiments/collecting data
o Analyzing data, summarizing, and disseminating results o Fact-checking and proofreading manuscripts.
o Generating graphs and spreadsheets to portray results. o Preparing presentations for principal researchers o Documenting research processes
Research Consultant – University of Connecticut and Hill for Literacy Inc. New Britain CT Aug 2022 to April 2023
o Independently conducting in-person classroom observations and collecting data specific to the goals of the Neag Sch. of Ed. research project and coordinating with Hill for Literacy Inc. administrative staff.
Research Assistant – Syracuse University Syracuse NY, Aug. 2013 – April. 2015 o Reviewed literature for funding proposals.
o Edited manuscripts for publication.
o Developed Survey Monkeys.
o Analyzed data, generated outputs, and wrote reports. o Developed brochures for project purposes.
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o Organized and coordinated the School of Education students' events. o Carried out administrative duties as assigned by departmental professors. Principal Researcher
Masters’ Thesis Kenyatta University 2008-2013
o Influences of Schooling on Social Participation of Young Persons who are Deaf in Nyeri, Kenya
United Nations International Children's Education Fund (UNICEF) 2013 o Key Informant Interviewer
High-ranking government officials
UNICEF Specialists
UNICEF Management Staff
Population Services International (PSI)
o Key Informant Interviewer Coast Province, Kenya 2012
Carried out one-on-one interviews with administrators of technical institutions.
Compiled and cleaned the data.
Research Assistant Kenyatta University – Sept. 2008 – Aug. 2010 o Teaching Associate - Statistics Course for master’s students o Participating in qualitative research methods courses o Reviewing the literature for project write-ups under the RECOUP project. o Scheduling and carrying out one-on-one and Focus Group Discussions. o Collaborating with research team
o Compiling, transcribing, and analyzing research findings using AtlasTi WRITING AND PUBLICATIONS
o Vocabulary Acquisition in High School Classrooms Utilizing Emerging Trends in Literacy Development: Perceptions of Teachers and Students. o Doctoral Students’ Perspectives on the Value and Rigor of Mixed Method Research
(Manuscript).
o Implications of Schooling on Young Persons who are Deaf, Nyeri, - Special Education Journal 2013.
o Searching for Technological Solutions towards the Teaching of Mathematics to Learners who are Deaf.”
o 3rd International Conference on Education proceedings 2014. o Book chapter on ‘Death, Grief, and Culture in Kenya: Experiential Strengths-Based Research’ in “The World of Bereavement: Cultural Perspectives on Death in Families 2015.
o Two book chapters in the 2015 issue of “The African Disability Rights Yearbook” 2015. o Co-Author A book chapter on Explaining Parenting in the Diaspora Using Triangulation 2016.
o A book project, Multidisciplinary Issues Surrounding African Diasporas 2019. ******@***.***
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o Special Pedagogy book “Influences of Schooling on Social Participation of Young Persons who are Deaf” I. L. Sore September 2016.
TEACHING INTERESTS
Literacy education for Diverse and At-risk Populations
Adult Literacy
Deaf Literacy
Disability Pedagogy,
Struggling readers
Anti- Racism education,
Second Language Acquisition and Development,
Positionality and Agency,
Multiculturalism and Multilingualism,
Critical Pedagogy,
Culturally Relevant Pedagogy
CONSULTANCY EXPERIENCE
University of Connecticut (UCONN) & HILL for Literacy UConn I-MTSS Project 2022- 2023
I collaborated with a team of professors from UCONN and staff from Hill for Literacy Inc. to collect observational data to evaluate the effects of three tiers of integrated reading and behavior support on student outcomes in K-2 classrooms.
National Children in Need Network Deaf Manifesto Nairobi, Kenya 2006 I collaborated with a team of teachers to develop and present the deaf manifesto to the Vice President of Kenya.
UNICEF Child Devolution & Protection in Kenya Consultant Nairobi, Kenya 2014 Collected data and drew broad preliminary findings on the role and position of UNICEF in the devolution transition process, the country’s priority level, the mandate and functions of the children’s department, and constitutional rationale. Montclair State University Subject Matter Specialist NJ, USA 2018 I collaborated with language professors to provide insights on Swahili content. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Vocational Evaluator – The Fedcap Group
Fedcap – Lewiston, ME March 2025
Essential Functions:
o Managing a caseload of participants and meeting requirements. o Orienting participants to their contractual responsibilities with their referral source o Developing Career Plans with participants outlining goals and clear action steps for increased employability and addressing obstacles
o Identifying needed supports services (childcare, transportation, educational services, and others) in accordance with policies and procedures to assist participants with achieving the ******@***.***
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goals on their Career Plan. This will include referrals to our help center for in-depth support as required.
o Helping participants and their families with addressing challenges by connecting them to needed support services to ensure greater family stability. o Recommending and advising participants on internal and external opportunities for further job training and education to expedite their transition to employment. This may include referrals to our education team.
o Selects appropriate tools and administers academic, aptitude, interest inventories and other assessments for referred participants.
o Evaluates credentials attained in other countries and assesses their alignment with US/local employment and educational requirements.
o Writes reports detailing assessment results, pertinent behavioral observations and recommendations for further education and training and employment recommendations based on research and knowledge of the local labor market. o Makes referrals and connects participants to job training and educational providers utilizing defined list of providers.
o Assist participants with preparing applications for job training and educational opportunities including collection of required documents and financial paperwork. o Identifies support services needed for participants to engage in training or educational activities (Tuition, Childcare, Transportation, and others) o Escalating participant and stakeholder complaints and feedback through the appropriate channels.
o Conducts participant career and life skill workshops on education and job training topics, financial aid, and others.
o Conducts professional development training for staff on assessment topics, labor market information and others.
Teaching Assistant – Conard High School
West Hartford Public Schools, CT Aug. 2022 to date o Working with the lead teacher to monitor the class schedule. o Assisting teachers with lesson preparation by preparing materials and setting up equipment.
o Revising lesson material with students individually or in small groups. o Ensuring the classroom environment is safe and clean. o Overseeing students during non-classroom times, including in-between classes, over lunch, and on-field excursions.
o Collaborating with lead teachers to recognize issues students face and recommend solutions.
o Documenting student progress and communicating with parents to keep them informed.
o Helping classroom teachers to create lesson plans. o Complying with state, school, and class rules and regulations. o Attending all training classes, parent conferences, and faculty meetings. o Implementing IEPs
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Education Specialist - Roads to Success
Brooklyn, NY June 2022 to Aug. 2022
o Plan and coordinate program schedule.
o Assist with supervising and evaluating instructors. o Train and guide instructors and provide proper feedback. o Develop and implement lesson plans for instructors. o Ensure all lesson plans are structured and age-appropriate. o Ensure all lesson plans align with the organization’s mission and vision. o Conduct continuous staff development training on program content. o Provide tools or strategies for instructors to use to enhance student achievement. o Plan and implement staff development relating to instructional strategies and classroom management.
o Knowledge of the principles and practices of current educational trends in curriculum design.
o Work collaboratively with Site Directors to oversee the implementation and delivery of the curriculum.
o Work collaboratively with the Director of education to develop the College and Career Development curriculum.
o Work collaboratively with school administration and related organizations to gain and provide access to services for the youth.
Middletown Public Schools - Literacy Interventionist Middletown, CT October 2021 to June 2022
o Provided instruction to individual students and small groups. o Used data to provide instruction to students and to bring their skills to grade level. o Collaborated with teachers, administration, and families to help identify best practices for individual and small groups of students.
o Used identified research-based interventions to focus specifically on individual student needs.
o Maintained data-based documentation of continuous monitoring of student performance and
progress and provided data to school teams.
o Communicated with teachers, administration, and families regarding student progress. o Provided diagnostic assessments for students as needed. o Supported implementation of assessment tools and data management systems New Britain Public Schools - Special Education Paraprofessional New Britain, CT May 2021 – October 2021
o Provided students with one-on-one support to ensure a thorough understanding of materials and managed behavior.
o Assisted the lead teacher with overall classroom management. All Pointe Care – Per Diem Behavior Therapist/ Home Schooling tutor Cheshire, CT May 2018-To date
o Working with children with autism to modify behavior, enhance socialization/play skills, ******@***.***
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and improve their academic performance.
Adelbrook Learning Center - Teacher Support Specialist Cromwell, CT April 2018 – March 2020
o Coached and mentored 6 young adults on the autism spectrum within the classroom alongside the lead teacher.
o Monitored class and aided in the delivery of curriculum and behavioral management. o Analyzed student academic progress and behavior monitoring data for evaluating the effectiveness of instruction and adjusted their pedagogical behavior and IEPs. Bristol School District - Long-Term Special Education Teacher/Paraprofessional Bristol, CT October 2016 - April 2017
o Instructed and supervised a special education class of 9 pre-K students, ages 4-7. o Researched and prepared all lesson plans, materials, and strategies for each term. o Collaborated with staff to incorporate new learning strategies to cater to student’s individual needs.
o Provided students with one-on-one support to ensure a thorough understanding of materials.
o Competently supervised and guided classroom support staff. Farmington School District - Permanent Building Substitute Teacher Farmington, CT August 2015 - June 2016
o Oversaw student instruction of 20+ adolescents within various classes in the entire school building during the absence of lead teachers.
o Influenced a positive, multicultural environment for students by creating a sense of community for middle school students from ages 9-12. o Prospered in a Nationally Recognized Blue-Ribbon School, where the principal offered HI-B Visa Sponsorship as an award for outstanding work. o Promoted an educational environment by monitoring behavior and classroom management.
Independent Kenya Sign Language Interpreter Kenya April 2006 -July 2013 o Successfully interpreted high-profile events, including the Kenyatta University 2013 Graduation Ceremony, the National Women’s Congress, and RECOUP Kenya. o I successfully interpreted during sports days, drama festivals, and music festivals. Kenyatta University- Education Research Project Administrator Nairobi, Kenya Oct. 2011 – July 2013
o Continued operations of project day-to-day activities. o Performed tasks necessary to keep the project running smoothly, such as record keeping, resource coordination, scheduling, and ensuring compliance with stakeholders, government, and safety regulations.
o Coordinated faculty transportation, meals, sitting allowances, and miscellaneous expense claims and reimbursements.
o Responsible for the maintenance of all office equipment and electronic gadgets ******@***.***
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o Carried out a literature review and data collection from schools across the country. o Organized and coordinated all training and workshops, including meals and snacks for members during meetings.
o Responsible for taking minutes and disseminating them to members and stakeholders. o Worked with the principal investigators on all project budgets. o Supported faculty with technology needs.
Kenyatta University – Adjunct Instructor
Nairobi, Kenya April 2012 to July 2013
o Competently lectured introductory to Special Education courses to undergraduates. o Independently carried out formative and summative assessment of student achievement. o Competently managed 40 students, which included guiding and counseling. Kenya Institute of Special Education - Trainer of Trainers Nairobi, Kenya April 2007 - August 2011
o Taught special education and professional courses to teachers in training (Average per class – 25-30).
o Evaluated performance by supervising exams, assessing sign language skills, grading exam papers, and disseminating exam results to the exam coordinator and students. o Developing modules for the institute.
o Developing test items/papers for future classes. Kenya Association for Empowerment of Disabled People in Kenya (KADEP) Nanyuki Kenya o Trained practicing teachers within inclusive educational institutions to develop strategies for delivering materials to students with special needs. o Provided in-depth training to teachers on assistive technology devices for hearing- impaired students.
o Competently taught sign language for beginners to teachers in inclusive classroom settings.
o Successfully supervised learning activities in a three-week workshop. Lead Teacher in the schools listed below May 1996 - October 2011 Mumias D.E.B. Co-Educational School Mumias, Kenya St. Martin De Porre School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Mumias, Kenya Karen Technical Institute for the Deaf Nairobi Kenya Racecourse Primary School Unit for the Hearing Impaired Inner-City School in Nairobi, Kenya
Kambui High School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Kiambu County, Kenya While working in the above institutions: -
o I communicated effectively during the delivery of Individualized Education Programs
(IEPs) to students.
o Assisted students in improving their interpersonal, socialization, and communication skills.
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o Utilized teaching experience of special needs students with autism spectrum disorder to mentor paraprofessionals in the delivery of learning materials, maintaining classroom structure, and behavior management techniques.
o Provided practical guidance to parents about Special Education policies while maintaining student and family confidentiality.
o Developed and coached interactive activities to encourage students to build their public speaking abilities.
o Taught all subjects as the need for subject teachers arose. o Examined and assessed students on formative and summative assessments. o Officiated during drama, music, and sports festivals. o Served on the strategic committee at Kambui High School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
o Accompanied students on academic field trips.
SKILLS
Teaching Information, Educational and Assistive Technology Microsoft Office Suite Confidentiality Proposal development Data Collection and Analysis Budgeting Collaboration Curriculum Development Educational Leadership Teacher and Student Mentoring Classroom Management Lesson Planning Tutoring Literacy Education Mentoring Public Speaking & Presentation Dissemination of Research Findings. AWARDS
The John Beach- Outstanding Award for the Ph.D. in Literacy Program Award International Honors Society in Education (Kappa Delta Pi) St. John’s University, NY Employee of the Month – Chapter 126 classroom Oakhill School RECOUP Research Grant Thesis Development
RECOUP Travel Grant UK – Steering Committee Meeting and Dissemination Conference Master’s Program Tuition Award Syracuse University Syracuse University Graduate Student Organization (GSO) Travel Grants for Conference Participation & Presentation
Himan Brown Award (SU Sch. Of Ed) Summer Semester Abroad Inclusive Education Ministry of Education Award of Merit Divisional Schools Drama Festival Mumias, Kenya 1996
CERTIFICATIONS & BADGES
Primary Teacher 1 (P1) • Mandated Reporter Training (DCF) • CPR • First Aid https://www.credly.com/org/virginia-commonwealth-university/badge/antiracist-leader-level-1 https://www.credly.com/org/virginia-commonwealth-university/badge/antiracist-educator-level-2 https://www.mentorcollective.org/
ENGAGEMENTS
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Masingila Scholarship Fund Kenyan Syracuse University Alumni 2022 to date. UN Enable Newsletter-Convention - Rights of Persons with Disabilities (DSPD/DESA) Swahili Translator 2016 - Present
Office of Engagement Programs Syracuse University 2013-2015 Disabled & Proud Conference Syracuse University School of Education 2014-2015 Outreach Program: Ending Hunger. Enriching Lives outreachprogram.org 2014-2015 Disability Student Union Graduate Students’ Group Syracuse University Syracuse, NY 2014- 2015
International Student Orientation Syracuse University 2015 YWCA Hartford Region-The Denise L. Money Conference for Women/October 26, 2019 VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Acacia in Kenya Rockport, ME United States 2014 to date God Provides Ministries Waterbury CT December 2020 to date YMCA Hartford Region Hartford CT September 2019 to date ConnectiCare Good Deeds Days Group – Food Share Bloomfield, CT October 2019 to date Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church RCIA Volunteer Waterbury, CT 2016 to date
Pope Francis Center for Renewal Founding and Volunteer Member Waterbury, CT 2016 Ten Tons of Love Lutheran Campus Ministry Syracuse University 2014-2015 Sign Language Services All Saints Cathedral Church Syracuse, NY 2014-2015 Somali-Bantu Refugee Community Association-Saturday Academy Tutor Syracuse, NY 2014- 2015
Vision for Change, Eastern Farm Workers Association and EurAupair Syracuse, NY 2015
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