Dara Gillis

(203) 312-3765
dgillis@springfieldcollege.edu
School Address
Permanent Address
263 Alden Street
4 Cedar Hill Rd
Springfield College, Box 1023
Brookfield, CT 06804
Springfield, MA 01109
Objective
To obtain a practicum for the Fall Semester of 2016 that guides students thinking
and allows them to use critical thinking skills through performance based tasks.
Education
Springfield College, Springfield MA
May 2017
Bachelor of Arts in American Studies and Special Education
GPA: 3.7
Concentration: American Social Issues
License: Elementary Education 1-6 and Special Education K-12
Passed all sections of the MA Tests for Educator Licensure
Studied Abroad at the National University of Ireland Galway, Galway Ireland
Spring 2015
Deans List: Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Fall 2014, Fall 2015, Spring 2016
Certifications
State of Connecticut, Department of Developmental Services Provider Certification
Written authorization issued by the Commissioner to a qualified provider to
deliver support services to individuals
Certification is achieved and maintained by the qualified provider by
participating in and meeting the expectations of the departments quality
system in the area of level of care determinations, individual plans and
service delivery, outcome achievement, provider qualifications, individuals
health and welfare, compliance with financial requirements, and
implementing quality improvement plans to address issues identified by
department staff or the provider organization
Teaching Experience
Practicum Teacher, Chestnut Talented and Gifted Middle School, Springfield
MA
Fall 2016
Educated 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in a Life Skills classroom during ELA and
Social Studies
Assisted with testing all individuals on IEPs in preparation for IEP Meetings
Supported students when working on the MCAS Alternate Portfolios
Participated in an ELA inclusion classroom for a portion of the practicum
Pre-Practicum Teacher, Kensington International Elementary School,
Springfield MA
Spring 2016

Managed a third grade inclusion classroom in the absence of the cooperation

teacher
Differentiated instruction based on learning needs
Developed and taught small group lessons on assigned topics
Work with students one on one with several communication and
comprehension skills

Pre- Practicum Teacher, Kensington International Elementary School,

Springfield MA
Fall 2015
Taught first graders in an inclusion classroom in a diverse urban setting
In an inclusion classroom, instructed first graders in a diverse urban setting
Lead morning meetings and small guided reading groups
Reflected weekly with professors on teaching experiences to further
professional development
Participated in shared whole class readings with follow up questions to check
for comprehension
Related Experience
Private Recreation/Therapeutic Aid, Brookfield CT
Summer 2013-Present
Provide skills for various daily needs such as daily hygiene, community
awareness, and a variety of recreational activities to individuals with nonverbal autism and down syndrome
Build social skills outside of the home and inside of the home
Tutor, Boys and Girls Club of Springfield, Springfield MA
November 2013-May 2014
Mentored ELL students grades 1-6
Provided homework assistance
Improved literacy and communication skills
Assistant, Brookfield Public Library, Brookfield CT
September 2009-August 2013
Supported those who needed assistance with research in various subjects
Volunteer, Kensington International Elementary School, Springfield MA
October 2013
Volunteer/ Involvement
Alternative Spring Break Trip, Haiti
Spring Break
of 2017
Supported the YMCA in the creation of programs
Immersed ourselves in the culture by working with children and learning
about daily lives.
Humanics in Action Day, Springfield College, Springfield MA
2013-2016
Travel to various schools to work on reading skills with students of various
ages
Prepared outside work for the up keeping of the grounds

Alternative Spring Break Trip, Long Island Bahamas

Spring Break of 2016
Participated in various jobs such as painting houses and sidewalks, repairing
buildings, cleaning up the area
Provided educational supplies to various schools on the island and socialized
with the students.
Volunteer/Performer, Anns Place Cancer House, Danbury CT
2007-Present
Performed in an annual holiday which has raised thousands of dollars in
benefit of cancer patients
Sold raffle tickets during Festival of Trees as direct donations to the charity
Vacation Bible School Teacher
Summers of 2010-2013
Taught various grade levels about kindness and faith in a fun and safe
environment
Snowflake Project/Fundraiser for Sandy Hook Elementary School, Brookfield CT
January 2013
Performed with my High School Chorus in a fundraiser Benefit
Process snowflakes to be sent to the elementary school sent from all over
the world and cleared storage area for the preparation of more arriving
Leadership/Co-Curricular Involvement
Pride Dance Team Captain, Springfield College, Springfield MA
Present
VP of Academic Affairs, Student Government Association, Springfield College,
Springfield MA
Present
Collaborate with the VP of Academic Affairs and other faculty/administration
in the Academic Affairs Division
Work diligently to improve Academic Life at Springfield College
Digital Event Uploader
2014-Present Academic Years
Home Show, Springfield College, Springfield MA
2014-2016
Education Club Co- President, Springfield College, Springfield MA
2014-2015 Academic Year
Judge, Brookfield High School Dance Team Auditions, Brookfield CT
May 2014