Heather Bianco

132 Carlye Drive

Cranberry Township, PA 16066
724-815-7117
biancohduq@gmail.com

Summary of Qualifications:
Multi-talented, dynamic and extremely focused special needs teacher with extensive
experience working with students: on the autism spectrum, with multiple and severe
handicaps, intellectual impairments and those requiring behavioral and/or emotional support.
Skills include adapting curriculum to meet learning needs, using data to drive instruction,
developing and implementing accommodations to allow students to access curriculum,
imbedding technology (low tech and high tech) into curriculum, classroom management,
deescalation techniques, and oral and written commutation with staff and families. Combine
superior curriculum aptitude with a consultative approach in assessing student needs and
providing innovative, research-based instruction. Strong record of success developing
individual education plans that are measurable and address student need, developing and
implementing curriculum to address state standards and Common Core curriculum, and
collaborating with all service providers and families. Proven to meet demands of any
organization, highly motivated and consistently exceeding expectations with concise
attention to detail and distinct ability to proactively multitask, prioritize and meet critical
deadlines with enthusiasm.

Professional Experience:
Northbridge Public Schools/Whitinsville, MA
Specialized Resource Teacher
Jan 2011Dec 2015
Northbridge Middle School
Lead teacher in a substantially-separate resource room ranging in disabilities from moderate
to multiple and severe disabilities
Provided individualized and small group lessons for students based on Massachusetts
Curriculum Frameworks and the Common Core curriculum in accordance with student
individual education plans
Developed alternate assessment portfolios for each student
Collaborated with multiple support personnel to provide carryover of all therapeutic
services (i.e. SLP, OT, PT, TVI, O&M, ESL)
Developed accommodations for students to be included in the general education population
Managed multiple assistive technology devices and trained necessary staff on their
applications
Trained and supported up to seven 1:1 assistants each school year
Completed assessments in accordance with state laws and student need including functional
behavioral assessments, three year testing and state testing (MCAS Alternative Assessments)
Developed and implemented positive behavioral support systems for students
Developed sensory integration embedded throughout the entire program including inclusion
opportunities

 Implemented adapted therapeutic groups (i.e. yoga, gross motor, art, music, language and
dog therapy)
Norfolk Public Schools/Norfolk, MA Specialized Resource Teacher
2010
Freeman-Centennial Elementary

Sep 2009-Dec

Lead teacher in a substantially-separate resource room for students with Autism Spectrum
Disorder
and students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Provided individual and small group lesson planning and instruction based on developed
IEPs, MA Frameworks (teaching standards)
Provided social, emotional, behavioral and life skills instruction and support
Coordinated team members in addressing learning needs of each individual student
Provided training and support to nine assistants to assist them in implementation of
accommodations and behavioral support plans, data collection, de-escalation and
implementing accommodation
Completed MCAS Alternative Assessments for students as needed
Norfolk Public Schools/Norfolk, MA
Freeman-Centennial Elementary
Resource Teacher
Sep 2008- June 2009
Provided specially designed instruction for 12 students both in inclusive and resource
settings
Used Wilson instruction to support students with decoding difficulties
Coordinated team members in addressing learning needs of each individual student
Worked directly with teachers to differentiate instruction based on learning needs
Provided supports for assistants to carry out accommodations within the general education
setting
Taught and co-taught whole group and small group lessons across the curriculum

Student Teaching Experience:

Upper Saint Clair School District/Upper Saint Clair, PA
Upper Saint Clair High School
Autism Support Classroom
April 2008
Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children/Oakland, PA
March 2008
St. Pauls Preschool/ Allison Park, PA 4 year-old classroom
January 2008
McKeesport School District/McKeesport, PA
McKeesport High School
Transition Coordinator (9-12 grades) February 2008
McKeesport School District/McKeesport, PA
Cornell Intermediate Unit
Learning support Classroom (5th grade)
September
2007
McKeesport School District/McKeesport, PA
Cornell Intermediate Unit
Life Skills Classroom (4-6 grades)
September 2007
Pittsburgh Public School District/Pittsburgh, PA
West Liberty Elementary
First Grade
January 20007

Certifications:
Dual Pennsylvania Certification (Instructional 1)
- Special Education (PreK-8)- Awaiting Evaluation
- Elementary Education (K-6)

Dual Massachusetts Certification (Professional)

- Special Education (Moderate Disabilities PreK 8)
- Elementary Education (K-6)

Education:
Duquesne University/Pittsburgh, PA
M.S. Ed.- Special Education
- GPA-3.86
B.S- Elementary Education
- Minor in Psychology
- GPA- 3.42

May 2008
May 2007

Professional Development:
Wilson Reading System
Applied Behavioral Analysis
Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children
(TEACCH)
Writers Workshop Program
Keys to Literacy
Response to Intervention
Positive Behavioral Intervention Systems
Responsive Classroom
Safety-Care: Behavioral Safety Training
Applied Non Violence
Crisis Prevention Intervention
Extensive training in technology instruction and assistive technology for student use

Volunteer Experience:
Northbridge Special Education Policies and Procedures Committee
Norfolk Public Schools Special Education Task Force
Teen Night Out (after-school social opportunities for students with special needs)
Anti-Bullying Club (wrote and implemented grant)
Softball Coach
Best Buddies Program
Sunshine Haven
Coach for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) at the building level
Pet Partners Program

Accolades:
Received Excellence in Student Teaching Award
Received Teacher of the Month (January 2015)
Please visit www.heatherbiancoportfolio.weebly.com to view portfolio and references