Natalie E. Kosko
Elementary School Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Learn More
About Me
Enthusiastic and dedicated elementary school teacher providing instruction in special education and general education settings. Committed to providing a positive environment that engages students and develops their life-long love of learning. With a passion to make a difference, gets to know students individually and prepares differentiated lessons to enable students to meet required learning standards and set the foundation for their continued educational success.
skills summary
Teacher preparation & certifications
Bachelor of Arts Degree - May 2021
Elementary Education (K-6) Concentration: Multidisciplinary Studies Minor: Special Education
My major course of study at Rider University provided me with a broad-based education in science, history, math and language arts qualifying me to teach in all four areas (specialized in math: earned 18 credits). Also, in a short-term study abroad program, I traveled to Rome & the Amalfi Coast to study special education and learn about Italy's culture.
Elementary School Teacher Grades K-6 (1001)
My work experience over the past 2 years has been in the lower elementary grades of K-2. I truly enjoy watching the younger children learn and grow, and I hope to pursue my master's degree in the future along with a certification in Preschool - Grade 3.
NJ Department of Education - June 2021
Teacher of Students
with Disabilities (2475)
Working with special needs students has been a deeply rewarding part of my teaching career thus far. I have seen the impact I've made in the lives of students by providing them with the tools and resources they needed to succeed whether it was through a pull-out resource, in-class resource or extended school year program.
NJ Department of Education - June 2021
"create & Relate"
My teaching philosophy
I believe that all children must have a classroom in which they feel included and connected not only to those in the school community, but also to the “real world.” I want to prepare children with the skills they need not only for school, but also for life outside the classroom. In addition to teaching math, language arts, science and social studies, I feel it is important to equip every student with the confidence, discipline, respect, leadership and problem solving skills they need to succeed. I create an environment that allows students to grow intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically and mentally, and I create a classroom where students embrace each other's differences and treat others with kindness. I relate the subject matter to real life experiences so that students can reach their full potential to "create and relate" for themselves.
"create & Relate"
My teaching philosophy
Implemented
- Connect with my students and get to know them on a personal level to build strong relationships, get them excited about learning and inspire them to succeed
- "Learning by doing" approach - Hands-on activities/ tasks/assignments requiring collaboration & social interaction as well as self-reflection and connections to prior learning
- "Brain Breaks" and "Miss Kosko's Rainbow Relaxation Corner" to give students a safe space to reset and regroup when they are experiencing strong emotions or just need a break
miss kosko's
rainbow relaxation corner
Why?
Students may be experiencing strong emotions, having a tough day at school or need a break. This is a safe space where they can reset and become ready to learn again.
What?
The materials basket is filled with items that the students can enjoy for the time they are in the space: coloring pages & crayons, fidget toys, pop its, and dinosaur flash cards (a student favorite)
How?
(1) Ask for a break
(2) Go to the "Rainbow Relaxation Corner" and set the 5 minute timer
(3) Pick an item from the basket
(4) Return to class when timer is done
Student successes!
Student Growth Objectives Met
I created SGOs for students to increase their letter, letter sound, and sight word identification skills. Since I've started teaching, my students have met and exceeded their goals!
Student N.O
Orton Gillingham (OG)
Situation: N.O. refused to read a book.
Tactic: Found out that he liked dinosaurs.
Action: I told him that if he read the whole book (8 pages) he'd earn a dinosaur break.
Result: He read the whole book and played with the dinosaurs for 5 minutes!
Orton Gillingham (OG) is a multi-sensory approach to phonics. Students use the sand tray, along with many other multi-sensory tools to help them learn letters, sounds, and words!
J.M
J.M came in to the school year only knowing 3 letters and no letter sounds. Through positive reinforcement, positive relationship building, and OG, J.M is now able to say all 26 letters and their sounds, and 5 digraphs and their sounds!
testimonials
"I have seen firsthand how she will go the extra mile to create a positive and engaging learning environment, where students feel encouraged to ask questions, express their opinions and think critically."
-Stephanie Greenberg, Kindergarten Teacher
"As a new teacher, there are many aspects of the position that need to be learned on the job... Ms. Kosko jumped into the new responsibilities and worked hard to meet the expectations."
-Johni Tomlin,
School Psychologist
"Ms. Kosko establishes positive communication with parents and uses platforms to stay in contact throughout the year. Her positivity and energy would be an asset to any school."
-Theresa Clark,
Mentor Teacher
"You truly made an impact on him. He tells us about his sticker charts and the prize box... and always talks about going to your class. As a mom that's what makes me so happy."
-J.M's Mom
Parent & observation commentary
"Again, thank you for always offering continued guidance and support to [C.I]. He truly loves your class."
-C.I's Mom
"Ms. Kosko kept the activities well paced to ensure that students were engaged and remained on target... she also made certain to praise as they answered correctly which encouraged student learning."
-Observation 3/28/22
Robert Johnson, Director of
Special Education
"Ms. Kosko is very energetic and positive. She utilized high fives, praise, positive reinforcement, sticker charts, and playful dialogue. She compliments students regarding academic and personal accomplishments."
-Observation 3/21/23
Christian Paskalides, Principal
collaboration & communication
Collaboration with Teachers & Staff
Coordinated schedules of 14 students with 14 different teachers & the child study team to ensure students received the support & instruction they needed to succeed
School To Home Communication
I use ClassDojo to share positive news & facilitate school to home communication
I send home a letter introducing myself to my students and their parents/ guardians - including full year classes & summer ESY programs
Classroom management
Classroom Design
I create a welcoming learning environment in which materials are organized, the atmosphere is inviting and the room is full of positivity!
Building Relationships
It is my goal to build strong relationships with my students to create a safe space for them to learn and grow. I believe this enhances their motivation and leads to academic achievement.
Positive Reinforcement
When my students follow classroom expectations, they can earn a sticker for their time with me. Once my students earn 6 stickers on their sticker chart, they can choose a prize from the prize box!
Sample Lesson plans
Throughout my educator preparation program at Rider University, my college field experience , my student teaching and my work experience as a pull-out resource teacher, I had the opportunity to write and implement individual, collaborative and co-teaching lesson plans in a variety of formats. Samples are included below.
- Pre-K Special Education Morning Circle/Read-a-Loud Lesson Plan (Student Teaching 2021)
- Kindergarten - Introduction to a Letter Lesson Plan (Pull Out Resource - Middle Twp. 2022)
- 1st Grade - Sight Word Lesson Plan (Pull Out Resource - Middle Twp. 2023)
- 1st Grade - Addition Within 20 Lesson Plan (Pull Out Resource - Middle Twp. 2021)
- 3rd Grade - Flash Draft 3-Day Writing Lesson Plan (edTPA - 2021)
- 4th Grade - Interactive Read-a-Loud Co-Teaching Lesson Plan (Field Experience 2020)
- Elementary Special Education "Spending & Saving" Lesson Plan (SPE 304 - 2020)
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Special Education Teacher
ESY Teacher
Middle Twp. Elementary School #1
Middle Township, NJ
September 2021-Present
Provide instruction and prepare lessons for diverse learners based on NJSLS; utilize varied teaching strategies including multi-sensory approach to phonics (OG); write, implement & update IEPs; collaborate with parents, teachers & child study team to promote success
ESY Teacher
Little Egg Harbor Twp School District
Little Egg Harbor, NJ
July 2021 - August 2021
Prepared differentiated lesson plans for K-2 class of 11 students including pre/post benchmark assessments; worked effectively with 2 paraprofessionals to ensure continuity of instruction
Floating Aide
The Early Years, LLC
Egg Harbor Township, NJ
March 2016-August 2016
Supervised 30 Pre-K students; provided small group instruction; promoted socialization & communication
School & Community involvement &
professional development
School & Community Involvement
Professional Development
In addition to my position as a special education teacher at Middle Township Elementary #1, I worked as a district "Homework Club Teacher" after school hours at the MLK Center in Whitesboro; I volunteered for and served on the school's diversity committee where I created "diversity calendars" with activities, writing prompts and crafts related to particular months that were distributed to teachers for their classroom use; I provided virtual home instruction to students as requested; I participated in school functions outside of school hours; and I attended dance recitals and karate tournaments of students in the community when they asked me to be there to support them.
In addition to district-sponsored workshops, I sought out more professional development opportunities to help me improve as a teacher
- Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Training & Certification
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training & Certification
- Engaging Teaching Strategies for the K-12 Classroom
- Surviving to Thriving as a Special Education Teacher
- Best Books for Elementary Students
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Anxious and Depressed in the Classroom: Effective Stduent Support Strategies Every Educator Can Deliver
- Public School Works Online Training
Natalie e. kosko
Contact information
Email Address
nataliekosko5678@gmail.com
phone Number
(609) 992-2014
Linkedin