“If I had to give you one piece of advice it would be this: Don’t be intimidated by other people’s opinions. Only mediocrity is sure of itself, so take risks and do what you really want to do. Seek out people who aren’t afraid of making mistakes and who, therefore, do make mistakes. Because of that, their work often isn’t recognized, but they are precisely the kind of people who change the world and, after many mistakes, do something that will transform their own community completely.“
–Paulo Coelho
Cassie Iacona
North ProvidenceCassie Iacona is a Reading Specialist for grades 9‐12 in North Providence, RI. She began her teaching career as an English teacher, and has a passion for literature and its potential to empower its readers. In both the classroom and her personal life, this dog‐loving, self‐proclaimed "geek" finds herself living and learning in the sweet spot between digital and old‐fashioned practices of mindfulness.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- Coached 3 Elementary-level early adopter teachers toward Lighthouse Classroom status in the Woonsocket School District.
- Worked alongside Woonsocket administrative team to develop a vision statement, priority practices, and stakeholder communication plan.
- Collaborated with a Rhode Island College professor to collect survey data from Education faculty members that would inform future professional development opportunities to blend teacher-preparation programs.
- Participated in a panel discussion introducing blended & personalized learning in Rhode Island College graduate class.
- Collaborated with NPHS colleague (Cohort 3 Fuse Fellow) and Tech/Curriculum Integration Specialist to develop Fuse chapter at North Providence High School; Offered personalized support to faculty adopting blended initiatives, as well as hosted lighthouse classroom visits for North Providence K-12 and East Providence teachers.