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Matthew C. Natale
matthewnatale@gmail.com
(further contact information available upon request)
Summary
Summary
Instructional leader with 20 years of experience in education, specializing in structured literacy, teacher preparation, and curriculum design grounded in learning science. Proven track record in leading practice-based professional development, coaching educators across diverse settings, and driving equity-focused systems change. Deep expertise in assessment design, inclusive instructional practices, and preparing teacher-candidates to deliver affirming, evidence-based literacy instruction.
Instructional leader with 20 years of experience in education, specializing in structured literacy, teacher preparation, and curriculum design grounded in learning science. Proven track record in leading practice-based professional development, coaching educators across diverse settings, and driving equity-focused systems change. Deep expertise in assessment design, inclusive instructional practices, and preparing teacher-candidates to deliver affirming, evidence-based literacy instruction.
Education
FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON UNIVERSITY
Dyslexia Specialist Certificate, September 2019
Recipient of the Phyllis Meisel Scholar Award
KEAN UNIVERSITY
Master of Arts in Reading Specialization, May 2012
Graduated with Distinction
RAMAPO COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY
Bachelor of Arts in Literature, December 2004
Minor in Elementary Education
Professional Credentials
New Jersey Standard Certificate: Supervisor (June 2021, #01602187)
Orton-Gillingham Teacher Trainer Certification, The International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (September 2019)
Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist, Center for Effective Reading Instruction (March 2019)
Orton-Gillingham Teacher Certification, The International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (May 2016)
New Jersey Standard Certificate: Reading Specialist (May 2012, #860580)
New Jersey Standard Certificate: Elementary Education (December 2004, #607082)
Work Experience
Instructional Specialist, September 2014 - present Montville, NJ
Montville Township Public Schools
Lead instructional coaching cycles focused on structured literacy and evidence-based reading instruction, supporting teacher growth through data-driven goal setting, modeling, and feedback aligned to learning science.
Design and facilitate responsive professional development across content areas (ELA, math, science, social studies), grounded in adult learning principles and reflective of staff-identified needs.
Oversee and interpret school-wide assessments (e.g., i-Ready, PALMS, mCLASS) to drive instructional decision-making, identify areas of need, and support both tiered intervention and acceleration.
Guide inclusive practices through service on the Intervention & Referral Services, Gifted & Talented, and Basic Skills Committees—crafting data-informed support plans for students with diverse needs, including multilingual learners and students with disabilities.
Champion equity by integrating inclusive pedagogy and DEI-aligned strategies into curricula, professional learning, and assessment practices.
Facilitate professional learning communities that foster collaboration, reflection, and instructional coherence across grade levels and schools.
Spearhead and manage program pilots in literacy, math, science, and social studies—analyzing teacher feedback and student data to inform scale-up decisions.
Collaborate across elementary and middle schools to launch an honors mathematics pathway, expanding access to advanced coursework for high-performing students.
Co-designed and implemented district-wide literacy and math assessments to support progress monitoring, instructional alignment, and equitable student identification for gifted programming.
Led revisions and updates of elementary curricula in all core subjects, aligning with state standards and research-based best practices.
Supported a successful U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon application by compiling achievement data and evaluating instructional practices.
Maintain and curate instructional resources to support effective, student-centered teaching across disciplines.
Honored with the Governor’s Educational Service Professional Award in 2016 for excellence in instructional leadership.
4th Grade Elementary School Teacher, September 2005 - June 2014 Saddle Brook, NJ
Saddle Brook Public Schools
Delivered structured, multisensory literacy and writing instruction grounded in Orton-Gillingham and workshop approaches.
Designed targeted RTI plans using assessment data to support diverse learners, including multilingual students and those with IEPs.
Adapted curriculum to align with standards while ensuring access and equity for all learners.
Collaborated with specialists and families to promote academic growth and inclusive classroom practices.
Teacher’s Assistant, Summers from 2006-2011 Union/Warren, NJ
Morris Union Jointure Commission
Supported inclusive, individualized instruction for students with autism (ages 8–18), focusing on communication, literacy, and functional life skills.
Delivered evidence-based reading interventions (e.g., Edmark) to build comprehension and vocabulary in nonverbal and emergent readers.
Collaborated with educators and specialists to implement behavior intervention plans and provide trauma-informed crisis support.
Additional Experience
planDisney Panelist, January 2023 - December 2024 Remote
Disney Experiences
Advised Guests on Disney travel and vacation planning through the planDisney website, breaking down complex logistics into clear, personalized guidance.
Promoted engagement across digital platforms by contributing to high-traffic content, including blogs, FAQs, and social media features.
Collaborated with the administrative team and fellow Panelists to research evolving offerings and ensure all recommendations reflected accurate, up-to-date information.
Starred in an episode of the planDisney Podcast, using storytelling and audience-focused communication to promote products and highlight guest experiences.
Co-wrote and appeared in a promotional video for Disney’s Beach Club Resort, showcasing on-camera presence, content development skills, and brand-aligned messaging.
Recent Presentations/Workshops
Implementing Elements of Structured Literacy into K-5 Classroom Practices - Fairleigh Dickinson University, July 2023-July 2025
Instructional Coherence & BSI Comprehension Instruction - Montville Township Public Schools, January 2025
Differentiation Opportunities Within and Beyond Amplify CKLA - Montville Township Public Schools, November 2024
The Changes in Literacy Instruction, Montville Township Public Schools, January 2024
Infusing the Structured Literacy into Our Literacy Block - Montville Township Public Schools, September 2022
Infusing the Science of Reading into Workshop Teaching & Word Study Programs - Fairleigh Dickinson University, July 2019-July 2022
The Science of Reading, Montville Township Public Schools, Various Dates during the 2021-2022 school year
Administering the Fountas & Pinnell Benchmarking System - Montville Township Public Schools, January 2020
Using i-Ready to Inform Basic Skills Instruction - Montville Township Public Schools, October 2020
Infusing Orton-Gillingham into Workshop Teaching & Word Study Programs - Winter Institute Food for Thought, February 2019
University Appointments/Classes Taught
Orton-Gillingham Teacher Trainer, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Fall 2018 - Spring 2023 Various Districts/Locations
Structured Literacy 1, 2, 3, & 4
Design and deliver graduate-level coursework (Structured Literacy 1–4) to prepare educators for Orton-Gillingham certification through a structured, practice-based approach.
Coach and evaluate teachers in afterschool clinical settings, providing targeted feedback on lesson design, delivery, and alignment to evidence-based reading practices.
Facilitate weekly seminars that bridge learning science with practical application, supporting participants in developing expertise in multisensory, diagnostic, and prescriptive instruction.
Collaborate with university faculty and district leaders to align coursework and clinical experiences with current research and certification requirements.
Adjunct Professor, Kean University, School of Curriculum & Teaching, Fall 2016 Union, NJ
Language Arts/Reading in K-12 Subject Area Teaching
Designed and taught a graduate-level course on Language Arts and Reading for secondary certification candidates, bridging theory and instructional practice.
Developed and facilitated instruction using varied modalities (lecture, video, and hands-on application) to support adult learners with diverse needs and teaching goals.
Created aligned assessments (e.g., projects, written reflections, and performance tasks) to evaluate teacher-candidates’ understanding of evidence-based literacy pedagogy.
Professional Service
Committee Member (October 2024 - January 2025), Working Group on Student Literacy, NJ Department of Education
Board Member (2021 - 2024), New Jersey Branch of the International Dyslexia Association
Co-chair Conference Committee (2020 - 2024), Winter Institute Food for Thought
Professional Memberships
Member, International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
Member, New Jersey Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (NJIDA)
Professional References
Available upon request
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