Resource -Special Education Teacher (Grade 5)
Sherrod Elementary School 2016-present
- Collaborated with families, students, and staff to develop strong educational plans for students with learning differences
- Taught direct skill instruction in mixed-need classrooms across reading, writing, and math subjects
- Developed support plans for students and staff to scaffold and provide opportunities for success in inclusion science, social studies, and health courses
- Volunteered as Site Coordinator for school Special Olympics team for fall and spring Special Olympics events
- Participated in, then lead, school's Trauma Sensitive Schools (TSS) board through 3 year process to grow school-level awareness and skill-sets, as well as examine, evaluate, and adjust policies and procedures to best improve outcomes for students and families who have experienced trauma
- Worked on school Building Team to assist with budgeting, scheduling, and other logistical problem-solving and decision-making on-site
- Worked on team to develop, implement, and support Tier 2 and Tier 3 behavioral interventions, including working as a Check-In/Check-Out mentor
- Managed complex specialist teams, including extensive work with Assistive Technology (AT) and paraprofessionals to best leverage resources and expertise in bringing students to greater independence and self-sufficiency
- Collaborated with a broad range of specialists including occupational therapists, physical therapists, behavioral specialists, speech and language pathologists and psychologists
- Served as an RTI team member to evaluate student need, and design and implement targeted instructional strategies for struggling students
- Measured and tracked student progress and, when appropriate, assisted team with special education evaluation recommendations
- Supported students, across needs and grade level, to ensure safe and educational out-of-school/field trip experiences for all students
Intensive Needs -Special Education Teacher (Grades 3-5)
Sherrod Elementary School 2015-2016
- Collaborated with parents and school team members to meet the learning needs of highest-need students
- Supported parents and families through frequent communication and connection with community resources
- Created instructional and management plans for teaching assistants to support students across school environments, working to develop effective communication and healthy teams
- Provided direct instruction to students experiencing a variety of learning challenges, including ASD, ADHD, physical disabilities, cognitive delays, and emotional and behavioral challenges
- Collaborated with a broad range of specialists including occupational therapists, physical therapists, behavioral specialists, speech and language pathologists and psychologists
- Managed services and interventions provided via outside contracts and providers, ensuring students needs were being met and that teams were working cohesively, using uniform language and approaches to streamline learning for students
- Developed reading, writing, mathematics, behavioral, communication, and sensory approaches to support student learning
Special Education Teacher (Grades 4-5)
Title 1 Interventionist (Grades 1-5)
Iditarod Elementary School 2013-2015
- Developed and implemented IEP’s for students with a variety of learning differences
- Provided learning support in individual, small group and in-class formats
- Collaborated with a broad range of specialists including occupational therapists, physical therapists, behavioral specialists, speech and language pathologists and psychologists
- Served as an RTI team member to design and implement targeted instructional strategies for struggling students
- Measured and tracked student progress and, when appropriate, assisted team with special education evaluation recommendations
- Developed reading, writing, mathematics, behavioral, communication, and sensory approaches to support student learning
- Worked to deliver or support Corrective Reading, Reading Mastery, Language for Writing, Step Up to Writing, Connecting Math Concepts, GoMath, Math Expressions, Reading Streets, My Sidewalks, Imagine It and other elementary level curriculum programs
Learning Support Teacher (Grades 6-8)
Mainstream Study Skills Teacher (Grade 9)
International School of Luxembourg 2008 - 2012
- Developed and implemented IEP’s for students with a variety of learning differences
- Evaluated student needs and strengths for a culturally and linguistically diverse student population
- Developed and implemented curriculum for building study skills and improving student motivation
- Created an easy to navigate website to communicate with students and families and to provide supportive learning resources in an accessible format
- Collaborated with a team of over 30 teachers across the middle school
- Coordinated and facilitated student and parent meetings to assess progress and direct continuing work
- Conducted staff training on a variety of topics including differentiation, assessment, and twice-exceptional learners
- Conducted parent forums to provide ideas and resources for addressing challenges and to support learning in the home
- Helped guide a teacher support program to offer focused intervention ideas for supporting unidentified, struggling students
- Collaborated with mathematics instructors to share ideas, promote differentiation and create resources to support students with math difficulties
Special Education Teacher (k-Grade 2)
Hiawatha Leadership Academy 2007 - 2008
- Worked to develop a special education program in a new school at the elementary level
- Created protocol workbook and program documents to guide school special education program
- Coordinated and facilitated meetings with parents, staff and consulting professionals regarding educational plans and program development
- Assessed student needs and developed individualized education programs
- Worked one-on-one with students, as well as provided in-classroom support
- Assisted school in reviewing and implementing RTI-based approaches
- Assisted with meetings regarding evolution of the school, programs and policies
- Assisted administration with school scheduling challenges and in implementing technology for teachers
Special Education Teacher/Coordinator (k-Grade 6)
Escuela Americana de Pachuca 2005 - 2006
- Evaluated school resources and student needs to develop a special education program at the elementary level
- Created protocol workbook and program documents for school special education program
- Coordinated and facilitated meetings with parents and staff regarding educational plans and program development
- Assessed student needs and developed individualized learning plans and goals
- Worked one-on-one with students for focused skill-building in literacy and numeracy, as well as provided in-classroom support
Elementary Teacher (Grade 3)
Escuela Americana de Pachuca 2004 - 2005
- Taught in a multi-subject, English language elementary classroom
- Developed lesson plans, curriculum and assessments in line with standards
- Created a safe and engaging learning environment with effective classroom management techniques
- Conducted parent meetings and coordinated with multi-cultural staff to build a cohesive learning experience for students
- Developed multi-level lesson plans to address the learning needs of a diverse student population
Intensive Needs Paraprofessional (k-Grade 6)
Longfellow Humanities Magnet Elementary School 2007
- Provided one-on-one support and assistance to students with physical disabilities and developmental and cognitive delays
- Implemented positive behavioral supports for students with emotional and behavioral disorders
- Provided in-classroom support for students with learning disabilities, including strategies for reading, writing and organization, as well as social and study skills