Susannah H Smith M.Ed
Medford,MA
Summary
Talented Special Education Teacher focused on meeting student academic and emotional needs. Compassionate and caring with the capability of delivering personalized, hands-on support and lessons targeted on specific learning needs and strengths. Able to leverage strong communication skills and a patient nature to provide positive reinforcement in team-based, structured environments. Versatile Special Education Teacher with focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Study Team Coordinator
Boston Renaissance Charter Public Shool
08.2017 - Current
- Lead a general education initiative where students are referred by concerned staff members in kindergarten through sixth grade using the Response to Intervention Model (RTI).
- Implemented the 3 Tier Response to Invention (RTI) instructional systems to increase achievement and made database instructional decisions regarding student-learning needs.
- Gathered pertinent data (academic and behavioral) on struggling students by conducting classroom observation, interviewing teachers, completing educational screens.
- Provided professional development and coaching around the common core standards, intervention styles, progress monitoring, and data analysis.
- Worked collaboratively with a team of professionals with a focus on student’s unique needs and strengths academically, emotionally, and socially and provided documentation to the CST team as needed.
- Participated in district and state training opportunities including: Aimsweb Plus and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
- Collaborated with school administrators, parents, and teachers in designing and implementing interventions and behavior plans with general education students.
- Facilitated weekly and monthly meetings with general education teachers and service providers.
Special Education (Resource Room) Teacher
Boston Renaissance Public Charter School
12.2004 - 06.2017
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Eliminated learning gaps and effectively instructed students by developing IEPs and using wide variety of teaching aids and motivational strategies.
- Organized and prepared instructional materials, and reports.
- Fostered relationships with students to increase engagement, and periodically reported student progress to parents/guardians and school leadership.
- Developed Individual Education Programs (IEP) to establish student outcome goals and define educational strategies; leveraged developmental practices and educational theories to achieve educational objectives.
- Delivered specialized classroom instruction to broad range of students with developmental disorders, including autism.
- Worked with students of varying degrees of specialized need to accomplish tasks and build practical skills.
- Established and communicated clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects to both students and parents.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Organized extracurricular activities that enriched students'' educational experiences beyond traditional classroom settings.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers entering the profession, sharing insights gained from years of experience in the field of education.
- Developed strong relationships with students built on trust and mutual respect, inspiring increased confidence in their own abilities to achieve academic success.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies to support continuous growth both inside and outside the classroom.
- Assessed student progress regularly through formative and summative assessments, adapting instructional approaches as needed to support growth.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular lessons that connected various subjects, promoting deeper understanding and real-world application.
- Participated in professional development opportunities regularly, staying current with best practices in education and incorporating new ideas into teaching methodologies.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Participated in district training opportunities including Project Read Language Circle, SRA Number Worlds, See the Stars (Lindamood Bell), Open Circle
- Presented at an International Conference in Primary Education in Beijing, China.
Education
Certificate - Morphology, Fluency, & Comprehension
Institute of Multi-Sensory Education
Southfield, MI 07.2023
Certificate - Orton Gillingham
Institute of Multi-Sensory Education
Southfield, MI09.2022
Master of Science - Education in Special Education
Simmons College
Boston, MA05.2006
Bachelor of Arts - History
Regis College
Weston, MA05.2003
Skills
- Dedicated, resourceful, and goal-driven professional educator with a solid commitment to the social and academic growth and development of every student in a diverse population
- Orton Gillingham Trained
- Effectively trained teachers in the areas of common core state standards using core curriculums, intervention programs, assessment management systems, positive behavior interventions, and technology integration
- Coached and collaborated with elementary and special education teachers to implement new programs in curriculum instruction, classroom management, and technology integration
- Ensured the IEP (Individualized Education Plan) process is compliant with regulatory standards and written to reflect best practices, reflect high quality programming and are implemented with integrity
- Depth of knowledge regarding special education laws, regulations, processes and procedures
- Strong interpersonal and written/oral communication skills enabling information sharing and the development of trusting relations with parents, staff, outside evaluators, advocates and administrators
Timeline
Child Study Team Coordinator
Boston Renaissance Charter Public Shool
08.2017 - Current
Special Education (Resource Room) Teacher
Boston Renaissance Public Charter School
12.2004 - 06.2017
Certificate - Morphology, Fluency, & Comprehension
Institute of Multi-Sensory Education
Certificate - Orton Gillingham
Institute of Multi-Sensory Education
Master of Science - Education in Special Education
Simmons College
Bachelor of Arts - History
Regis College
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