Abigail Gregory
Summary
Honest, hardworking, detail oriented, and relationship-focused educator who believes every student deserves to feel valued, capable, and supported. I strongly believe that all students are general education students first, and I am passionate about helping each learner succeed by meeting them where they are and building on their strengths. Over the past 20+ years, I have worked with children of all ages and abilities in classrooms, special education programs, consulting roles, and leadership positions. I am known for being calm under pressure, creative in solving challenges, and committed to creating positive learning environments where students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. I also truly enjoy collaborating with a strong team of educators, families, and support staff, believing that the best outcomes happen when people work together with trust, respect, and a shared commitment to students.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Teacher
Cedar Falls School District
Cedar Falls
11.2025 - Current
- Provided instructional support to students of various ages and abilities, fostering an inclusive learning atmosphere.
- Maintained a positive classroom environment using effective behavior management strategies to enhance student engagement.
- Kept accurate records of lesson progress, student performance, and behavior to ensure continuity for regular teachers.
Manager
The Funky Zebras
Cedar Falls
04.2021 - 02.2026
- Directed boutique operations, overseeing staff hiring, training, and performance reviews for team development.
- Managed inventory, vendor relations, and visual merchandising to elevate customer experience.
- Designed and conducted training sessions emphasizing customer engagement and sales strategies.
- Led community outreach and marketing initiatives to increase brand visibility in local market.
Special Education Consultant
Central Rivers Area Education Agency
Cedar Falls
08.2017 - 02.2025
- Directed and facilitated all of the evaluation process of new referral cases for potential eligibility under IDEA guidelines.
- Evaluated children in the areas of academics, social-emotional learning, and behavior to potentially provide special education support.
- Drafted reports detailing individual student progress towards eligibility for special education.
- Developed individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs alongside of the special education teacher.
- Designed behavior intervention plans addressing challenging behaviors of students with disabilities.
- Provided consultation and direction to teachers, administrators, parents, and other professionals on the implementation of special education programs.
- Collaborated with teachers to implement tailored teaching strategies and accommodations.
- Collaborated with school personnel to ensure that all accommodations were provided for students with disabilities.
- Worked closely with families advocating for needed supports and services for their children.
- Monitored student progress through data collection methods such as classroom observations and teacher feedback.
5th Grade Teacher
Cresson Elementary School
Cripple Creek
07.2016 - 06.2017
- Established an inclusive classroom environment fostering acceptance for all students.
- Created a safe space for students with trauma to feel valued and supported.
- Handled challenging classroom behaviors with positive and affirming techniques.
- Involved parents in student education by cultivating strong relationships.
- Collaborated with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects to enrich student learning.
- Provided instruction in core subjects such as reading, writing, math, science and social studies.
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards and diverse learning needs.
- Inspired students to want to read by taking them to library and help to choose books, utilizing a creative and different way to learn to read using The Walking Classroom curriculum, and making reading relevant to each learner.
- Facilitated classroom discussions that enhanced student participation and understanding.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and adapt instructional methods.
- Adapted instructional materials to meet various learning needs within the classroom.
Kindergarten Teacher
Summit Elementary School
Divide
07.2015 - 06.2016
- Fostered self-esteem and essential life skills through hands-on learning opportunities.
- Implemented behavior modeling and positive reinforcement within daily routines.
- Motivated students in academic tasks using effective teaching methods.
- Incorporated differentiated instruction to meet diverse learner needs.
- Enhanced reading independence through sensory lessons on phonemic awareness and decoding strategies.
- Focused literacy readiness lessons on phonics comprehension and writing skills.
- Documented and communicated key milestones with parents and guardians.
1st Grade Elementary Teacher
Roosevelt Edison Charter School
Colorado Springs
07.2014 - 06.2015
- Created a nurturing atmosphere for students experiencing homelessness, promoting emotional support and stability.
- Provided a safe space for students exposed to violence, abuse, and other traumatic experiences.
- Designed instruction for English language learners and at-risk students utilizing technology and active learning.
- Instructed students in standardized subjects and essential skills for social development and character growth.
- Coordinated with translators to facilitate effective communication with families during conferences.
- Administered and graded daily work and tests to assess student progress and comprehension.
- Developed engaging lesson plans in alignment with state standards for first-grade curriculum.
- Cultivated a positive classroom environment to enhance student participation and collaboration.
Preschool Teacher
Sprout Preschool
Cedar Falls
08.2009 - 05.2014
- Crafted engaging lesson plans for diverse preschool age groups.
- Fostered nurturing classroom environments to enhance children's emotional and social well-being.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to promote positive student interactions.
- Conducted activities that stimulated physical, mental, and social development in preschoolers.
- Established strong relationships with parents through consistent communication on student progress.
Founder and Director
Sprout Preschool
Cedar Falls
06.2009 - 05.2014
- Developed curriculum to foster creativity and early learning in preschool children.
- Managed daily operations, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for students.
- Recruited and trained staff, maintaining high-quality educational standards.
- Organized community events to boost engagement and enrollment at the preschool.
- Implemented health and safety protocols, adhering to state regulations.
- Evaluated educational programs, enhancing learning experiences for children.
- Created comprehensive business plan, resulting in successful company launch.
- Established policies and procedures for efficient workflow management.
Children's Ministry Director
Heartland Vineyard Church
Waterloo
05.1998 - 08.2009
- Directed children’s programs, serving over 300 children weekly with support from 100+ volunteers.
- Coordinated recruitment, training, and scheduling of 100+ volunteers to support children's ministry activities.
- Developed engaging curriculum for children's ministry activities and programs.
- Implemented safety protocols for all children’s ministry events and activities.
- Coordinated large-scale events, including vacation Bible school.
- Organized outreach events, engaging local community and increasing participation in children's ministry programs.
- Oversaw budget management for supplies and resources within children’s ministry.
- Mentored teachers to improve leadership skills and teaching effectiveness within children's ministry.
Education
Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO05-2019
Post Masters - Special Education Consulting
Morningside University
Sioux City, IA08-2019
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood, EC Special, Elementary Education
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA05-2001
Skills
- Lesson planning and implementation
- Classroom management
- Student assessment and engagement
- IEP development and instructional strategies
- Curriculum design and group instruction
- Team collaboration and communication
- Conflict resolution and relationship building
- Critical thinking and organization
Timeline
Substitute Teacher
Cedar Falls School District
11.2025 - Current
Manager
The Funky Zebras
04.2021 - 02.2026
Special Education Consultant
Central Rivers Area Education Agency
08.2017 - 02.2025
5th Grade Teacher
Cresson Elementary School
07.2016 - 06.2017
Kindergarten Teacher
Summit Elementary School
07.2015 - 06.2016
1st Grade Elementary Teacher
Roosevelt Edison Charter School
07.2014 - 06.2015
Preschool Teacher
Sprout Preschool
08.2009 - 05.2014
Founder and Director
Sprout Preschool
06.2009 - 05.2014
Children's Ministry Director
Heartland Vineyard Church
05.1998 - 08.2009
Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction
Northwest Missouri State University
Post Masters - Special Education Consulting
Morningside University
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood, EC Special, Elementary Education
University of Northern Iowa