Alana Coon
Orangeville,IL
Summary
Experienced with classroom management and student engagement strategies. Utilizes effective communication for a productive learning environment. Knowledge of curriculum development and instructional techniques.
Professional educator with strong focus on Elementary and Junior High instruction and classroom management. Adept at fostering collaborative learning environment, ensuring students' needs are met, and adapting to different classroom settings. Skilled in curriculum development, student assessment, and implementing individualized learning strategies. Known for reliability, teamwork, and achieving educational goals.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher 6-12
Orangeville CUSD District #203
Orangeville, IL
08.2023 - 06.2025
- Created a positive classroom environment for student learning
- Collaborating with colleagues on accommodating students needs
- Differentiates learning styles to accommodate students' learning styles
- Displays knowledge of IEPs and goal setting
- Utilized teaching methods, including structured literacy approaches, direct instruction
- Assisted in transition planning for students preparing for post-secondary education, vocational training, or independent living
- Trained in Embrace software and digital data collection tools for tracking student growth and compliance reporting
- Supported students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and other exceptionalities, tailoring interventions to meet their needs
- Utilized restorative practices and de-escalation techniques to address challenging behaviors while maintaining a structured, supportive learning environment
Teacher 3rd Grade/Title 1
Constance Lane Elementary School, Rockford Public Schools #205
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Creating a positive classroom environment
- Collaborating with colleagues in lesson planning
- Displays knowledge of students needs and accommodates students with IEPs
- Administers benchmark assessments such as IAR, MAP, Reading Horizons and Star Renaissance Testing
- Progress monitored students in MTSS #2 and #3 and reporting back to the team what their academic and socialemotional
- Demonstrates knowledge of content and pedagogy in ELA and Mathematics
- Applies question and answer techniques in class discussions
- Incorporates technology such as DreamBox Math, 99 Math, Reading Horizons
- Communicates and updates parents about their child's behavior and academics
- Integrates PBIS activities to encourage positive student behavior
- Setting clear lesson objectives for student learning
- Pulling small groups for grades 1st and 2nd grade for extra work for reading enrichment
- Small 5th grade math enrichment and study hall
- Using intervention plan and data tracking for Tier 2 and 3 students
- Utilizing restorative circle techniques with students to help resolve problems and checking in and out with students
Teacher 4th Grade
Freeport School District #145
08.2021 - 08.2022
- Accommodate students learning styles
- Displays knowledge of students needs and students with IEPs
- Administers benchmark assessments such as F & P, MAP, Aimsweb, and Branching Minds testing to students
- Progress monitored students in MTSS #2 and #3 to catch up academically
- Prepares and plans lessons for in person learning as well as remote students
- Demonstrates knowledge of content and pedagogy in ELA and Mathematics
- Applies question and answer techniques in class discussions
- Incorporates technology such as Reflex, Freckle, Prodigy so students can work on their math and ELA skills
- Communicates and updates parents about how their child is doing
- Integrates PBIS activities to encourage positive student behavior
- Setting clear lesson objectives for student learning
Student Teacher 5th Grade
Jean McNair Elementary, Winnebago School District #323
09.2020 - 12.2020
- Collaborating with colleagues in planning lessons and keeping on the same pace for the remote learning program
- Differentiates learning styles to accommodate students learning
- Administers benchmark assessments such as MAP testing to students
- Prepares and plans lessons for in person learning as well as remote students
- Demonstrates knowledge of content and pedagogy in ELA
- Applies question and answer techniques in class discussions
- Incorporates technology such as Google Classroom, SmartBoard, Class Dojo, and other apps in the classroom
- Communicates and updates parents
- Integrates PBIS activities to encourage positive student behavior
- Setting clear lesson objectives for student learning
Paraprofessional (Arabic & Building)
Rolling Green RPS 205
01.2011 - 01.2020
- Worked in a bilingual Arabic classroom and taught students in small literacy groups teaching them how to read Arabic in Kindergarten
- Assisted in administering MAP tests for students
- Accommodating students who have an IEP or 504 Plan.
- Ensured that students under my responsibility made it to and from the school building safely
- Demonstrates flexibility when asked to sub in different classroom environments
- Assists teacher in grading worksheets for data collection
- Observed and recorded data for student behavior to use in IEP meetings
- Utilized classroom technology such as SmartBoard
- Assisted in starting Daily 5 Routine for centers
Education
LBS-1 Certification K-22 - undefined
NIU
Dekalb, IL12-2025
Professional Educator's License - undefined
12-2020
Master of Arts Degree - Elementary Education
Rockford University
Rockford, IL01-2020
Paraprofessional certificate - State of Illinois
01-2013
CLS Arabic I - undefined
Beloit College
Beloit, Wisconsin08-2012
Bachelor of Arts Degree - History/minor in Political Science
Rockford College
Rockford, IL01-2011
General Associate's Degree Associate of Arts - undefined
Rock Valley College
Rockford, IL01-2008
Skills
- Proficient with all MS Office Products, Class Dojo, Infinite Campus, Skyward, Canva, Curiopod, Google Classroom, Kami, Clever, DreamBox, Zoom, SmartBoard and Embrace
Certification
- LBIS-1 License - 3 Classes needed Anticipated
- CPI Training - 2026
- Licensed School Teacher - 5 years
Languages
Arabic
Spanish
Elementary
Timeline
Special Education Teacher 6-12
Orangeville CUSD District #203
08.2023 - 06.2025
Teacher 3rd Grade/Title 1
Constance Lane Elementary School, Rockford Public Schools #205
08.2022 - 06.2023
Teacher 4th Grade
Freeport School District #145
08.2021 - 08.2022
Student Teacher 5th Grade
Jean McNair Elementary, Winnebago School District #323
09.2020 - 12.2020
Paraprofessional (Arabic & Building)
Rolling Green RPS 205
01.2011 - 01.2020
LBS-1 Certification K-22 - undefined
NIU
Professional Educator's License - undefined
Master of Arts Degree - Elementary Education
Rockford University
Paraprofessional certificate - State of Illinois
CLS Arabic I - undefined
Beloit College
Bachelor of Arts Degree - History/minor in Political Science
Rockford College
General Associate's Degree Associate of Arts - undefined
Rock Valley College
Academic Honors and Achievements
Dean’s List - Spring 2009 and 2010, Distinguished Scholar – Spring of 2011, Washington Semester Program on Foreign Policy at American University, Washington, D.C. – Spring of 2010