Alena Lopez
Bossier City,LA
Summary
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
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
K/1 Autism Teacher
Bossier Parish School Board
08.2021 - Current
- Guide instruction in a whole and small group setting
- Implement the educational program and related services as outlined in the assigned students’ IEP 's
- Maintain supervision and safety of students at all times
- Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff
- Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies for a positive learning environment
- Use appropriate behavior management techniques
- Create, complete and update IEPs; maintain required records and data
- Supervise/led up to 3 educational assistants / aides in the classroom.
- Schedule monthly community-based outings by selecting the most appropriate natural environment to teach a domestic, leisure/recreation, community/consumer, vocational, functional, or academic skill that is also chronologically age appropriate.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed to optimize academic growth.
- Participated in professional development opportunities related to autism education, applying new knowledge and techniques in the classroom setting.
Special Day Class Teacher TK/Kindergarten
Palmdale School District
08.2019 - 06.2020
- Created centers that provided specific areas for each student to work individually or in a small group.
- Created visual schedule and work task system for each individual student that promoted student independence, routines, and rewards.
- Enhanced student understanding of complex concepts by incorporating hands-on activities and real-life examples into lessons.
- Boosted student engagement and motivation by creating a positive, inclusive classroom environment.
- Collaborated with other Special Day Class teachers to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans and share best practices for instruction.
- Increased parent involvement in their child''s education through consistent communication, updates on progress, and opportunities to participate in classroom events.
- Differentiated instruction for diverse learners, tailoring lessons to address individual needs and learning styles.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to maintain a structured, supportive learning environment for all students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Worked with students with moderate to severe autism to increase life skills.
Special Day Class Teacher 7th Grade
Palmdale School District
08.2017 - 06.2018
- Enhanced student understanding of complex concepts by incorporating hands-on activities and real-life examples into lessons.
- Boosted student engagement and motivation by creating a positive, inclusive classroom environment.
- Collaborated with other Special Day Class teachers to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans and share best practices for instruction.
- Increased parent involvement in their child''s education through consistent communication, updates on progress, and opportunities to participate in classroom events.
- Differentiated instruction for diverse learners, tailoring lessons to address individual needs and learning styles.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to maintain a structured, supportive learning environment for all students.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to integrate Special Day Class students into mainstream classes when appropriate, fostering an inclusive educational experience.
- 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.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
Special Ed Teacher: Intensive Needs/Resource
Sedalia School District 200
08.2009 - 08.2017
- Enhanced student learning by implementing differentiated instruction techniques tailored to individual needs.
- Improved student engagement and retention through creative lesson planning and consistent feedback.
- Reduced disruptive behavior in the classroom by establishing clear expectations and implementing effective classroom management strategies.
- Developed strong relationships with parents, fostering open communication about student progress and goals.
- Developed Individual education plans designed to promote educational, physical, and social development for students with significant cognitive delays, learning and physical disabilities, autism, and social/emotional delays
- Created centers that provided specific areas for each student to work individually or in a small group.
- Created visual schedule and work task system for each individual student that promoted student independence, routines, and rewards.
- Supervised and trained 7 paraprofessionals in the classroom. Provided daily/weekly detailed instructions/plans for each para. Held daily meetings to discuss strategies and concerns
- Attended weekly grade level meetings to assist in planning and modifying district curriculum to meet student needs.
- Administered state and alternative state assessments.
Special Education Teacher K-3
Osage County R-II Elementary
08.2007 - 05.2009
- Instructor/Case manager of 14 students diagnosed with learning disabilities, cognitive delays, autism
- Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Administered and scored achievement assessments, adaptive behavior assessments, and behavioral assessments
- Provided before and after school tutoring to students.
Special Education Teacher K-5
Maries County R-II
08.2006 - 05.2007
- Instructor/Case manager of 18 students diagnosed with an Emotional Disturbance, learning disability, and autism
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Created visuals and visuals schedules that promoted student independence, established routines, and rewards.
- Conducted Functional Behavioral Assessments to create appropriate Behavior intervention plans
- Directed IEP meetings while fostering parent, teacher, therapist, and and outside agency involvement.
Summer Camp Director
Wonderland Camp
07.1993 - 11.2014
- Served as Camp Director from 2011 to 2014
- Served in various positions from 1993 to 2011
- Enhanced camper experience by developing and implementing diverse and engaging programs for various age groups.
- Increased staff retention by providing consistent training, support, and performance evaluations for all 80+ camp employees.
- Ensured camper safety through diligent supervision, risk management procedures, and adherence to established protocols.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all camp participants.
- Maintained open daily communication with administration, medical, dietary, and maintenance staff, as well as parents/caregivers
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary/Special Education
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO12.2005
Skills
- Autism Spectrum Knowledge
- Social Skills Development
- Life Skills Development
- Visual Supports
- Augmentative Communication
- Sensory Integration strategies
- Student-Centered Learning environment
- Data management
- Positive Reinforcements
- Behavior Modifications and Intervention plans
Certification
Crisis Prevention and Intervention Certification
Science of Reading: Pathways to Proficient Reading Certificate
Timeline
K/1 Autism Teacher
Bossier Parish School Board
08.2021 - Current
Special Day Class Teacher TK/Kindergarten
Palmdale School District
08.2019 - 06.2020
Special Day Class Teacher 7th Grade
Palmdale School District
08.2017 - 06.2018
Special Ed Teacher: Intensive Needs/Resource
Sedalia School District 200
08.2009 - 08.2017
Special Education Teacher K-3
Osage County R-II Elementary
08.2007 - 05.2009
Special Education Teacher K-5
Maries County R-II
08.2006 - 05.2007
Summer Camp Director
Wonderland Camp
07.1993 - 11.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary/Special Education
Lindenwood University
Crisis Prevention and Intervention Certification
Science of Reading: Pathways to Proficient Reading Certificate
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