Alexandra Kafcas
Summary
Committed to fostering a supportive environment that promotes academic and emotional growth for children and staff. Dedicated to creating a structured and nurturing atmosphere where everyone can reach their full potential.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Case Manager/ Consultant
REACH, Chicago IL
08.2019 - Current
- Supported REACH's mission by managing a grant program that promotes inclusive education for students with diverse academic and social needs.
- Oversaw complex student cases at a prestigious college preparatory school, providing access to a private day school experience.
- Advocated for child-centered decision-making within a respected and well-established educational system.
- Redesigned individualized learning plans to reflect best practices and meet unique student needs.
- Created and implemented a learning community to identify and support students of concern.
- Developed a data tracking system to monitor and support faculty engagement with students of concern.
- Collaborated with educators to integrate meaningful standards and objectives into course content.
- Supervised and mentored support staff to enhance student services and program delivery.
Academic Coordinator
Jewish Child Family Services, Chicago IL
08.2004 - 08.2019
- Chaired the School Prom Committee, overseeing planning, logistics, and event execution.
- Served on the School Improvement Committee, contributing to strategic planning and school development initiatives.
- Participated in the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Committee to support ongoing schoolwide enhancements.
- Led curriculum purchasing efforts, including evaluation, selection, and budgeting for instructional materials.
- Directed The Mag, the school's student publication, guiding editorial content and student contributors.
- Delivered both pull-out and push-in instructional support to meet diverse student learning needs.
- Collected, maintained, and analyzed quarterly IEP data for students across multiple districts.
- Managed curriculum resources, including textbooks, novels, digital subscriptions, and instructional materials.
- Designed and maintained schoolwide schedules to support collaborative and co-teaching models.
- Assisted in the development and planning of curriculum and academic programs.
Registrar
Jewish Child Family Services, Chicago IL
01.2017 - 07.2019
- Worked within ISBE and CPS Student Information Systems
- Planned and developed student course plans to fulfill different district requirements
- Maintained and communicated records for our school, the state of Illinois, and our different school districts
Title One/IDEA Academic Tutor
Chicago Public Schools/REACH, Chicago IL
01.2011 - Current
- Tutored diverse groups of students to strengthen subject comprehension, boost confidence, and build important learning skills.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, using data-driven decision-making to inform future instructional planning.
Special Education Teacher - Lead Teacher of an LD/BD classroom
Jewish Child Family Services, Chicago IL
01.2004 - 01.2008
- Case managed eight students with primary emotional disturbances and/or learning disabilities in a therapeutic, self-contained classroom setting.
- Supervised instructional assistants and volunteers, providing guidance and ensuring effective classroom support.
- Collaborated with elementary, middle, and high school teachers, parents, social workers, administrators, and ancillary staff using a team-based approach to support student development.
- Designed and implemented Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) tailored to each student's academic, emotional, and behavioral needs.
- Applied instructional strategies aligned with IEP goals to promote student growth and academic achievement.
Improved student behavior through the implementation of structured routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement techniques. - Provided instruction across multiple subjects and disability classifications, addressing a wide range of intellectual and emotional needs.
- Used assessment data to differentiate instruction and improve learning outcomes.
- Developed and executed behavior intervention plans (BIPs), resulting in reduced disruptive behaviors and increased classroom engagement.
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
North Park University
Chicago, IL08.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Barat College
05.2002
Skills
- Extensive experience in writing, developing, and leading Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Strong working knowledge of federal and state laws governing special education and related services
- Skilled in implementing academic and behavioral interventions, as well as utilizing a variety of assessment strategies
- Proficient in applying Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to address diverse student needs
- Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with administrators, educators, students, families, community agencies, and employers
- Effective problem-solver with the ability to collaborate in team settings, use data to drive decision-making, and communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders
- Experienced in planning and implementing both behavior and curriculum strategies tailored to student needs
- Maintains professional boundaries and handles sensitive HR matters with discretion, including experience serving as a union steward and bargaining committee member
Certification
- Illinois State Teaching Certificates Type 10 – PEL – November 2002
- Endorsements Principal Endorsement- June 2024
- Learning Behavior Specialist I- Limited, preschool to age 21- November 2002
- Social/Emotional Disorders, preschool to age 21- November 2002
- Wilson Reading Certified 2025
- Collaborative Problem Solving Certified 2021-present
Timeline
Case Manager/ Consultant
REACH, Chicago IL
08.2019 - Current
Registrar
Jewish Child Family Services, Chicago IL
01.2017 - 07.2019
Title One/IDEA Academic Tutor
Chicago Public Schools/REACH, Chicago IL
01.2011 - Current
Academic Coordinator
Jewish Child Family Services, Chicago IL
08.2004 - 08.2019
Special Education Teacher - Lead Teacher of an LD/BD classroom
Jewish Child Family Services, Chicago IL
01.2004 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Barat College
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
North Park University
Similar Profiles
Greg GarciaGreg Garcia
General Manager of Retail at Chicago Bears / Delaware North Sportservice-Chicago, ILGeneral Manager of Retail at Chicago Bears / Delaware North Sportservice-Chicago, IL
Margaret Jui-Ting KingMargaret Jui-Ting King
Cargo Reservation Agent at EVA Air-Chicago, ILCargo Reservation Agent at EVA Air-Chicago, IL
Kalpesh ShewaleKalpesh Shewale
Business Analyst at BlueCross BlueShield – Chicago Head office, ILBusiness Analyst at BlueCross BlueShield – Chicago Head office, IL
Patricia McLainPatricia McLain
Underwriting Case Manager Consultant II at ProtectiveUnderwriting Case Manager Consultant II at Protective
Mswati HanksMswati Hanks
Case Manager, Consultant, Group Facilitator at Charlestown Adult Education, Workforce, and Reentry ProgramCase Manager, Consultant, Group Facilitator at Charlestown Adult Education, Workforce, and Reentry Program