Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Amanda Baluch

Canton

Summary

Dynamic Special Education Teacher with a proven track record at Carmel Elementary School, skilled in developing individualized education plans and fostering strong parent communication. Expert in differentiated instruction and behavior management, successfully enhancing student engagement and academic growth through tailored strategies and emotional support. Committed to advocating for diverse learners and promoting inclusive education.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Resource Teacher

Carmel Elementary School
08.2009 - Current
  • Facilitated differentiated instruction by providing a variety of resources tailored to meet each student''s unique needs and abilities.
  • Provided support for struggling students through targeted one-on-one instruction, improving overall class performance.
  • Assessed student progress regularly using formative assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed for optimal learning outcomes.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively, creating a safe and supportive environment conducive to learning.
  • Increased student understanding by utilizing various teaching methods and adapting to individual learning styles.
  • Developed strong relationships with parents and guardians, fostering open communication about students'' progress and needs.
  • Enhanced student engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and group projects into lessons.
  • Organized field trips and guest speakers to supplement classroom instruction, expanding student exposure to real-world applications of course content.
  • Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
  • Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
  • Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
  • Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
  • Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
  • Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
  • Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
  • Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
  • Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
  • Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
  • Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
  • Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
  • Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
  • Provided emotional support to students and families.

Special Education Teacher

Kennesaw Elementary School
08.2003 - 06.2008
  • Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
  • Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
  • Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
  • Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
  • Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
  • Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
  • Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
  • Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
  • Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
  • Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
  • Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
  • Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
  • Fostered positive learning environment, reducing classroom disruptions through effective behavior management strategies.

Education

Master of Arts - Elementary Education

Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA

Skills

  • Differentiated instruction
  • Individualized education plans
  • Behavior management
  • Formative assessments
  • Curriculum modification
  • Classroom management
  • Positive reinforcement
  • Social skills development
  • Data analysis
  • Instructional planning
  • Team collaboration
  • Progress monitoring
  • Emotional support
  • Multisensory instruction
  • Social skills training
  • Reading intervention
  • Instructional adaptation
  • Student advocacy
  • IEP implementation
  • Special education expertise
  • De-escalation techniques
  • Co-teaching experience
  • Inclusion strategies
  • Parent-teacher collaboration
  • Lesson planning
  • Parent communications
  • Visual supports
  • Literacy intervention
  • Small group instruction
  • Data collection
  • Instructional strategies
  • Behavior modifications
  • Life skills instruction
  • Special education
  • Elementary education

Accomplishments

  • Trained fellow teachers on the procedures for completing Individual Education Plans.
  • Supervised team of 2 staff members.

Certification

  • Wilson Reading System Certification - Wilson Language Training.
  • Early Childhood Special Education Certification (ECSEC) - Georgia Department of Education.

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Resource Teacher

Carmel Elementary School
08.2009 - Current

Special Education Teacher

Kennesaw Elementary School
08.2003 - 06.2008

Master of Arts - Elementary Education

Kennesaw State University
Amanda Baluch