Amanda Smaga
Valparaiso,IN
Summary
Resilient Special Education Teacher equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Known for collaboration, adaptability, and positivity under times of stress or conflict. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Kankakee Valley Middle School
Wheatfield, IN
08.2018 - Current
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues, school administration, multidisciplinary teams, and parents.
- Monitored student progress through regular assessments, analyzing results to inform instructional adjustments and improve outcomes.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on research and trends in special education teaching methods.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to advocating for rights and needs of students with special education requirements.
- Designed and implemented Individual Education Plans (IEPs) to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Worked with specialized equipment and education software to promote lesson interaction.
Youth Camp Counselor
YMCA
Valparaiso, IN
06.2016 - 08.2017
- Adapted quickly to varying situations at camp while maintaining composure under pressure.
- Coordinated daily schedules for campers, ensuring a balance of structured activities and free time throughout the day.
- Collaborated with fellow counselors to design entertaining programs that fostered team-building and personal growth.
- Served as a positive role model for campers by embodying core values such as responsibility, integrity, teamwork, empathy, and respect.
- Supervised camper activities to address behavioral issues and promote fun, safety and inclusivity.
- Transported and escorted program participants to and from activities and on field trips.
Undergraduate Biology Teaching Assistant
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
08.2016 - 11.2016
- Maintained open communication channels with faculty members regarding student performance, ensuring appropriate intervention strategies were employed as needed.
- Streamlined lab procedures for increased efficiency, ensuring students received ample hands-on experience during practical sessions.
- Managed classroom time effectively, balancing lectures with group discussions and hands-on learning opportunities.
- Promoted a collaborative learning environment by encouraging peer-to-peer interactions during lab sessions and group assignments.
- Provided individualized support to students through regular office hours, addressing specific needs and challenges faced by each learner.
- Collaborated with fellow teaching assistants and faculty members to develop cohesive lesson plans that aligned with course objectives.
- Checked assignments, proctored tests and provided grades according to university standards.
Student Teacher
Cumberland Elementary School
West Lafayette, Indiana
01.2018 - Current
- Devised and taught a three-week unit on Fairy Tales, Fractured Fairy Tales, Folktales, Fables, and Tall Tales
- Utilized a "Dojo Points" management strategy to reinforce appropriate behavior
- Executed a Mini-Society Project so students can learn the value of economics and everyday life skills
- Participated in developing IEPs for a student with ADHD and another one with an emotional disability
- Published a monthly newsletter to communicate with parents and sent home parent communication notes about behavior and academic progress for 18 students
Practicum Student
West Lafayette Junior/Senior High School
West Lafayette, Indiana
08.2017 - 11.2017
- Collaborated to develop an IEP for a student with a learning disability
- Aided in the development of a poetry unit that integrated the use of technology and music
- Initiated a classroom behavior modification program for a student with Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Practicum Student
Wea Ridge Elementary School
Lafayette, Indiana
01.2017 - 04.2017
- Collaborated on topics ranging from advancing technology in science to historical documents in social studies
- Supported a STEM project that had students developing a type of lever
Practicum Student
Glenn Acres Elementary School
Lafayette, Indiana
01.2017 - 04.2017
- Generated a math unit on counting money for English Language Learners
- Executed a literacy unit over identifying parts of speech while utilizing WIDA Standards
Practicum Student
Burnett Creek Elementary School
West Lafayette, Indiana
01.2017 - 04.2017
- Worked one-on-one to develop reading skills of a 10-year-old girl with a learning disability
- Assisted with implementation of a Geography Project over Indiana
Practicum Student
Klondike Elementary School
West Lafayette, Indiana
08.2016 - 11.2016
- Tutored students to enhance reading skills
- Documented students’ reading levels through running records
Practicum Student
Happy Hollow Intermediate School
West Lafayette, Indiana
01.2016 - 04.2016
- Devised a social studies lesson on being a good citizen
- Fostered a literacy lesson over comprehending text read within a story
Practicum Student
West Lafayette Junior/Senior High School
West Lafayette, Indiana
08.2015 - 11.2015
- Demonstrated social skills, such as effective communication, to students with intellectual disabilities
- Worked one-on-one to develop interpersonal skills of a 14-year-old boy with an intellectual disability
Practicum Student
Burnett Creek Elementary School
West Lafayette, Indiana
01.2015 - 04.2015
- Taught life skills, including personal hygiene, to children with developmental disabilities
- Communicated directly with a second grade student to establish literacy skills
Education
B.A. - Special Education/Elementary Education
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN05-2018
Academic Honors Diploma -
Valparaiso High School
Valparaiso, Indiana06.2013
Skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Data analysis proficiency
- Sensitive information protection
- Experienced in coordinating meetings
- Influential mentor
- Clear verbal and written communication
- Thorough quality assurance
- Effective problem resolution
- Proficient time management
- Collaborative teamwork
- Task management proficiency
Certification
- CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers: valid for 2 years, 3/14/2024
- Conducted by: American Heart Association
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Kankakee Valley Middle School
08.2018 - Current
Student Teacher
Cumberland Elementary School
01.2018 - Current
Practicum Student
West Lafayette Junior/Senior High School
08.2017 - 11.2017
Practicum Student
Wea Ridge Elementary School
01.2017 - 04.2017
Practicum Student
Glenn Acres Elementary School
01.2017 - 04.2017
Practicum Student
Burnett Creek Elementary School
01.2017 - 04.2017
Undergraduate Biology Teaching Assistant
Purdue University
08.2016 - 11.2016
Practicum Student
Klondike Elementary School
08.2016 - 11.2016
Youth Camp Counselor
YMCA
06.2016 - 08.2017
Practicum Student
Happy Hollow Intermediate School
01.2016 - 04.2016
Practicum Student
West Lafayette Junior/Senior High School
08.2015 - 11.2015
Practicum Student
Burnett Creek Elementary School
01.2015 - 04.2015
B.A. - Special Education/Elementary Education
Purdue University
Academic Honors Diploma -
Valparaiso High School