Amanda Tucker
Educational Professional
Topeka,KS
Summary
Dedicated professional with a strong background in education, advocacy, and case management. Skilled in managing priorities, communication, and achieving goals.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
2036
2036
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
STATE OF KANSAS, DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIE
10.2024 - Current
- Company Overview: REHABILITATION SERVICES UNIT
- Managed a caseload of approximately 20 clients, providing guidance and support to overcome employment barriers related to disabilities and achieve greater independence
- Meet with clients regularly to assess their skills, interests, and barriers to work
- Set up meetings with clients, employers, and service providers to coordinate support and job opportunities
- Created and updated Individualized Plans for Employment (IPE) based on each client's goals and needs
- Kept detailed case notes and documentation to track progress and meet program requirements
Special Education Teacher
USD 501 TOPEKA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
08.2016 - 10.2024
- Company Overview: ROSS ELEMENTARY SITE PRESCHOOL INTERVENTION PROGRAM
- Differentiated activities and goals to meet each student's individual needs and abilities
- Collaborated with school administrators, parents, and teachers in designing and implementing individualized education plans for students
- Assessed students' abilities based on results of state/district assessments and used data to track students' academic progress
- Facilitated Individualized Education Plan meetings and collaborated with teams to provide meaningful learning experiences for each student
- Maintained records and documents to meet state, local, and program requirements
- Attended multiple professional trainings on classroom management, data, and current research on special needs support
Family Advocate/Parent Educator
USD 501 TOPEKA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
08.2014 - 01.2015
- Company Overview: SHELDON HEAD START PRESCHOOL
- Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, assessing their situations, capabilities, and problems to determine what services are required to meet their needs
- Serve as liaisons between students, homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts to help children who face problems, such as disabilities, abuse, or poverty
- Refer clients to community resources for services, such as job placement, debt counseling, legal aid, housing, medical treatment, or financial assistance, and provide concrete information, such as where to go and how to apply
- Empowered families by providing them with tools and resources needed to make informed decisions about their futures
- Assessed progress towards goals regularly, adjusting service plans accordingly based on family feedback and professional observations
- Managed heavy caseload using well-developed time management, organizational, and task prioritization skills
Paraeducator 1-A
USD 501 TOPEKA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
08.1999 - 08.2014
- Company Overview: SHELDON HEAD START PRESCHOOL
- Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain a positive learning environment
- Present subject matter to students under direction and guidance of teachers, using lectures, discussions, or supervised role-playing methods
- Assisted in implementation of research-based instructional practices to improve overall student achievement and growth
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within field of special education
Education
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Special Education-Unified
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS 05.2001 - 01.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ01-2016
Skills
Caseload Management
Organizational Skills
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Problem-Solving
Data Analysis and Management
Client and Stakeholder Engagement
Training and Development
Adaptability and Flexibility
Time Management
Reliability
Documentation Skills
Certification
Early Childhood Education Professional License, KANSAS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, 11/2020, 01/2026
Timeline
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
STATE OF KANSAS, DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIE
10.2024 - Current
Special Education Teacher
USD 501 TOPEKA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
08.2016 - 10.2024
Family Advocate/Parent Educator
USD 501 TOPEKA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
08.2014 - 01.2015
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Special Education-Unified
University of Kansas
05.2001 - 01.2021
Paraeducator 1-A
USD 501 TOPEKA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
08.1999 - 08.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Grand Canyon University