- Reading
- Illustration
- Animals
- Video Games
- Anime/manga
- Comics
- Creative Writing
- Cosplay
- Crafting
- Graphic Design
- Community Cleanup
- Gardening
Amber McGiffen
Summary
I'm an energetic, outgoing, and kid/teen-savvy geek, artist, and teacher looking for a position as a Mild/Moderate Education Specialist. As a former professional illustrator, I incorporate art into my teaching frequently to explore multiple means of engagement. I pride myself on my ability to quickly connect with students through their interests and being a positive role model committed to helping diverse learners grow and succeed.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Contract Mild/Moderate Special Education Teacher
ATX Learning
02.2024 - Current
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
Mild/Moderate Education Specialist
Center High School
08.2024 - 12.2024
- Partnered with general education teachers from across academic departments.
- Partnered with multi-disciplinary team to create effective IEPs
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
- Provided emotional support to students.
- 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.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Taught Government, English, and Study Skills to students with IEPs at various levels of need.
Substitute Teacher
Elk Grove Unified School District
01.2024 - 06.2024
- Utilized variety of instructional strategies to meet individual student needs.
- Collaborated with other educators to plan and review instruction.
Substitute Teacher
San Juan Unified School District
10.2022 - 12.2023
- Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Collaborated with other educators to plan and review instruction.
Substitute Teacher
Twin Rivers Unified School District
02.2023 - 06.2023
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Specially requested by teacher and students of SDC class due to rapport built with students and staff.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
Substitute Teacher
Folsom Cordova Unified School District
09.2022 - 05.2023
- Collaborated with teaching staff to implement coordinated educational strategies and student support networks.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Organized and cleaned teaching areas after daily use to maintain high standards for returning teachers or other substitutes.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
Student Teacher
California State University Sacramento
01.2021 - 05.2022
- Cultivated positive relationships with administration, teaching staff, and students.
- Encouraged critical thinking and problem solving skills to enable students to step out of comfort zone.
- Developed lesson plans and activities for student engagement.
- Worked with classroom teachers to learn about current standards and best practices.
Lead Teacher
Gymboree Play and Music
07.2018 - 12.2019
Education
Mild/Moderate Teaching Credential - Mild/Moderate Special Education
California State University, Sacramento
Sacramento, CA05-2022
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Illustration
California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, CA05-2012
Skills
- IEP and BIP implementation
- Cognitive and behavioral development
- Building student rapport
- Social integration
- Positive role model
- Team collaboration
- SEIS
- Sonday System
- SIPPS
- Advanced Computer Skills
- Adaptability
Interests
Timeline
Mild/Moderate Education Specialist
Center High School
08.2024 - 12.2024
Contract Mild/Moderate Special Education Teacher
ATX Learning
02.2024 - Current
Substitute Teacher
Elk Grove Unified School District
01.2024 - 06.2024
Substitute Teacher
Twin Rivers Unified School District
02.2023 - 06.2023
Substitute Teacher
San Juan Unified School District
10.2022 - 12.2023
Substitute Teacher
Folsom Cordova Unified School District
09.2022 - 05.2023
Student Teacher
California State University Sacramento
01.2021 - 05.2022
Lead Teacher
Gymboree Play and Music
07.2018 - 12.2019
Mild/Moderate Teaching Credential - Mild/Moderate Special Education
California State University, Sacramento
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Illustration
California State University, Long Beach
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