Open To Work
Amy Butler
Highlands Ranch,CO
Summary
Professional educator prepared for role with strong background in fostering student development and managing classroom/individual dynamics. Valued for ability to build instant rapport with students, collaborate effectively with colleagues and adapt to changing needs. Skilled in lesson planning, classroom management, and engaging diverse student populations and all ability levels. Known for reliability, excellent communication, and results-driven approach.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Teacher
Douglas County School District
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Delivered engaging instruction for K–5 students across multiple classrooms.
- Differentiated lessons for students with behavioral and academic needs.
- Developed strong rapport with building staff, administrators and students.
Mental Health and Child Development Specialist
The Children's Place Association
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Delivered mental health services to children and families affected by poverty and living with chronic illness (HIV/AIDS).
- Completed full mental health assessments, treatment plans, and written staffing and court reports for all individual mental health cases of both preschool and foster care clients.
- Led psychosocial play-based mental health groups of children ages 3-5 years to increase pro-social skills and develop better regulation of affective states.
- Participated in weekly clinical work group and consultation led by P.H.D consultant to enhance assessment, treatment planning and clinical skills.
- Supported classroom teachers in problem solving children’s behavioral needs developing classroom interventions and behavioral plans as needed.
- Supported children with diagnosed and undiagnosed special needs monitoring overall growth and development (sensory integration disorder, autism, ADHD, reactive attachment, etc.).
- Consulted with parents to process at home behavioral concerns and create attainable and individualized family plans (often using personalized social stories) to assist with behavior modification in the home.
Certified Child Life Specialist - Pediatric Emergency Room
University of Chicago Hospitals
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Educated patients of both typical and atypical development, ages 2-16 years, prior to and during a variety of medical procedures not limited to surgery, sutures, bone resetting and trauma support.
- Collaborated with medical team and families to optimize treatment for patients and families.
- Authored non-fiction instructional book, for hospital use, to prepare patients for surgical procedures.
- Supervised and mentored Child Life interns and delivered in service trainings to medical staff.
- Coordinated ER Injury Prevention efforts, including community events and educational resources.
- Chaired Volunteer Committee and Co-Chaired Children’s Advisory Board.
First Grade Teacher - Riverwoods Elementary
Des Moines Public School District
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Instructed 20-22 children of culturally and socio-economically diverse backgrounds.
- Assigned children with challenging behavior and identified special education needs as they excelled in my safe and structured classroom community.
- Served as member of BIC, (Building Intervention Committee) assisting teachers and parents in problem solving solutions for students struggling behaviorally or academically.
Early Learning Center Teacher - Watrous Elementary
Des Moines Public School District
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Designed and led full-day early childhood education program achieving NAEYC accreditation under my leadership.
- Championed successful reverse integration project; combining typically developing preschoolers in classrooms of children with autism 2.5 hours each day.
- Created the “I’m not ready yet” area, a cozy space where self-regulatory behaviors were taught and encouraged, comparable to today’s Calming Corners.
- Supervised full-time classroom staff and visiting practicum students.
Education
Master of Science - Child Development
Erikson Institute
Chicago, IL01.2006
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education/Concentration in Special Education
Iowa State University
Ames, IA01.1999
Major-Elementary Education
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO01.1998
Skills
- Child development expertise
- Complex Problem-solving
- Behavioral evaluation
- Family consultation
- Relationship building and management
- Emotional support strategies
- Effective classroom management
Work Preference
Work Type
Contract WorkPart TimeFull TimeLocation Preference
RemoteHybridTimeline
Substitute Teacher
Douglas County School District
01.2023 - 01.2025
Mental Health and Child Development Specialist
The Children's Place Association
01.2008 - 01.2011
Certified Child Life Specialist - Pediatric Emergency Room
University of Chicago Hospitals
01.2005 - 01.2008
First Grade Teacher - Riverwoods Elementary
Des Moines Public School District
01.2002 - 01.2004
Early Learning Center Teacher - Watrous Elementary
Des Moines Public School District
01.2000 - 01.2002
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education/Concentration in Special Education
Iowa State University
Major-Elementary Education
Northwest Missouri State University
Master of Science - Child Development
Erikson Institute