Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Amy Finden

Saint Paul,MN

Summary

Passionate, highly competent, special education teacher dedicated to helping non-traditional learners develop the academic, social and emotional competencies needed for success in school, interpersonal relationships and future education/ employment.

Work History

Special Education Teacher

Mahtomedi Public Schools
Mahtomedi, MN
2022 - Current
  • Conducted comprehensive data collection to guide academic instruction
  • Maintained student records in accordance with district and state standards.
  • Communicated effectively with parents, staff, and administrators.
  • Advocated for student inclusion and success in general education environments
  • Modified and adapted general education curriculum to meet individual needs ensuring equal access the general education curriculum.
  • Built strong relationships and collaborated with families and teachers
  • Scheduled and implemented progress monitoring tools to monitor students' progress towards individual goals
  • District Reading Curriculum Committee member:
  • Created agendas and researched curriculum to meet evolving state and national standards, reporting to the Special Education team.
  • Managed crisis situations using de-escalation techniques when necessary.
  • Analyzed high-stakes testing results, developed, and facilitated strategic plans to support teachers and students.
  • Successfully implemented an aggressive one-week plan to move to an online learning system during COVID.
  • Conducted comprehensive special education evaluations, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality for all stakeholders and participants while tracking and sharing data.

Battle Creek Middle School

St. Paul Public Schools
1998 - 2002
  • Taught a population of 70% English Language Learners
  • Chaired Special Education department
  • Developed and implemented IEP's to guide individualized instruction for students with a variety of disabilities and backgrounds
  • Developed culturally sensitive programming
  • Selected for the Principals’ Leadership Committee

Education

Reading Specialist License

University of St. Thomas
Saint Paul, MN
06-2007

Master of Science - Specific Learning Disabilities

Mankato State University
Mankato, MN
06-2000

Bachelor of Science - Religion And Psychology

Gustavus Adolphus College
Saint Peter, MN
06-1992

Skills

  • Implementation of research-based literacy practices
  • Engaging hard to reach families
  • Designing literacy intervention programming
  • Ensuring proper due process following district and state guidelines
  • Effectively collaborate with a variety of staff from various disciplines
  • Creating a safe classroom for students using trauma based practices

Accomplishments

Certificate of Recognition from Governor Jesse Ventura “...in recognition for excellence in special education” (2001)

Selected as a small group of “up and coming leaders in education” to meet and receive mentoring from the developers of the Kansas Learning Strategies.

Timeline

Special Education Teacher

Mahtomedi Public Schools
2022 - Current

Battle Creek Middle School

St. Paul Public Schools
1998 - 2002

Reading Specialist License

University of St. Thomas

Master of Science - Specific Learning Disabilities

Mankato State University

Bachelor of Science - Religion And Psychology

Gustavus Adolphus College
Amy Finden