Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Ana Ortiz

Pearsall

Summary

Dynamic Special Education Teacher with a proven track record at Pearsall ISD, adept at implementing individualized education plans and fostering inclusive classroom environments. Skilled in differentiated instruction and classroom management, I have successfully enhanced student engagement and literacy outcomes, advocating for diverse learners and promoting self-advocacy among students with disabilities.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Special Education Teacher

Pearsall ISD
08.2024 - Current
  • Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
  • Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
  • Improved reading comprehension among students with learning disabilities by designing and delivering targeted literacy activities.
  • Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
  • Guided students through transition planning processes, preparing them for post-secondary education and employment opportunities.
  • Boosted student engagement in mathematics by introducing problem-solving activities that connected concepts to real-world situations.
  • Implemented individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs, ensuring personalized support.
  • Reduced feelings of isolation among students with special needs by implementing inclusive classroom practices.
  • Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet varied needs of students, enhancing educational accessibility.
  • Created culturally responsive classroom environment, acknowledging and celebrating diversity among students.
  • Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.
  • Fostered positive learning environment, reducing classroom disruptions through effective behavior management strategies.
  • Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
  • Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
  • Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
  • Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
  • Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
  • Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
  • Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.

Behavior Intervention Specialist

Pearsall ISD
08.2017 - 08.2024
  • Increased student engagement by incorporating positive reinforcement strategies into daily routines and interactions.
  • Served as a resource for teachers seeking guidance on how to best address the unique behavioral needs of their students, offering strategies and tools tailored to specific situations.
  • Developed strong relationships with students and families, fostering open communication regarding behavioral concerns and progress towards goals.
  • Supported teachers in developing classroom management techniques that fostered a positive, inclusive learning environment.
  • Helped students build skills to navigate typical academic and social situations.
  • Completed observations of students in classroom and social situations.
  • Improved behaviors through modeling, role-playing and other effective strategies.
  • Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
  • Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
  • Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
  • Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
  • Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
  • Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.

Social Studies Teacher

Pearsall ISD
08.2015 - 08.2016
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans that connected social studies content to other subject areas.
  • Improved student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and materials tailored to individual learning styles.
  • Developed a positive classroom environment by fostering open communication, respect, and collaboration among students.
  • Created lesson plans and made adjustments based on overall class performance throughout year.
  • Gave assignments, graded work and regularly discussed performance with students.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in social studies education and incorporating new strategies into lessons.

Special Education Inclusion Teacher

Pearsall ISD
08.2014 - 08.2015
  • Created engaging visual aids and hands-on activities to enhance understanding of complex concepts among diverse learners.
  • Collaborated with numerous departments and standard education teachers.
  • Collaborated with general education teachers to modify lesson plans and assessments, ensuring accessibility for all students.
  • Managed a caseload of students with varying disabilities, effectively balancing individual needs while maintaining high expectations for academic achievement.
  • Trained fellow educators on best practices for inclusive classrooms, fostering a supportive environment for all students.
  • Assisted in developing transition plans for graduating special education students, paving the way for their success in post-secondary settings or employment opportunities.
  • Advocated for appropriate accommodations and modifications during standardized testing, enabling accurate assessment of special education students'' abilities.
  • Evaluated instructional materials for appropriateness based on individual student needs, ensuring effective curriculum implementation.
  • Enhanced student learning by implementing differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
  • Conducted regular progress monitoring to identify areas of improvement and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
  • Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
  • Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
  • Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.

Social Studies Teacher

Pearsall ISD
08.2009 - 08.2014
  • Developed strong rapport with students by creating an inclusive classroom environment that encouraged participation from all learners.
  • Devised lesson plans reflecting student educational, cultural and language diversity.
  • Assisted in organizing school-wide events such as assemblies or fundraisers which promoted a sense of community among students and staff.
  • Organized field trips to historical sites and museums to create immersive learning experiences that complemented classroom instruction.
  • Evaluated student performance using district-wide standardized tests as well as formative assessments designed specifically for social studies content knowledge.
  • Planned and implemented integrated Social Studies lessons to meet Common Core Curriculum Standards.
  • Maintained awareness of relevant current events and quickly incorporated study into curriculum.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate varying learning styles and abilities within the classroom.
  • Established and supported positive educational environment for student learning.
  • Created lesson plans and made adjustments based on overall class performance throughout year.
  • Gave assignments, graded work and regularly discussed performance with students.
  • Established and communicated clear learning objectives and expectations to students.
  • Enhanced critical thinking skills through debates, group projects, and problem-solving exercises.
  • Served as a mentor for new teachers within the department, providing guidance on effective teaching techniques and strategies for managing challenging behaviors.
  • Participated in professional development workshops and conferences to stay current on best practices in middle school education.
  • Maintained accurate records of student attendance, assignments, assessments, and report cards for administrative purposes.
  • Utilized technology to enhance student education and grasp of materials.
  • Attended department meetings to develop and update course curricula.
  • Completed documentation of attendance, grades, and other required details.
  • Used computers, audio-visual aids and other equipment to supplement presentations.
  • Proctored quizzes, tests, and standardized examinations.
  • Discussed important historical figures, dates and events which helped shape modern world.
  • Provided one-on-one attention to students, while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
  • Planned and supervised class projects, field trips and visits by guest speakers.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - History

Sul Ross State University
Uvalde, TX

Skills

  • Differentiated instruction
  • Effective classroom management
  • Development of individual education plans
  • Targeted group instruction

Certification

Special Education Grades (EC-12)


English Language Arts and Reading

Grades (4-8)


Social Studies

Grades (4-8)

Languages

English
Full Professional
Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Special Education Teacher

Pearsall ISD
08.2024 - Current

Behavior Intervention Specialist

Pearsall ISD
08.2017 - 08.2024

Social Studies Teacher

Pearsall ISD
08.2015 - 08.2016

Special Education Inclusion Teacher

Pearsall ISD
08.2014 - 08.2015

Social Studies Teacher

Pearsall ISD
08.2009 - 08.2014

Bachelor of Arts - History

Sul Ross State University

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