Annika Russell
New Hope,MN
Summary
Experienced special education professional skilled in creating inclusive learning environments. Implements tailored teaching strategies and supports student development. Recognized for effective collaboration and adaptability, ensuring smooth classroom operations and positive student outcomes. Including behavior management, individualized instruction, and supporting diverse needs. Known for collaborating effectively with educators and being flexible in dynamic situations. Highly reliable with a focus on achieving positive outcomes for students.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Youth Engagement Specialist
Rebound Inc.
08.2023 - Current
- Managed on-time resident participation in planned activities.
- Cooked meals for residents.
- Fostered trust and mutual understanding with clients, enhancing ongoing support.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Coordinated with other departments within the organization when necessary, fostering an environment of collaboration towards shared objectives related to customer success.
- Worked alongside diverse teams to devise methods for improved customer interaction.
- Built strong relationships with clients through active listening and empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and retention.
- Ensured proper hygiene practices were followed by assisting with bathing, grooming tasks.
Special Education Assistant
Minneapolis Public Schools
09.2022 - 10.2024
- Built trust and rapport with students through positive reinforcement and strong communication skills.
- Facilitated smooth transitions for students between different school settings by coordinating services and collaborating with relevant professionals.
- Led classroom instruction and management during the regular teacher's absence.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Recorded detailed student performance data.
- Ensured safe play environments through constant monitoring of classroom and playground activities.
- Supervised students in common areas such as cafeteria, library and playground.
- Enhanced classroom safety by managing student behaviors effectively.
- Ensured proper hygiene practices were followed by assisting with bathing, grooming tasks.
- Implemented crisis prevention techniques to de-escalate challenging situations, maintaining safety for all involved parties.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Richfield Public Schools
09.2021 - 10.2022
- Ensured a safe environment by breaking up altercations and providing calming walks.
- Joined efforts with colleagues to provide an unwavering supportive environment for learners.
- Implemented creative art projects that allowed students to explore different textures while developing fine motor skills.
- Improved students comfort by providing compassionate and attentive care.
- Facilitated one-on-one support, fostering a welcoming learning space.
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Aided students in developing self-advocacy skills, empowering them to take ownership of their learning experiences.
- Communicated student progress, behavior, and social skills to parents.
Tutor
INDEPENTENT CONTRACTOR
09.2020 - 02.2021
- Monitored progress during sessions by walking around classrooms.
- Managed food preparation and post-lunch cleanup.
- Facilitated smooth transition back to online learning platforms.
- Facilitated personalized tutoring sessions to address individual student requirements.
- Adapted approach to fit each learning style.
- Delivered customized assistance to students facing challenges in specific subjects.
Dishwasher
Travail Kitchen and Amusements
06.2017 - 05.2020
- Collected and transported bus tubs around restaurant.
- Provided support during shifts by preparing and plating food.
- Maintained cleanliness of kitchen areas through trash removal.
- Performed additional cleaning tasks on garbage cans, racks, and storage areas to maintain kitchen cleanliness.
- Demonstrated strong time management skills by prioritizing tasks efficiently during high-pressure situations.
- Contributed to a positive working environment through effective communication and teamwork practices.
- Increased performance reliability under pressure by consistently meeting fast-paced dishwashing demands, even during the busiest service periods.
- Stepped into additional roles during busy times to boost coverage of important stations.
- Assisted with basic food preparation tasks as needed, helping expedite meal service for guests.
Education
High school diploma -
Armstrong High School
Plymouth, MN06.2020
Skills
- Autism experience
- Childhood development
- Developmental disabilities experience
- Early childhood education
- Behavior management
- Classroom management
- Special needs
- Special education
- Classroom experience
- Experience working with students
- Communication skills
- Experience with children
- Lesson planning
- Collaboration with teachers
- Verbal and written communication
- Teaching and instruction
- Student advocacy
- Emotional regulation support
Accomplishments
- Achieved noticeable improvement in students grades, tests and behavior through effectively helping with different learning strategies and lesson approaches.
- Observed students and documented social, emotional, motor skill, and intellectual developments.
- Earned certification in CPR/ first aide as well as CPI training.
- noticeable less behaviors within the classroom.
Certification
- CPI Certification
- CPA
- First Aid Certification
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Youth Engagement Specialist
Rebound Inc.
08.2023 - Current
Special Education Assistant
Minneapolis Public Schools
09.2022 - 10.2024
Special Education Paraprofessional
Richfield Public Schools
09.2021 - 10.2022
Tutor
INDEPENTENT CONTRACTOR
09.2020 - 02.2021
Dishwasher
Travail Kitchen and Amusements
06.2017 - 05.2020
High school diploma -
Armstrong High School