April De Saavedra
GENERAL EDUCATION TEACHER (EC-6) SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER (EC-12)
McAllen,TX
Summary
Positive and motivating educator committed to the professional standards, ethics, and methods of educating young minds. Skilled in creating a cooperative community within the classroom focusing on mutual respect, self-esteem, social emotional skills, and cultural diversity. Specializing in creating an innovative, exciting, flexible, student-centered curriculum, based on creativity, problem-solving, student interests, life skills, and hands on activities guided by the corresponding TEKS.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Substitute Teacher
McAllen ISD
09.2024 - Current
- Enhance classroom management by implementing positive reinforcement strategies and maintaining clear expectations for behavior.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Provide 1:1 mentorship opportunities for students to develop and pursue professional and long and short-term goals
- Develop strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, grades, and progress reports, ensuring timely submission to administration for reporting purposes
Exceptional Family Member Program Manager
Army Community Service
08.2019 - 01.2020
- Worked with local American schools to ensure children with 504s or IEPs received appropriate accommodations and modifications
- Participated and chaired all Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings for local American Schools
- Advocated for families and students regarding any special requirements ensuring compliance with government rules and regulations
- Assessed community needs and specifications to determine annual budgetary needs
- Analyzed program data to identify trends and areas for improvement, resulting in a 48% increase in program effectiveness
Information and Referral Program Manager
Army Community Service
08.2017 - 08.2019
- Oversaw all administrative, management, and community support functions including but not limited to budget management for 8 programs
- Briefed over 900 incoming soldiers on available readiness and preparedness programs
- Sustained optimal staff performance by attaining 4 Train the Trainer certificates, delivering training for 1000+ civilians
- Executed largest, Back to School Expo (B2SE) in 2019 with over 2500 attendees and 82 vendors
- Partnered with a fellow manager to coordinate and launch 6 annual ceremonies and 18 ACS events
Elementary School Teacher
Sugar Loaf Elementary
08.2015 - 01.2017
- Contributed to academic initiatives and personal growth by developing and implementing instructional activities and resources aligned with lesson plans’ goals and objectives, and creating projects geared towards enhancing full student development
- Communicated with students and parents regarding student progress
- Proven track record of improving student progress in Reading, Math, Language Arts, and Science
- Effectively managed classroom behaviors by establishing clear, concise, and fair guidelines
- Incorporated and facilitated the use of technology in educational activities including the use of software applications and Promethean Board
Education
Bachelor of Science - Social Science
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MDMA - Education
Trident University International
Cypress, CASkills
Positive reinforcement
Verbal and written communication
Complex Problem-solving
Group and individual instruction
Relationship building and management
IEP documentation
Reporting and documenting
Adaptability and flexibility
Teamwork and collaboration
Student counseling
Problem-solving aptitude
Teaching life skills
Certification
Special Education (EC-12)
Timeline
Substitute Teacher
McAllen ISD
09.2024 - Current
Exceptional Family Member Program Manager
Army Community Service
08.2019 - 01.2020
Information and Referral Program Manager
Army Community Service
08.2017 - 08.2019
Elementary School Teacher
Sugar Loaf Elementary
08.2015 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Science - Social Science
University of Maryland Global Campus
MA - Education
Trident University International