Ashli LaGrand
Topeka
Summary
Dedicated sixth-grade English Language Arts teacher experienced in developing engaging curricula and implementing evidence-based strategies. Strong communicator skilled in collaboration with parents and colleagues to promote student success and foster a positive learning environment.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Sixth Grade English Language Arts Teacher
Shawnee Heights USD 450
08.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment that promoted student participation and collaboration.
- Assessed student progress through various evaluation methods to tailor instruction effectively.
- Integrated technology tools into curriculum, improving student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Promoted critical thinking skills through analytical writing assignments that encouraged students to synthesize information from multiple sources.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in language arts education.
- Led parent-teacher conferences that provided constructive feedback on student progress while fostering collaboration between home and school environments.
- Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth.
- Promoted effective verbal and written communication through listening, speaking, reading, and writing practice.
- Assessed student writing using rubrics aligned with state standards, ensuring consistent evaluation criteria across all assignments.
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Kept classroom organized, clean and safe for students and visitors.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to address student issues.
- Supported development of individualized education plans for students with special needs.
Special Education Teacher 5th/6th Grade
Shawnee Heights USD 450
08.2019 - 08.2024
- Developed individualized education plans tailored to student needs and learning objectives.
- Implemented evidence-based teaching strategies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess student progress and modify instructional approaches.
- Conducted assessments to identify specific learning disabilities and inform educational interventions.
- Provided mentorship and support to new special education staff in classroom management techniques.
- Advocated for resource allocation to improve classroom environments and support services for students with disabilities.
- Streamlined communication between parents, educators, and specialists to foster collaborative education efforts.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Created culturally responsive classroom environment, acknowledging and celebrating diversity among students.
- Fostered positive learning environment, reducing classroom disruptions through effective behavior management strategies.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
Emporia State University
Emporia, KS05-2016
Bachelor of Science - Education
Washburn University of Topeka
Topeka, KS05-2013
Skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Team collaboration
- Classroom management
- Verbal and written communication
- Parent-teacher communication
- Individualized instruction
- Rubric creation
- Differentiated instruction
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Excellent communication
- Decision-making
- Relationship building
Timeline
Sixth Grade English Language Arts Teacher
Shawnee Heights USD 450
08.2024 - Current
Special Education Teacher 5th/6th Grade
Shawnee Heights USD 450
08.2019 - 08.2024
Master of Science - Special Education
Emporia State University
Bachelor of Science - Education
Washburn University of Topeka