Kelsee Bensley
Tahoe City,CA
Summary
Resilient Special Education Teacher familiar with challenges associated with teaching special needs children. Remains positive under times of stress or conflict. Works well with classroom teachers to develop accommodations and special techniques for classroom inclusion.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
SDC Teacher
Tahoe Truckee Unified School District
08.2018 - Current
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Increased student motivation by incorporating real-world connections into lesson plans and assignments.
- Enhanced classroom management by implementing consistent routines and positive reinforcement strategies.
Inclusion Teacher
Santa Barbara County Education Office
08.2014 - 06.2018
- Implemented effective behavior management plans, resulting in fewer disruptions and increased focus on learning tasks.
- Strengthened relationships with parents, students, and colleagues by maintaining open communication channels and participating in school events.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance data, informing instructional decisions based on measurable evidence of progress toward goals.
- Supported struggling students with targeted interventions, leading to higher levels of academic achievement.
- Increased student understanding by utilizing differentiated instruction techniques and incorporating diverse learning materials.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in inclusive education and apply them effectively in the classroom setting.
District Behaviorist/Special Education Teacher
Hope Unified School District
01.2018 - 08.2018
- Consulted with schools to develop classroom accommodations that supported student success while managing challenging behaviors.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members to ensure comprehensive treatment for clients'' behavioral needs.
- Implemented crisis prevention strategies, reducing instances of aggressive or self-injurious behaviors among clients.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, establishing trust and promoting engagement in therapeutic activities.
- Improved client behavioral outcomes by implementing evidence-based interventions and strategies.
- Provided ongoing training and support for staff, enhancing their ability to effectively implement behavior plans.
Researcher/Program Supervisor
Koegel Autism Consultants
- Trained parents and paraprofessionals to deliver positive behavior interventions including Pivotal Response treatment
- Researched interventions to improve socialization of students on the autism spectrum.
Education
Doctorate of Philosophy - Special Education, Disabilities, and Risk Studies
Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, UC Santa Barbara
09.2021
Teacher Education Program - Mild/Moderate Disabilities
Antioch University- Santa Barbara
06.2015
Master of Art - Special Education, Disabilities, and Risk Studies
Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, UC Santa Barbara
09.2014
Education Specialist Credential - Moderate/Severe Disabilities
Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, UC Santa Barbara
06.2013
Bachelors - Psychology
Department of Psychological Brain Sciences, UC Santa Barbara
06.2011
Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Data Analysis
- Documentation And Reporting
- Behaviors Analysis
- Best Practices
- Knowledge Sharing
Accomplishments
Excellence in Education Speech/SDC Grant Beverage Cart Co-Author 2024-2025
Linda Brown Fellows Award 2022-2023
Awards
- Dissertation Block Grant
- Patty Hopkins-Acos Memorial Fellowship
- Dr. J Student Teaching Award
References
- Stephanie Foucek, Principal, Tahoe Lake Elementary School, sfoucek@ttusd.org, (530) 582-2700
- Jessica Scott, Special Education Program Specialist, TTUSD, jscott@ttusd.org, (530) 582-2564
- Dr. Annamarie Cohen, Director of Student Services, TTUSD, acohen@ttusd.org, (530) 582-2565
Timeline
SDC Teacher
Tahoe Truckee Unified School District
08.2018 - Current
District Behaviorist/Special Education Teacher
Hope Unified School District
01.2018 - 08.2018
Inclusion Teacher
Santa Barbara County Education Office
08.2014 - 06.2018
Researcher/Program Supervisor
Koegel Autism Consultants
Doctorate of Philosophy - Special Education, Disabilities, and Risk Studies
Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, UC Santa Barbara
Teacher Education Program - Mild/Moderate Disabilities
Antioch University- Santa Barbara
Master of Art - Special Education, Disabilities, and Risk Studies
Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, UC Santa Barbara
Education Specialist Credential - Moderate/Severe Disabilities
Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, UC Santa Barbara
Bachelors - Psychology
Department of Psychological Brain Sciences, UC Santa Barbara
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