NICOLE HELFMAN
Boca Raton,FL
Summary
I am an experienced and qualified teacher and camp director for the past 15+ years. My expertise is to help students build important learning skills in and out of the classroom. My dedication is to promote academic performance and to foster social skills and character development.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
VE Special Education Teacher
Whispering Pines Elementary
Boca Raton, FL
08.2024 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans for diverse student needs.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to create supportive classroom environments.
- Collaborated with families and support staff to enhance student learning.
- Adapted instructional materials for various learning styles and abilities.
- Conducted assessments to monitor student progress and tailor instruction effectively.
- Facilitated activities to enhance social skills among students.
- Collaborated with other educators and professionals to design instructional plans.
Substitute Teacher, K-5
Whispering Pines Elementary
08.2022 - 06.2024
- Delivered differentiated classroom instruction, effectively supporting diverse learning needs of neurodiverse students.
- Diversified classroom instruction and group activities to successfully support students with unique strengths and learning styles.
- Integrated technology into the classroom, enhancing engagement and fostering a creative learning environment.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Executed classroom plans provided by the teacher to ensure continuity of student education.
- Managed lunchroom and recess activities, fostering positive social interactions among students.
Director- Family Engagement & Special Needs
Island Quest Day Camp
06.2014 - 06.2024
- Managed and supervised comprehensive summer camp program for children with special needs aged 4-16.
- Review Individualized Educational Plans of campers and initiate the intake process.
- Developed and implemented lead management and enrollment systems, streamlining camper intake processes.
- Recruited and retained camper families through exceptional customer service and quality control initiatives.
- Planned, organized and evaluated formal training program for summer camp counselors.
- Coached and mentored camp counselors and instructors on effective student engagement strategies and essential life skills instruction.
- Supervised, guided and assisted campers to provide developmental stimulation.
- Communicated with parents, staff, and teachers regarding children or program issues, disciplining campers for behavioral violations.
- Earned First Aid, CPR certifications with emphasis on children's treatment protocols.
- Suggest innovations and work collaboratively to systemize our approach for recruitment and retention.
- Reviewed, communicated, and implemented new ideas as a primary individual in the role.
Substitute Teacher, K-5
Commack School District
09.2014 - 01.2018
Special Education-Teacher
The Summit School
09.2007 - 06.2014
- Wrote Individualized Education Plans.
- Customized instructional materials to align with students’ IEPs and 504 plans.
- Differentiated instruction based on students’ disabilities.
- Supported children with multiple disabilities to enhance learning experiences.
- Participated in CSE meetings.
- Implemented readers and writer’s workshop.
- Implemented school wide behavior plan.
- Skip trained.
Leave Replacement Teacher
Wantagh Elementary School, Wantagh School District
11.2006 - 06.2007
Leave Replacement Teacher
Bay Shore Middle School
03.2006 - 06.2006
Educational Evaluator
Bay Shore School District
01.2006 - 03.2006
Education
Master of Science - Elementary Education
Long Island University, Graduate School
Brentwood, NY01-2005
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
Hofstra University
Hempstead, New York01-2003
Skills
- Special education expertise
- Individualized education planning
- Student needs assessment
- Behavior management
- Collaborative teaching
- Google Classroom proficiency
- Smartboard technology
- Video conferencing skills
- Test proctoring
- Windows and Office
- Reading endorsement
Timeline
VE Special Education Teacher
Whispering Pines Elementary
08.2024 - Current
Substitute Teacher, K-5
Whispering Pines Elementary
08.2022 - 06.2024
Substitute Teacher, K-5
Commack School District
09.2014 - 01.2018
Director- Family Engagement & Special Needs
Island Quest Day Camp
06.2014 - 06.2024
Special Education-Teacher
The Summit School
09.2007 - 06.2014
Leave Replacement Teacher
Wantagh Elementary School, Wantagh School District
11.2006 - 06.2007
Leave Replacement Teacher
Bay Shore Middle School
03.2006 - 06.2006
Educational Evaluator
Bay Shore School District
01.2006 - 03.2006
Master of Science - Elementary Education
Long Island University, Graduate School
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
Hofstra University