Brecken Durham
Rockford,MI
Summary
Creative and enthusiastic educator dedicated to promoting inclusion through content, instructional methods, and fostering positive relationships. Committed to finding innovative solutions to educational barriers and continuously seeking personal and professional growth to better serve students.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Resource Room Teacher
Baldwin Heights Elementary School
05.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams (e.g., speech therapists, counselors, special education coordinators) to support student development.
- Adapted and modified curriculum to meet the diverse needs of all students on my caseload, ensuring academic progress in core subjects.
- Utilized multiple curriculums within my classroom, including EBLI, UFLI, 95% Group, Phonics First, SOR, Touch Math, and Bridges Interventions. - Monitored and assessed student progress regularly, using data to inform instruction and make necessary adjustments to teaching strategies.
- Fostered above average and well above average progress in all reading intervention groups.
- Created a positive and inclusive learning environment that supports students’ social, emotional, and academic growth.
- Adapted and differentiated instructional materials to address the unique needs and learning styles of students with severe and moderate cognitive impairments, ensuring functional skills development and academic growth.
Student Teacher
Forest Hills Transition Center
03.2024 - 05.2024
- Fostered a supportive and inclusive classroom environment where students were encouraged to interact with peers, practice social skills, and build confidence in their abilities.
- Supported students in community-based learning activities, providing real-world opportunities for skill development and socialization.
- Promoted student independence by teaching practical skills related to daily living, such as personal hygiene, job readiness, and money management.
- Provided targeted support in life skills, social-emotional learning, vocational readiness, and communication strategies to promote independence and self-advocacy for students with ASD and cognitive impairments.
Student Teacher
Rockford Senior High School
01.2024 - 03.2024
- lesson plans for high school juniors in English Language Arts, focusing on developing reading, writing, and analytical skills aligned with state standards.
- Facilitated diverse literary discussions and activities to
- enhance students' understanding of key texts, including works of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, fostering critical thinking and interpretation.
- Taught and guided seniors in Multicultural Literature, encouraging exploration of diverse voices and perspectives through literature from various cultures, ethnicities, and historical contexts.
- Developed curriculum for a Creative Writing course, helping students cultivate their unique voices, experiment with different writing styles, and enhance narrative, poetic, and expository writing skills.
- Provided personalized feedback on writing assignments to support students' growth in both content and structure, improving writing skills through revision and peer review processes.
Teacher Intern
Pine Grove Learning Center
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Served in a severely cognitively impaired classroom with 8 students in grades K-8
- Developed curriculum based on learner's specific needs and IEP goals
- Taught in both whole group and small group contexts
Behavioral Analyst
Acorn Health
06.2023 - 09.2023
- Completed a forty-hour certification course
- Utilized applied behavioral therapy for individuals ages three to eight
- Amassed over 200 hours of experience in ABA therapy
Reading Tutor
Buchanan Elementary
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Completed thirty hours of direct instruction with two first-grade students who were English language learners
- Developed literacy-based lesson plans on a weekly basis
Teacher Intern
Crestwood Middle School
09.2022 - 12.2022
- Created lessons based on culturally responsive pedagogy
- Synthesized quizzes based on MI state standards
- Graded relevant coursework
Teacher
Camp WIN (Rockford Public Schools)
06.2021 - 08.2022
- Greek mythology-themed summer camp for students in 6th through 8th grade
- Developed lesson plans for class content
- Received valuable experience in classroom management
Student Intern
West Catholic High School
09.2021 - 12.2021
- Observed instructional practices in an 11th-grade English language arts classroom
- Observed instructional practices in a 12th grade Psychology classroom
- Assisted students with their classwork and questions
Teacher's Assistant
Conductive Learning Center of North America
05.2020 - 09.2020
- Assisted teachers in the only conductive learning center in North America for individuals with Cerebral Palsy
- Gained valuable work experience while working with toddlers, children, adolescents, and young adults
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Cognitive Impairments: K-12, Secondary English Education
Calvin University
Grand Rapids, MI05.2024
Associates of Arts - Pathway Degree with Education and Child Development Concentration
Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Rapids, MI04.2021
High School Diploma -
Rockford High School
Rockford, MI05.2020
Skills
- Familiar with IEP and 504 plan implementation
- Proficient in multiple school platforms (Schoology, Moodle, Blackboard)
- Experience in managing classroom staff
- Skilled in conflict desiccation
- Collaborative
- Strong advocate
- Organized and punctual
- Communicative
Certification
- MTTC Cognitive Impairments Certified
- CPR/First Aid Certification
- HIPAA Compliance Certification
Volunteer Experience
West Michigan Miracle League, Summer of 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023
Timeline
Resource Room Teacher
Baldwin Heights Elementary School
05.2024 - Current
Student Teacher
Forest Hills Transition Center
03.2024 - 05.2024
Student Teacher
Rockford Senior High School
01.2024 - 03.2024
Teacher Intern
Pine Grove Learning Center
09.2023 - 12.2023
Behavioral Analyst
Acorn Health
06.2023 - 09.2023
Reading Tutor
Buchanan Elementary
01.2023 - 05.2023
Teacher Intern
Crestwood Middle School
09.2022 - 12.2022
Student Intern
West Catholic High School
09.2021 - 12.2021
Teacher
Camp WIN (Rockford Public Schools)
06.2021 - 08.2022
Teacher's Assistant
Conductive Learning Center of North America
05.2020 - 09.2020
Associates of Arts - Pathway Degree with Education and Child Development Concentration
Grand Rapids Community College
High School Diploma -
Rockford High School
Bachelor of Arts - Cognitive Impairments: K-12, Secondary English Education
Calvin University
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