CANDI HIBBITTS
Hudsonville,MI
Summary
Caring and creative Special Education Teacher with over 35 years of experience supporting students from Kindergarten through adult learners with diverse learning needs. Skilled in designing and implementing Individualized Education Plans, and hands-on, student-centered lessons tailored to individual abilities. Empathetic and collaboratively, working effectively with general education teachers, parents, and specialists to foster a supportive and engaging learning environment. Committed to promoting student confidence, achievement, and social-emotional wellness.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Hudsonville Public Schools
01.1992 - Current
- Currently teach 6th Grade Special Education. Have taught PreK-8th grade Special Education.
- Advocate for students with disabilities, ensuring access to necessary accommodations and modifications.
- Develop strong relationships with students, fostering trust and creating a safe learning environment where they can thrive academically and emotionally.
- Facilitate multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss students' needs, share insights and resources, and develop effective intervention plans aligned with their unique strengths and challenges.
- Develop Individualized Education Plans tailored to each student's needs and learning style.
- Conduct student assessments to determine individual needs.
- Teaching multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Analyze student progress data to inform instruction and adjust interventions effectively.
- Communicate with parents regularly to celebrate successes and provide support.
- Coordinate with general education teachers to modify curriculum materials, ensuring accessibility for all learners in an inclusive setting.
- Improve student behavior and social skills by implementing positive reinforcement strategies.
- Mentor new Resource teachers, fostering best practices in special education methodologies.
- Maintain accurate records of student performance, attendance, and IEP objectives to ensure compliance with federal regulations and school district policies.
Special Education Summer Teacher
Ottawa Area Center
01.2009 - 01.2017
- Teacher for students aged 8 to 26, with severe physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Developed individualized learning strategies for students with severe impairments.
- Managed IEPs; implemented instructional strategies to meet goals.
- Used nonverbal communication techniques to comfort and engage students.
- Collaborated with staff and families to ensure continuity of learning.
Special Education Teacher
Kelloggsville Public Schools
01.1991 - 01.1992
- Teacher for Kindergarten through Second Grade Special Education students.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using varied instructional techniques.
- Developed individualized lesson plans to assist struggling students in maintaining progress.
- Created and managed IEPs to define learning objectives and instructional strategies
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MIBachelor of Science - Special Education
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MISkills
- Relationship Building with Students and Parents
- Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Teams
- Differentiated Instruction & Student-Centered Learning
- Developing and Implementing IEPs (Individual Educational Plans)
- Student Engagement & Achievement
- Social-Emotional Wellness & Trauma-Informed Classrooms
- Executive Functioning Skills Development
- Creative Problem-Solving
Timeline
Special Education Summer Teacher
Ottawa Area Center
01.2009 - 01.2017
Special Education Teacher
Hudsonville Public Schools
01.1992 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Kelloggsville Public Schools
01.1991 - 01.1992
Master of Science - Special Education
Grand Valley State University
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Grand Valley State University