Candice Schnurbusch
Cape Girardeau,Mo
Summary
Experienced and community-driven Special Education Teacher with nearly two decades of service in supporting students with severe, diverse disabilities. Proven success in designing and leading transition-focused programs rooted in real-world application, community partnerships, and inclusive collaboration with school and district stakeholders. Passionate about fostering independence, confidence, and inclusion through meaningful learning experiences, both inside and beyond the classroom.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Functional Special Education Teacher
Cape Public School District
Cape Girardeau, USA
08.2015 - Current
- Experienced and community-driven Special Education Teacher with nearly two decades of service in supporting students with severe and diverse disabilities.
- Proven success in designing and leading transition-focused programs rooted in real-world application, community partnerships, and inclusive collaboration with school and district stakeholders.
- Passionate about fostering independence, confidence, and inclusion through meaningful learning experiences both inside and beyond the classroom.
- Designed and implemented a comprehensive Work/Life Skills and Transition Curriculum, focused on post-secondary readiness in areas such as employment, independent living, communication, and social integration.
- Served as Transition Coordinator for the Cape Public School District, overseeing the development and implementation of job shadowing programs, off-site job training opportunities, and real-world lesson planning to promote student success beyond the classroom.
- Embedded community-based instruction into curriculum design, providing students with hands-on experience in real-world settings, including local businesses, public transportation, and volunteer opportunities.
- Developed individualized transition plans aligned with students’ long-term goals, IEPs, and family input, ensuring a student-centered approach.
- Spearheaded the Community Experience Program, forming strong partnerships with local organizations to offer students on-site job sampling, social skills practice, and exposure to adult services.
- Led efforts to collaborate with neighboring school districts, fostering inter-district events, shared learning opportunities, and best practice exchanges for students with significant support needs.
- Actively coordinate with parents, teaching assistants, administrators, and service providers to ensure unified support systems across home, school, and community.
- Promote school-wide inclusiveness by integrating neurotypical peers into daily classroom routines, peer mentoring, and social activities—enhancing empathy, diversity awareness, and student connection.
- Direct annual Christmas plays and talent shows, engaging the entire school community in celebrating student talents and achievements.
- Serve as an advocate and resource for inclusive practices and community collaboration within the school district.
Teacher's Assistant
Cape Girardeau Public Schools
Cape Girardeau, MO
08.2006 - 05.2015
- Facilitated small group instruction and activities for students of varying abilities.
- Provided individualized assistance to students with special needs in the classroom.
- Assisted in the development of individualized education plans (IEPs) for special education students.
- Assisted in organizing and supervising school events and field trips.
- Assessed student learning styles and understanding of material to redirect and optimize teaching strategies.
- Greeted parents at school events to provide information about curriculum and activities.
- Created and maintained a safe and engaging learning environment for all students.
- Helped teachers with material generation, lesson plan development, class preparation, scheduling, exam distribution and student mentoring.
- Developed instructional materials and visual aids to supplement lesson plans.
- Organized student performance and enrichment activities to facilitate learning.
- Utilized educational technology to enhance classroom learning.
- Monitored students in class, hallways, and cafeteria to enforce school rules.
- Worked one-on-one with special needs students to help navigate through school challenges.
- Supported classroom teacher in managing a diverse classroom of students.
- Assisted teachers with lesson preparation and curriculum implementation.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to both students and teachers.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - General Studies
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO05-2011
Associate’s Degree -
Mineral Area College
Park Hills, MO05-2003
Skills
- Transition Planning & Community Integration
- Inclusive Education & Peer Collaboration
- Community-Based Instruction (CBI)
- Interagency Coordination
- Curriculum Design & Differentiation
- Family & Stakeholder Engagement
- Functional Academics & Vocational Skills
- Event & Program Leadership
- Behavior Support & Individualized Instruction
Certification
- Missouri State Certified K-12 Mild to Moderate Cross Categorical Special Education Teacher
- Missouri State Certified 5-9 General Science Teacher
- CPR
- Crisis Prevention Intervention
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Functional Special Education Teacher
Cape Public School District
08.2015 - Current
Teacher's Assistant
Cape Girardeau Public Schools
08.2006 - 05.2015
Bachelor’s Degree - General Studies
Southeast Missouri State University
Associate’s Degree -
Mineral Area College
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