Cara Penn
Coral Springs,FL
Summary
Resourceful Varying Exceptionalities Teacher offering 10 years of experience in assessing specific needs of students with disabilities and exceptions to design and carry out different individualized curricula. Focused on integrating student needs into lesson plans while adhering to school district protocols and objectives. Talented in managing overstimulated and stressed students by showing empathy to emotional needs.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Specialized Varying Exceptionalities Teacher
Deerfield Beach Middle School
Deerfield Beach , FL
2005.08 - 2010.09
- Created and implemented individualized education plans for students with varying exceptionalities.
- Provided direct instruction to students in small groups or one-on-one settings based on their IEP goals.
- Developed and managed behavior plans, including positive reinforcement strategies, for students with challenging behaviors.
- Assessed student performance through formal and informal assessments, such as observations and work samples.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress by creating data sheets, tracking goals, writing reports and completing paperwork related to IEPs.
- Monitored student progress throughout the year by analyzing data collected from assessments, observations and teacher feedback.
- Adapted curriculum materials to meet the individual needs of each student according to their IEPs.
- Conducted meetings with parents to discuss educational objectives, progress toward goals and any concerns they may have about their child's development or academic achievement.
- Attended professional development sessions to stay up-to-date on new teaching methods for working with special needs populations.
- Participated in Individual Education Plan meetings as part of an interdisciplinary team responsible for developing effective educational programs for students with disabilities.
- Instructed 10-12 students with physical, intellectual, psychological and emotional needs.
- Demonstrated appropriate behaviors using behavior modeling and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Enhanced students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills through hands-on activities.
- Enhanced students' physical, behavioral and social skills through class activities.
Special Education Teacher Assistant
Deerfield Beach Middle School
Deerfield Beach , FL
2003.11 - 2005.06
- Provided support and guidance to special education teachers in developing instructional materials, lesson plans and assessments.
- Facilitated communication between parents, teachers, administrators, and other school personnel regarding student progress and behavior issues.
- Administered tests and collected data on student performance.
- Observed students during lessons to ensure they were receiving instruction at their appropriate level.
- Helped create a positive learning environment by encouraging students through positive reinforcement techniques.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, grades, behavior incidents, and other relevant information as requested by the teacher or administrator.
- Assisted with the management of student behaviors in the classroom setting using de-escalation strategies.
- Worked one-on-one with students who required additional assistance understanding material or completing assignments.
- Instructed small groups of students in specialized areas such as reading comprehension or math skills.
- Provided support to teachers by helping them prepare materials for activities or lessons.
- Supported transitions from one activity or area to another throughout the day.
- Instructed small groups of students in alphabet, shapes and color recognition.
- Consulted with teachers regarding student progress, IEP adjustments and classroom needs.
Assistant Volleyball Coach
Wildfire
Sunrise , FL
2023.08 - 2024.06
- Assessed player abilities and assigned positions according to individual strengths.
- Encouraged team members to become stronger, more agile athletes and more successful competitors through focus, effective training and proper nutrition.
- Readied team to compete in tournaments and other special events.
Middle School Volleyball Coach
Deerfield Beach Middle School
Deerfield Beach , FL
2004.01 - 2009.03
- Created drills and activities to improve individual and team skills.
- Instructed players on proper techniques and strategies of the game.
- Encouraged positive attitude among players while building a cohesive team atmosphere.
Assistant Volleyball Coach
Cardinal Gibbons High School
Cardinal Gibbons High School , FL
2003.08 - 2008.11
- Provided instruction and guidance to players on technical aspects of volleyball skills.
- Evaluated players' performances in order to identify areas of improvement.
- Attended practices, games, and tournaments to observe players' progress.
- Instructed players on proper techniques for passing, setting, attacking, blocking, serving, and digging.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
Florida Southern College
Lakeland, FL2003-06
Associate of Arts -
Indian River Community College
Ft. Pierce, FL2001-06
High School Diploma -
Cardinal Gibbons High School
Fort Lauderdale, FL1999-05
Skills
- Communication techniques
- Emotional care
- Student Needs Assessments
- Classroom Organization
- Individual lesson plans
- Goal Setting
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Organizational Skills
- Multitasking
Accomplishments
- Inducted into the Cardinal Gibbons Hall of Fame for Volleyball
Affiliations
- Volunteered Habitat For Humanity
- Served in the children's ministry at Calvary Chapel for 2 years
- Thanksgiving and Christmas outreach -Love Outloud
- Led blended family Bible study
- Attended women's Bible studies, conferences and marriage retreats
- Co-host homeschool history group
- Room mom for children's class
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Assistant Volleyball Coach
Wildfire
2023.08 - 2024.06
Specialized Varying Exceptionalities Teacher
Deerfield Beach Middle School
2005.08 - 2010.09
Middle School Volleyball Coach
Deerfield Beach Middle School
2004.01 - 2009.03
Special Education Teacher Assistant
Deerfield Beach Middle School
2003.11 - 2005.06
Assistant Volleyball Coach
Cardinal Gibbons High School
2003.08 - 2008.11
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
Florida Southern College
Associate of Arts -
Indian River Community College
High School Diploma -
Cardinal Gibbons High School
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