Cara Vargas
Highlands Ranch,CO
Summary
- A skilled and experienced educator specializing in the mild and moderate needs of children K-12.
- Strong ability to connect with children, parents, and colleagues.
- Continues to seek knowledge in evidence-based practices, stay informed on current special education laws, and build healthy working relationships with colleagues.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mild/Moderate Special Education Teacher
Douglas County School District
08.2022 - Current
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
Trailblazer Elementary Paraprofessional
01.2018 - Current
- Worked as a level IV Educational Assistant in a center-based Affective Needs Program grades 3-6.
Jubilee Fellowship Church Nursery Volunteer
01.2005 - 01.2018
- Cared for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers for 13 years.
- Special events included the Christmas program and vacation bible school.
Moderate Needs Teacher
Jeffco Public Schools
01.2004 - 01.2005
- A full-time special education teacher split between two schools.
- Worked with children with moderate needs in grades 4-6.
- Planned, wrote, and implemented Individual Educational Plans.
- Used appropriate diagnostic tools to assess children for learning disabilities.
- Conducted IEP meetings with parents and other professionals.
- Taught a before-school Wilson Reading Program for children K-2.
Special Education Teacher
Douglas County Schools
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Worked as a full time Learning Specialist in an inclusion setting when inclusion was a new model in the tier of least restrictive environment.
- Planned, wrote, and implemented Individual Educational Plans for moderate needs kids 3-6.
- Assessed children and lead IEP meetings.
- Organized weekly team meetings.
Self-Contained Special Education Teacher
Albuquerque Public Schools
01.1989 - 01.2001
- Worked with children with moderate to severe needs in grades K-5 in a self-contained setting.
- Worked one year as a Behavior Specialist in grades 3-5.
- Planned, wrote, and implemented IEPs and lead the meetings.
- Elected Head Special Education Teacher.
- Lead the Community Outreach program and organized the senior citizens reading to kids' program.
- Lead and organized the Conflict Management Program.
- Planned and organized educational field trips for my students.
Self-Contained Special Education Teacher
Chula Vista Elementary School District
01.1992 - 01.1995
- Worked with children with moderate needs in grades 4-6 in a self-contained setting.
- Planned, wrote, and implemented IEPs and lead the meetings.
- Became a tenured teacher.
Education
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - EDUCATION (Elementary and Special Education)
Black Hills State University
Spearfish, SD12.1989
MASTER OF SCIENCE - EDUCATION (Reading and Literacy)
Walden University
08.2005
Skills
- Personalized instruction for small groups
- Assessing individual learning needs
- Effective classroom management
- Literacy instruction
- Student evaluation
- Wilson Reading program expertise
- Effective parent engagement
Certification
Colorado, 24392843, Elementary Education (K-6), Special Education 1 Moderate Needs (5-21)
Affiliations
- Council for Exceptional Children
- National Association of Special Education
Effective Skills
- Compassion
- Patience
- Adaptability
- Collaboration
- Leadership
- Communication
- Flexibility
- Devotion to Improvement
Professional Development
- Exploring Leadership, Collaboration, and Consultation, Walden University, 2021, Online Graduate Course
- Special Education: Honoring Due Process, Walden University, 2021, Online Graduate Course
- Wilson Reading, 2004, Trained and Certified
Awards
- Apple Award Nominee, Trailblazer Elementary, 2021-2022
- National Society of Leadership and Success Society Nominee, Walden University, 2021
References
- Kristen Anderson, Social Worker, Trailblazer Elementary, 303-387-6250
- Michelle Jewell, Vice Principle, Trailblazer Elementary, 303-387-6250
- Kathryn Sodaro-Jensen, Principal, Trailblazer Elementary, 303-387-6250
- Becky Walker, -Jensen, Principal, Trailblazer Elementary, 303-387-6250
Timeline
Mild/Moderate Special Education Teacher
Douglas County School District
08.2022 - Current
Trailblazer Elementary Paraprofessional
01.2018 - Current
Jubilee Fellowship Church Nursery Volunteer
01.2005 - 01.2018
Moderate Needs Teacher
Jeffco Public Schools
01.2004 - 01.2005
Special Education Teacher
Douglas County Schools
01.2001 - 01.2004
Self-Contained Special Education Teacher
Chula Vista Elementary School District
01.1992 - 01.1995
Self-Contained Special Education Teacher
Albuquerque Public Schools
01.1989 - 01.2001
MASTER OF SCIENCE - EDUCATION (Reading and Literacy)
Walden University
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - EDUCATION (Elementary and Special Education)
Black Hills State University
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