Cassandra Neal
Special Education Teacher
Houston ,TX
Summary
Dedicated Special Educator focused on meeting student academic and emotional needs. Compassionate and caring in delivery of personalized, hands-on support and lessons targeted to specific learning needs and strengths. Leverages strong communication skills and patient nature to provide positive reinforcement in team-based, structured environments.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Special Education Teacher/Coordinator
Houston Gateway Academy
Houston, TX
08.2021 - Current
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Instructed students in core academic areas and specialized reading groups.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Designed and implemented point system to encourage positive behavior.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Worked with students with moderate to severe autism to increase life skills.
- Organized instruction material, constructed bulletin boards and set up work areas.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Scheduled and facilitated all ARD and 504 meetings in accordance with TEA regulations, both in person and virtually
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional and social growth.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
Life Skills Teacher
La Porte Independent School District
La Porte, TX
08.2016 - 06.2017
- Documented participation in classroom and individual instruction.
- Developed and implemented classroom lessons to teach diverse learning levels.
- Conducted life skills evaluations and set student's goals based on abilities.
- Assessed student progress and reported on program outcomes.
- Conducted life skills evaluations and set student's goals based on abilities.
- Managed classroom environment and monitored behavior to keep all individuals safe.
- Promoted development of positive social skills by modeling appropriate behavior.
- Adhered to grant requirements and prepared grant reports.
- Developed learning programs specially tailored for each individual with developmental delays.
- Trained program staff on assistive technologies for rollout to physically and developmentally disabled individuals.
- Engaged students and boosted understanding of material using focused instructional strategies and hands-on activities while following their IEP.
- Used children's literature to teach and reinforce reading, writing, grammar and phonics.
- Modeled lesson planning strategies and classroom management techniques to student teachers throughout the year during observations.
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Pasadena ISD
Pasadena, TX
12.2014 - 05.2016
- Eliminated learning gaps and effectively instructed students by using teaching aids and motivational strategies.
- Administered minor first aid to injured students and notified school nurse to render additional aid.
- Supervised field trips to the Houston Rodeo, Froberg Farms and the Houston Zoo to develop social skills and community awareness.
- Enhanced lessons using Smart Board technology and computers.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Organized and prepared instructional materials, communiqués and reports to facilitate student learning.
- Wrote and presented documents for Individual Education Plan meetings.
- Worked with students with differntiating needs to accomplish tasks and build practical skills.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Houston, TX 08.2012 -
High School Diploma -
Deer Park High School
Deer Park, TX 08.2000 -
Master of Science - Curriculum And Instruction
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Houston, TX 01.2021 -
Skills
Behavioral/cognitive skills developmentundefined
Timeline
Special Education Teacher/Coordinator
Houston Gateway Academy
08.2021 - Current
Master of Science - Curriculum And Instruction
University of Houston-Clear Lake
01.2021 -
Life Skills Teacher
La Porte Independent School District
08.2016 - 06.2017
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Pasadena ISD
12.2014 - 05.2016
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
University of Houston-Clear Lake
08.2012 -
High School Diploma -
Deer Park High School
08.2000 -
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