Catherine Hinkell
Manassas,VA
Summary
Dedicated Special Education Teacher with expertise in differentiated instruction and classroom management. Committed to fostering inclusive environments and enhancing student success through individualized education plans and collaborative teamwork.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Manassas City Public Schools
Manassas, Virginia
08.2024 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to students' unique learning needs.
- Implemented effective behavior management strategies to foster a positive classroom environment.
- Adapted instructional materials and techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Collaborated with parents, therapists, and specialists to support student progress and well-being.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student performance and inform instructional decisions.
- Facilitated inclusive classroom activities that promote social interaction among students with disabilities.
- Participated in professional development workshops to enhance teaching practices and stay current on best practices.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- 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.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- Created culturally responsive classroom environment, acknowledging and celebrating diversity among students.
- Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
- Integrated social skills training into curriculum, facilitating improved peer interactions and social integration.
- Reduced feelings of isolation among students with special needs by implementing inclusive classroom practices.
- Utilized data from student assessments to tailor instruction, resulting in more effective learning outcomes.
- Enhanced students' understanding of complex topics by incorporating interactive technologies and hands-on learning experiences.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet varied needs of students, enhancing educational accessibility.
- Implemented individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs, ensuring personalized support.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.
Instructional Assistant
Seton Home Study School
Front Royal, Virginia
09.2000 - 01.2025
- Assisted in developing instructional materials tailored to diverse student needs.
- Provided individualized support to students, fostering academic growth and confidence.
- Monitored student progress, providing feedback to educators for continuous improvement.
- Monitored student progress to identify areas requiring extra support and implement action plans to meet needs.
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance.
- Contributed to a positive and collaborative school culture by actively participating in staff meetings, committees, and professional learning communities.
- Provided feedback on student work samples allowing teachers to better understand strengths and areas for improvement.
- Provided performance feedback to help students understand strengths and areas for improvement.
- Supported students in developing effective study habits, leading to more self-sufficient learning.
- Facilitated communication between parents and educators to enhance student success.
- Implemented technology tools for remote learning and educational resources.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Political Science & Economics
Christendom College
Front Royal, VirginiaSkills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans IEPs
- Relationship building
- Lesson planning
- Collaborative teamwork
- Inclusion strategies
- Team collaboration
- Motivating students
- Parent communication
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- MS office proficient
- Excellent communication
- Attention to detail
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Multitasking Abilities
- Interpersonal communication
- Written communication
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Manassas City Public Schools
08.2024 - Current
Instructional Assistant
Seton Home Study School
09.2000 - 01.2025
Bachelor of Science - Political Science & Economics
Christendom College