Catherine Lengefeld
Leander,United States
Summary
Passionate and dedicated Special Education Teacher with a heart for helping students with diverse needs—including autism, ADHD, visual impairments, nonverbal communication needs, epilepsy, and behavioral challenges. I work hard to create individualized learning experiences that build independence, and success both in the classroom and in the community. As an experienced team lead for 7 years, I have truly enjoyed mentoring new teachers and student teachers. Meaningful collaboration among all staff is an essential part of special education and is especially important to me. I bring energy, compassion, and a willingness to learn, and I am eager to explore innovative, research-based practices that help me grow as an educator to better support all learners.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Resource/Inclusion Teacher
Leander ISD (Larkspur Elementary)
Leander, TX
08.2025 - Current
- Designed and implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) for diverse learners.
- Advocated for necessary resources to support students' individual learning requirements.
- Strengthened relationships with parents, students, and colleagues by maintaining open communication channels and participating in school events.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance data, informing instructional decisions based on measurable evidence of progress toward goals.
- Supported struggling students with targeted interventions, leading to higher levels of academic achievement.
Respite Care Worker
Acara Health Care
Georgetown, TX
06.2025 - Current
- Coordinated schedules for respite services with parents
- Assisted with basic activities of daily living.
- Helped patients move in and out of beds, baths, wheelchairs, and automobiles.
- Implemented behavior management plans for individuals with challenging behaviors, promoting calm and stable care environment.
- Delivered one-on-one care for a blind, autistic, nonverbal 21-year-old, implementing communication strategies, supporting daily living tasks, and promoting autonomy and engagement.
Respite Care Worker
Child Care Aware of America
Leander, TX
05.2024 - 06.2025
- Provided compassionate care to four children on the autism spectrum, ensuring safety and implementing individualized supports to promote learning and daily living skills.
- Supported families in maintaining a stable home environment by offering temporary relief from caregiving duties.
- Assisted with activities of daily living, promoting independence and dignity throughout the care process.
- Addressed challenging behaviors calmly and efficiently ensuring safety and well-being of children under all circumstances.
SLE Teacher
Leander ISD (Larkspur Elementary)
08.2023 - 05.2025
- Special Education teacher to students on the Autism spectrum with limited verbal skills.
- Behavioral, language, academic, and personal care supports consistently provided to 5 or more students in a self contained classroom.
- Worked closely with and supported instructional assistants - created schedules to follow, support them with how to support students with behaviors, academics, inclusion etc.
- Serving as lead to our LID team (Low Incidence Disabilities) - created agendas to follow during meetings, coached teammates on how to handle behaviors/parent interactions, attended team lead meetings on campus
2nd Grade Teacher
Leander ISD (Larkspur Elementary)
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Served as team lead to my Second Grade Colleagues.
- Collaborated with colleagues, parents, and support staff to create a cohesive and supportive learning environment.
- Fostered a positive classroom culture by promoting respect, empathy, and communication skills.
- Utilized a variety of teaching strategies, including hands-on activities, group projects, and technology integration.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans aligned with state standards to enhance students' academic skills.
3rd Grade Teacher
Leander ISD (Larkspur Elementary)
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Served as team lead to my Third Grade Colleagues.
- Collaborated with colleagues, parents, and support staff to create a cohesive and supportive learning environment.
- Fostered a positive classroom culture by promoting respect, empathy, and communication skills.
- Utilized a variety of teaching strategies, including hands-on activities, group projects, and technology integration.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans aligned with state standards to enhance students' academic skills.
2nd Grade Teacher
Leander ISD (Larkspur Elementary)
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Served as team lead to my Second Grade Colleagues.
- Collaborated with colleagues, parents, and support staff to create a cohesive and supportive learning environment.
- Fostered a positive classroom culture by promoting respect, empathy, and communication skills.
- Utilized a variety of teaching strategies, including hands-on activities, group projects, and technology integration.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans aligned with state standards to enhance students' academic skills.
4th Grade Teacher
Leander ISD (River Ridge Elementary)
08.2016 - 05.2020
- Served as team lead to my Fourth Grade Colleagues for two out of the four years.
- Collaborated with colleagues, parents, and support staff to create a cohesive and supportive learning environment.
- Fostered a positive classroom culture by promoting respect, empathy, and communication skills.
- Utilized a variety of teaching strategies, including hands-on activities, group projects, and technology integration.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans aligned with state standards to enhance students' academic skills.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX12-2015
Skills
- Detail Oriented
- Organized
- Strong Leadership Skills
- Responsible
- Communicative
- Passionate
- Dedicated
- Trustworthy
- Collaborative
- IEP development
- Relationship building
Certification
- ABA in the Classroom Texas Tech University | July 2024
- SAMA Certified Leander ISD | June 2023
- CPR/First Aid Certified Red Cross | April 2024
- Special Education EC-12 Certified | May 2023
Timeline
Resource/Inclusion Teacher
Leander ISD (Larkspur Elementary)
08.2025 - Current
Respite Care Worker
Acara Health Care
06.2025 - Current
Respite Care Worker
Child Care Aware of America
05.2024 - 06.2025
SLE Teacher
Leander ISD (Larkspur Elementary)
08.2023 - 05.2025
2nd Grade Teacher
Leander ISD (Larkspur Elementary)
08.2022 - 05.2023
3rd Grade Teacher
Leander ISD (Larkspur Elementary)
08.2021 - 05.2022
2nd Grade Teacher
Leander ISD (Larkspur Elementary)
08.2020 - 05.2021
4th Grade Teacher
Leander ISD (River Ridge Elementary)
08.2016 - 05.2020
Bachelor of Arts -
Texas State University