Catherine Ritzel
Saint Jacob,IL
Summary
Versatile and dedicate Special Educator with focus on individual needs of special education students. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons. Exceptional skills working with teachers, parents and specialists to meet educational needs of students. Versatile Special Education Teacher with focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Educator
Special School District Of St. Louis County
08.1988 - Current
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
Psychological Examiner
Special School District Of St. Louis County
08.1988 - 07.2021
- Collaborated with educators, school administrators and external professionals in development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
- Met with students to conduct individual assessments and determine academic and mental health needs.
- Compiled and interpreted students' test results along with information from teachers and parents to diagnose conditions and assess eligibility for special services.
- Led staff and faculty training and development to support program objectives.
- Utilized formal and established testing protocols to evaluate educational, emotional and behavioral needs of students.
- Consulted with teachers and parents to gain in-depth understanding of students.
- Selected, administered and scored psychological tests.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
Souther Illinois University-Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL05.1988
Bachelor of Arts - Cognitive Psychology
Blackburn College
Carlinville, IL05.1986
Skills
- Student Support
- Disability Assessment Testing
- School Programs
- Performance Optimization Strategies
- Educational Strategies
- Individual Education Plan Expertise
- Parent Communication
- Strategy Planning
- Creating Schedules
- Classroom Instruction
- Crisis Prevention and Intervention
- Cultural Awareness
- District Standards
- Special Education
- Special Needs Education
- Behavior Intervention Plans
- Assessment Administration
- Classroom Management
- Positive Reinforcement Strategies
- Parent and Guardian Communication
Certification
- Certified Psychological Examiner
- Behavioral Specialist
- Specific Learning Disability
- Emotional Disturbances
- Intellectual Deficient
Timeline
Special Educator
Special School District Of St. Louis County
08.1988 - Current
Psychological Examiner
Special School District Of St. Louis County
08.1988 - 07.2021
Master of Science - Special Education
Souther Illinois University-Edwardsville
Bachelor of Arts - Cognitive Psychology
Blackburn College
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