Chelsea Cocks
Des Moines,IA
Summary
Dynamic educator with extensive experience at Des Moines Public Schools, skilled in differentiated instruction and relationship building. Successfully developed tailored IEPs, fostering academic growth and positive behavior management. Committed to inclusive strategies and effective parent communication, enhancing student engagement and progress in diverse learning environments.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Strat II ID Special Education Teacher
Des Moines Public Schools
08.2024 - Current
- 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.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- 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.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Integrated social skills training into curriculum, facilitating improved peer interactions and social integration.
First Grade Teacher
Des Moines Public Schools
08.2023 - 08.2024
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring all students made progress towards academic goals.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of need for individual students and adjust teaching methods accordingly.
- Assessed student progress regularly using formative assessments and modified instruction accordingly for optimal growth.
- Established strong relationships with parents through effective communication about their child''s academic progress and social-emotional development.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Improved student reading comprehension by incorporating engaging phonics activities and guided reading sessions.
- Increased parent involvement in their child''s education by conducting regular parent-teacher conferences and providing resources for at-home learning support.
- Implemented positive behavior support strategies, promoting a respectful and inclusive classroom culture.
- Stayed abreast of changes to school and district policies as well as new trends in education by attending professional development courses and in-service trainings.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lessons that connected subjects such as math, science, and social studies.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay current with educational best practices.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
School Building Associate
Des Moines Public Schools
08.2019 - 07.2023
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- Assisted in the implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in a more focused and positive classroom environment.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education instruction and support services.
- Oversaw class of students in absence of instructor.
- Supported students with various disabilities through one-on-one tutoring sessions, improving their understanding of course materials and concepts.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
- Partnered with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other related service providers to ensure comprehensive support for each individual student''s growth and progress.
- Set up visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
- Responded proactively to emerging challenges by adapting instructional strategies as needed, ensuring continuous progress toward established goals for each student''s academic success and personal growth.
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Administration
Drake University
Des Moines, IA12-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Upper Iowa University
Fayette, IA12-2022
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans ieps
- Small group instruction
- Relationship building
- Inclusion strategies
- Parent communication
- De-escalation techniques
- Trained in CPI
Certification
- Special Education License - Strat II ID, LD, BD
Timeline
Strat II ID Special Education Teacher
Des Moines Public Schools
08.2024 - Current
First Grade Teacher
Des Moines Public Schools
08.2023 - 08.2024
School Building Associate
Des Moines Public Schools
08.2019 - 07.2023
Master of Arts - Educational Administration
Drake University
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Upper Iowa University
Similar Profiles
Laura HineLaura Hine
Building Substitute Teacher/Intervention Specialist at Des Moines Public Schools-Morris Elementary SchoolBuilding Substitute Teacher/Intervention Specialist at Des Moines Public Schools-Morris Elementary School
MyKale DeanMyKale Dean
Special Education Associate at Des Moines Public SchoolsSpecial Education Associate at Des Moines Public Schools
Jody SmithJody Smith
Sped Associate at Des Moines Public SchoolsSped Associate at Des Moines Public Schools
Gabrielle ShinerGabrielle Shiner
Data Center Inventory Technician at TEKsystemsData Center Inventory Technician at TEKsystems
Teta BarleyTeta Barley
Fist Class Group at Shipping and Receiving DepartmentFist Class Group at Shipping and Receiving Department