Chelsea Gerard
Jewell,IA
Summary
Passionate and hardworking teacher with a vast knowledge of Preschool and Special Education. Equipped with a positive attitude and patience vital to teaching children with special needs. Extensive experience creating innovative & developmentally appropriate lesson plans in a comfortable learning environment. Works with classroom teachers to develop accommodations and modifications for mainstream classroom inclusion.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Preschool Teacher
Northeast Hamilton- Webster City CSD
Blairsburg, IA
08.2013 - Current
- Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters, shapes, and numbers using developmentally appropriate curriculum.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for students.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Developed innovative lessons to engage young children in learning process.
- Established positive communication with parents in daily conversation and formal conferences.
- Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
Elementary Special Education Teacher
Northeast Hamilton Elementary- Webster City CSD
Blairsburg, IA
08.2023 - Current
- Established positive communication with parents in daily conversation and formal conferences.
- Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Completes IEP documentation including bi-weekly progress notes and quarterly summaries.
- Implemented positive discipline strategies to manage student behavior and build relationships.
Director of Early Learning Center
Stratford Community School District
Stratford, IA
05.2012 - 08.2013
- Supervised and managed team of childcare professionals to guarantee highest standards of care.
- Planned and monitored curriculum and program activities and liaised with teachers to create fun and engaging learning experiences.
- Operated under licensing guidelines to protect health, safety and well-being of children.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood & Special Education Birth-Grade 3
Iowa State University
Ames, IA05.2012
High School Diploma -
South Hamilton Community School District
Jewell, IA05.2008
Skills
- Educational Strategies
- Classroom Instruction
- Team collaboration
- Parent Communication
- Differentiated Instruction
- Behavior Intervention Plans
- Technology Integration
- Curriculum Development
- Conflict Resolution
Certification
- [CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training], NCI - 11/9/22-11-9/23- Lori Vincent
- Diverse Learners
- Mandatory Reporter Adult & Child Abuse
- Suicide Prevention and Postvention
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- Health and Safety for Teachers & Staff
- CPR, First Aid, & AED Training
ENDORSEMENT
ECE Special Education Reading Endorsement - Iowa State University- May 2008
REFERENCES
Sarah Nachazel
Principal / Northeast Hamilton Elementary
641-456-8092
snachazel@wcschools.org
Stacey Wardell
Early Childhood Special Education Consultant- Prairie Lakes AEA
515-293-2503
swardell@plaea.org
Janelle Oakland
Kindergarten Teacher / Northeast Hamilton Elementary
515-338-0048
joakland@wcschools.org
Tammy Massman
First Grade Teacher / Northeast Hamilton Elementary
5152971862
tmassman@wcschools.org
Timeline
Elementary Special Education Teacher
Northeast Hamilton Elementary- Webster City CSD
08.2023 - Current
Preschool Teacher
Northeast Hamilton- Webster City CSD
08.2013 - Current
Director of Early Learning Center
Stratford Community School District
05.2012 - 08.2013
High School Diploma -
South Hamilton Community School District
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood & Special Education Birth-Grade 3
Iowa State University