I enjoy making all types of crafts from basketry, diamond painting, crocheting to individual crafts for everyday or holiday use I enjoy baking different kinds of desserts and cooking meals
Cheryl Gordon
Shepherdstown,WV
Summary
Autism education professional with track record of creating inclusive and effective learning environments. Known for collaborative team efforts and achieving meaningful educational outcomes. Adaptable, reliable, and skilled in individualized instruction and classroom management.
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
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
LEAP (Autism) Teacher
Jefferson County Schools
08.2017 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans to address unique learning needs of students with autism.
- Implemented evidence-based teaching strategies to enhance student engagement and comprehension.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess student progress and adjust instructional methods.
- Created a supportive classroom environment that fosters social skills and emotional growth among students.
- Conducted ongoing assessments to monitor student development and adapt curricula accordingly.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed to optimize academic growth.
- Utilized various forms of assistive technology when appropriate to enhance communication abilities for nonverbal or minimally verbal students in the classroom environment.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance data, using it to inform instruction and track progress over time.
- Enhanced student communication skills by incorporating group projects and presentations into the curriculum.
- Coordinated efforts with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists in order to provide comprehensive support for each student''s needs inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Aligned curriculum goals with state standards while adapting materials specifically for an autism-focused classroom setting that emphasized social-emotional growth alongside academic achievement.
- Implemented behavior management techniques to maintain a structured and calm classroom atmosphere conducive to learning for students with autism spectrum disorders.
- Collaborated with other educators and support staff to create a cohesive and inclusive learning environment, ensuring all students received appropriate accommodations.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by promoting respect, empathy, and collaboration among all students regardless of ability level or background.
- Participated in professional development opportunities related to autism education, applying new knowledge and techniques in the classroom setting.
- Developed strong relationships with students by understanding their individual interests and creating engaging lesson plans that catered to those interests while still meeting academic objectives.
- 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.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of 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.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Developed personalized learning plans for individual students, addressing their unique needs and abilities within an autism-focused classroom setting.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
Physical Education/Water Therapy/Health Education Teacher
Frederick County Public Schools
08.1993 - 06.2017
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Facilitated classroom management to create a positive learning environment.
- Assessed student progress and provided targeted feedback for improvement.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance instructional strategies and share best practices.
- Developed individualized education plans for students with diverse physical abilities.
- Implemented adaptive physical activities to enhance student engagement and participation.
- Evaluated and selected appropriate adaptive equipment to support students' needs in physical activities.
- Led initiatives promoting awareness of adaptive sports within the school community and local organizations.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of adapted physical education.
- Evaluated student progress regularly, adjusting instructional strategies as needed to optimize individual growth and development.
- Enhanced student participation in physical activities through the incorporation of modified games and equipment.
- Developed strong communication skills between students, parents, teachers, therapists, and administrators to ensure success for all parties involved in the program.
- Led after-school programs designed specifically for students with disabilities who required additional support or specialized instruction in order to participate fully in sports activities.
- Ensured a safe and inclusive learning environment by adhering to guidelines, protocols, and regulations for adapted physical education programs.
- Collaborated with other educators and therapists to create comprehensive plans addressing each student''s specific needs.
- Maintained accurate records documenting student performance, attendance, medical information, and any necessary accommodations or modifications made during instruction.
- Established and maintained standards of behavior to create safe, orderly and effective environments for learning.
- Wrote or modified individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with intellectual or physical disabilities.
- Encouraged and worked with young students on IEP goals to develop gross motor skills.
- Interacted with other members of team in staff and IEP meetings to discuss student progress and adjust plans to meet changing demands.
- Identified and participated in variety of different activities with students to enhance muscle development.
- Helped cultivate interest in overall wellness by implementing interactive and fun fitness activities.
- Designed and implemented comprehensive health education curricula for diverse student populations.
Education
No Degree - Special Education
Masters Equivalency - Physical Education
Master of Science - Special Education
12-2011
Skills
- Emotional regulation support
- Collaborative teamwork
- Functional communication training
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Positive reinforcement
- Social skills development
- Visual supports
- Data collection
- Picture exchange communication system
- Augmentative communication
- Structured teaching
- Individual education plans ieps
- Relationship building
- Emotional support
- Lesson planning
- Parent communications
- Behavior intervention plans
- Student support
- Verbal and nonverbal communication
- Small group instruction
- Instructional strategies
- Group and individual instruction
- Differentiated instruction
- Curriculum adjustments
- De-escalation techniques
- Crisis prevention and intervention
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Data management
- Skills development
- Student records management
- Assessment administration
- Progress evaluations
- Paraprofessional oversight
- Competent in smartboard technology
- IEP and BIP implementation
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Active listening
- Team collaboration
- Organizational skills
Interests
Timeline
LEAP (Autism) Teacher - Jefferson County Schools
08.2017 - Current
Physical Education/Water Therapy/Health Education Teacher - Frederick County Public Schools
08.1993 - 06.2017
University of Phoenix - No Degree, Special Education
Western Maryland-McDaniel College - Masters Equivalency, Physical Education
Walden University - Master of Science, Special Education