Cheryl Heaney
Shakopee,MN
Summary
Diligent special education teacher with a background in neurodiverse learners. Demonstrated expertise in developing individualized education plans and implementing effective teaching strategies. Utilizes strong communication skills to collaborate with educators, parents, and support staff. Proven ability to adapt to diverse learning needs and foster inclusive classroom environments.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher, Grade 5-6
Groves Academy
12.2023 - Current
- Work with 26 neurodiverse students to support educational success, learning and achievement.
- Utilize differentiated instruction techniques, including Wilson/Orton Gillingham, Singapore Math, and The Writing Revolution to accommodate diverse learning styles within the classroom.
- Implement data-driven instruction by assessing student progress weekly and adjusting lesson plans accordingly, addressing academic strengths and interests of students, while fostering development, and growth.
- Establishing a positive classroom environment, fostering mutual respect and open communication among students by providing classroom circles and specific feedback.
- Increase parent involvement through regular communication about student progress and collaborative goal-setting for academic success.
- Met with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral and academic issues.
Cafe Supervisor
Lifetime
05.2022 - Current
- Increased employee productivity through effective weekly scheduling, daily task delegation, and performance monitoring with specific feedback.
- Implemented 8 staff training initiatives that improved service quality and increased team morale.
- Trained 10 cafe employees to consistently exceed customers' expectations and provide superior service.
- Addressed customer complaints with professional demeanor and used communication and problem-solving skills to resolve issues.
Children's Ministry Associate
St. Andrew's Lutheran Church
05.2018 - Current
- Oversee the planning, organization, and execution of religious programs for 150 children, ensuring a safe and engaging environment.
- Train, and supervise a team of 30 volunteer teachers, fostering collaboration and alignment with program goals.
- Develop and implement schedules, lesson plans, and resource allocation to enhance program delivery and consistency.
- Manage daily communication with parents, addressing inquiries and concerns to ensure satisfaction and trust.
- Coordinate 20 special events and activities per year, increasing participation and strengthening community engagement.
Special Education Teacher
Eden Prairie Public Schools
08.1999 - 06.2022
- Developed and implemented 16-20 individualized education plans (IEPs) each year, ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines while addressing diverse student needs
- Supervised and mentored 5 paraprofessionals yearly, fostering a collaborative and effective classroom environment.
- Designed and executed data-driven instructional strategies, improving student outcomes significantly, utilizing data from student assessments to tailor instruction, resulting in more effective learning outcomes.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive educational and emotional support for students. Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS). Developed and executed behavioral intervention plans, leading to decrease in disruptive behaviors and increase in classroom participation.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- Created culturally responsive classroom environment, acknowledging and celebrating diversity among students.
Education
Education Specialist -
University of St. Thomas
Saint Paul, MN05.2022
Masters of Education -
Concordia University
Saint Paul, MN05.2018
Bachelors of Education -
University of St. Thomas
Saint Paul, MN05.1999
Skills
- Conflict Resolution- Restorative Justice, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
- Curriculum development-literacy, math, social skills, community building
- Individualized education plans expertise- develop and manage, facilitate meetings
- Testing procedures- Progress Monitoring, Formative, Summative, Diagnostic
- Learning management system proficiency- Schoology, Google Classroom
- Creating a positive learning environment
- Positive Behavior Intervention Supports
- Social Skills Training- 5 Point Scale, Zones of Regulation, Social Thinking, Superflex
Accomplishments
- Development of Griffin Outreach Alliance. Griffin Outreach Alliance is an after school outreach program that focuses on service learning opportunities.
- Development of Coding Club. Coding club is an after school club focused on developing critical problem-solving skills, fostering creativity, enhancing collaboration and teamwork, learning logical thinking, building persistence, and gaining exposure to STEM fields, all while providing a supportive community to practice and learn coding skills together.
Certification
- Special Education Certification - Minnesota Department of Education.
- Elementary K-6 Education Certificate - Minnesota Department of Education.
Timeline
Teacher, Grade 5-6
Groves Academy
12.2023 - Current
Cafe Supervisor
Lifetime
05.2022 - Current
Children's Ministry Associate
St. Andrew's Lutheran Church
05.2018 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Eden Prairie Public Schools
08.1999 - 06.2022
Bachelors of Education -
University of St. Thomas
Education Specialist -
University of St. Thomas
Masters of Education -
Concordia University
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