Cheryl McConnell
Onawa,IA
Summary
Skilled educator with strong expertise in special education. Adept at developing tailored learning plans, employing effective individualized instructional strategies, and fostering positive and inclusive classroom environments. Known for collaboration, adaptability, and delivering measurable results. Proficient in behavior management, individualized education plans, and student diagnostic assessments.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
West Monona Middle School
08.2006 - Current
- Created and managed up 21 IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support students’ individual goals.
- Provided targeted instructional support in small group to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Modified general education curriculum for students in special education using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Created a positive learning environment by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Developed and Implemented behavior management plans to improve student social and academic performance.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, as well as progress monitoring data, to ensure accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including administration and general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in general education classrooms.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Coordinated schedules of student in special education and schedules of teacher assistants with master schedule.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction, student progress monitoring, legal document preparation and classroom management techniques.
- Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.
- Organized and led professional development sessions for colleagues on inclusive education strategies, improving school-wide support for students with disabilities.
Technical Consultant
Outdoor Environments
05.2004 - Current
Adjunct Instructor
Western Iowa Tech Community College
01.2006 - 07.2006
- Taught Keyboarding competencies
- Develop modifications to curriculum as needed
- Taught computer skills to students with special needs (LD, BD, autism, and physical disabilities)
- Taught Internet concepts & beginning/advanced computer classes
Adjunct Instructor
Northeast Community College
10.2005 - 07.2006
- Taught beginning/advanced Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word
Student Teacher
Dakota City Elementary
08.2005 - 10.2005
- Taught students of varying abilities, learning needs, and cultural backgrounds
- Designed a Teacher Work Sample on word families and basic sight words
- Analyzed school data assessment data
- Participated in multidisciplinary, faculty, and special education department meetings
- Participated in Parent-Teacher conferences
Special Education Paraprofessional
Fremont Public Schools
01.2004 - 05.2004
IT Auditor
Tyson Fresh Meats
04.2003 - 10.2003
Customer Service Supervisor
Tyson Fresh Meats
12.1999 - 04.2003
Production Control & Automation Specialist
Gateway
11.1998 - 12.1999
Human Resources/Information Technology
Gateway
12.1995 - 11.1998
Education
Master of Special Education - Special Education K-12 mild/moderate
University of Phoenix Online
Phoenix, AZ01.2005
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
Morningside College
Sioux City, IA01.1996
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Social Media
- Proficient on the PC and MacBook
- Proficient in Internet Research and utilizing educational websites in the classroom
- System troubleshooting of workstations, printers, & software
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Student records management
- Progress evaluations
- De-escalation techniques
Certification
Hold Iowa Teaching License
Hold Nebraska Teaching License
Masters Degree in Special Education
Bachelors Degree in Computer Science.
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
West Monona Middle School
08.2006 - Current
Adjunct Instructor
Western Iowa Tech Community College
01.2006 - 07.2006
Adjunct Instructor
Northeast Community College
10.2005 - 07.2006
Student Teacher
Dakota City Elementary
08.2005 - 10.2005
Technical Consultant
Outdoor Environments
05.2004 - Current
Special Education Paraprofessional
Fremont Public Schools
01.2004 - 05.2004
IT Auditor
Tyson Fresh Meats
04.2003 - 10.2003
Customer Service Supervisor
Tyson Fresh Meats
12.1999 - 04.2003
Production Control & Automation Specialist
Gateway
11.1998 - 12.1999
Human Resources/Information Technology
Gateway
12.1995 - 11.1998
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
Morningside College
Master of Special Education - Special Education K-12 mild/moderate
University of Phoenix Online
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