Christine Wiles Thomas
Washington,PA
Summary
Organized Special Education teacher successful at providing classroom and emotional structure for special needs children required to flourish in academic setting. Certified and licensed in Pennsylvania and recognized as a highly qualified educator. Coordinates well with classroom teachers and team with supportive strategies for behavior management and lesson accommodations for students.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
9/10 High School Transition Teacher and 10/11 HS Transition Teacher, Special Education
Agora Cyber Charter School
06.2017 - Current
- Teach Transition Skills, a first-year, second-year and currently third-year student offering averaging 180 students per semester, covering the following topics: soft skills, transferable skills, workplace behaviors, job applications, interviews
- Revised the syllabus to meet IEP Indicator 13 transition activities
- Utilized the Career Education and Work standards and prepares effective instructional strategies.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
Special Services High School Transition Teacher, Special Education
Agora Cyber Charter School
09.2016 - 06.2017
- Developed an alternate curriculum for successful transition of only students with severe cognitive disabilities in grades 9-12
- Utilized the Career Education and Work standards and prepared effective instructional strategies and resources
- Coordinated with IEP and related service teams.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
Middle and High School Full Time Autistic Support and Lead Teacher Special Education
Agora Cyber Charter School
08.2012 - 06.2016
- One of the founding teachers of the Autistic Support Team
- Caseload of 13 – 17 students
- Wrote and facilitated roster IEP meetings and revisions
- Provide full time support teaching all subjects (math, reading, science, history, social skills) with differentiated instruction to lead to student achievement.
- Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.
- Evaluated student performance objectively through ongoing assessments, tracking progress towards IEP goals.
- Trained fellow educators in best practices for working with autistic students, enhancing overall support within the school.
- Coordinated extracurricular programs specifically designed for autistic students to foster socialization outside of the classroom setting.
Freshman Academy Learning Support Teacher, Special Education
Agora Cyber Charter School
08.2011 - 08.2012
- Caseload of 19 – 25 students
- Wrote and facilitated roster IEP meetings, revisions and reevaluations
- Provide co-teaching support in Geometry with differentiated instruction to lead to student achievement.
- Collaborated with primary teacher to implement curriculum aligned with state standards, ensuring consistency across grade levels.
Substitute Teacher
Washington/ McGuffey School District
08.2008 - 08.2011
- Fostered a positive classroom environment that promoted respect, collaboration, and open communication among students.
- Took over class for regular classroom teacher, managing assignments, student needs, and recordkeeping.
Substitute Teacher, K-12
McGuffey School District
08.2010 - 06.2011
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
Title I Clerical Aide
Fort Cherry School District
08.2009 - 07.2010
- Contributed to the preparation of instructional materials, including creating visual aids and organizing resources for use during lessons.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on educational trends and best practices.
Third Grade Teacher, General Education
Liliam Lujan Hickey Elementary School
08.2005 - 01.2008
- Earned glowing evaluations for the quality of classroom teaching, lesson plans and instructional materials
- Consistently commended for ability to establish rapport with students and quickly carved a classroom of inquisitive, eager learners using higher order questioning, differentiated instruction and clear classroom expectations
- Served on school committees on student intervention (based on RTI model), and peer mediation
- Participated in the Urban Teaching Learning Cadre which is an extra induction program
- When on year-round model, substituted on long breaks in other schools in the district
- Written and received five grants for my classroom including one through www.donorschoose.org.
- Assessed student understanding regularly using various formative assessment techniques, adjusting instruction accordingly for optimal results.
Real Estate Associate Broker
R.D. Wiles Appraisal Associates
11.1994 - 05.2005
- Provides clients of Washington/Greene County services buying, selling, and investing in real estate.
Education
Certification - Special Education And Autism Spectrum Disorders
California University of Pennsylvania
CaliforniaMaster of Arts - Elementary Education
Chatham University
Pittsburgh, PA05.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology/Economics
Washington And Jefferson College
Washington08.1992
Skills
- IEP development
- Parent-Teacher Communication
- Emotional Support
- Project-based learning
State Certifications
Instructional II
- Special Education N-12
- Elementary K-6
- Middle School Math 7-9
- Middle School English 7-9
Honors
Presidential Scholar, 2012, California University rewards academic excellence on the part of degree-seeking graduate students with an excellent GPA
Conferencepresentations
Secondary Transition, Thomas, C.W., Witman, M., Brisbane, A., Denham, A., Bargerstock, W., Krol, N., Kitchell, A. PA Community on Transition Conference, 2019, 2020 (virtual), 2021, 2022, 2023,2024 Get Organized & Collaborate! – Using Google Drive/OneDrive for Transition Planning and Various Topics
Associations
- National Association of Special Education
- Participant, Washington, and Westmoreland Local Transition Council
Training
- TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Related Handicapped Children)
- PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports)
- SAP (Student Assistance Team)
- PASA (Pennsylvania Alternate State Assessment) Validator and Assessor
Certification
- Special Education
- Middle School Math
- Middle School English
- Elementary Education
Timeline
9/10 High School Transition Teacher and 10/11 HS Transition Teacher, Special Education
Agora Cyber Charter School
06.2017 - Current
Special Services High School Transition Teacher, Special Education
Agora Cyber Charter School
09.2016 - 06.2017
Middle and High School Full Time Autistic Support and Lead Teacher Special Education
Agora Cyber Charter School
08.2012 - 06.2016
Freshman Academy Learning Support Teacher, Special Education
Agora Cyber Charter School
08.2011 - 08.2012
Substitute Teacher, K-12
McGuffey School District
08.2010 - 06.2011
Title I Clerical Aide
Fort Cherry School District
08.2009 - 07.2010
Substitute Teacher
Washington/ McGuffey School District
08.2008 - 08.2011
Third Grade Teacher, General Education
Liliam Lujan Hickey Elementary School
08.2005 - 01.2008
Real Estate Associate Broker
R.D. Wiles Appraisal Associates
11.1994 - 05.2005
Certification - Special Education And Autism Spectrum Disorders
California University of Pennsylvania
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
Chatham University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology/Economics
Washington And Jefferson College
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