Christopher Brown
Sauk Rapids,Minnesota
Summary
Seeking a position as a Vocational Rehabilitation Placement Coordinator
Versatile and dedicated Work Based Learning Special Education Instructor with focus on individual Employment and Employability skill needs of students with disabilities. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons and work site development. Exceptional skills working with teachers, parents, employers and community specialists to meet educational and vocational needs of students.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Benton Stearns Voyagers/New Frontiers
01.2016 - Current
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, employers, businesses, County and state vocational rehabilitation personnel, school faculty and supported living professional to provide feedback and discuss work readiness and instructional strategies.
- Responsible for setup and leading due process IEP meetings and accompanying paperwork.
- Find or create job placements and work experiences for students with disabilities.
- Training paraprofessionals to Job Coach. Working with vocational services for persons with disabilities
- Supported student teachers by mentoring on classroom management, lesson planning, and activity organization. Building relationships with students, county supports, community service providers, public transportation, employers and community businesses.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Work-based Learning site development, Teaching Employability Skills and supervising community Work Crews. Obtaining adult students' worksites and job placement coordination for students into new Jobs or work Experiences.
- Conducted evaluations to measure performance and progress of students, providing guidance for areas requiring improvement.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, Community businesses and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Palmer Activites School Bus Driver
01.2022 - Current
- Operation of school bus transportation for after-school student events.
Water / Parks Patrol officer
Stearns County Sheriffs Office
01.2022 - 06.2023
- Enforcement of MN boating rules and County parks regulations.
- Developed positive relationships within the community through outreach programs and regular interaction with citizens.
- Prepared detailed reports documenting daily patrols, incidents encountered, and actions taken during shifts.
Foster Parent
Stearns County Social Services
01.2000 - 01.2019
- Responsible for caring for children ages 1 month-19 years who are placed through Stearns County Social Services; provide long-term care and short-term respite to children dealing with issues related to Homelessness, Emotional and Mental Health Behaviors, School Refusal, Autism, and Trauma.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
Paraprofessional
Benton Stearns School District #6383
01.2008 - 01.2016
- Responsible for assisting students with Emotional Behavioral Disorders in math, reading, writing, social skills, science, and careers, using de-escalation techniques to help them manage their behaviors and improve their coping skills.
- Assisted in the collection and analysis of data on student performance, contributing to ongoing progress monitoring efforts.
Minnesota National Guard - Sergeant
United States Army National Guard
01.1988 - 01.2003
- Responsible for supervising 9-20 soldiers in the Infantry, Mechanized Infantry, and Armor disciplines
- Honorably discharged.
- Developed leadership skills among junior team members through mentoring and guidance.
- Supported humanitarian missions by providing security assistance, disaster relief efforts, and community engagement initiatives.
- Improved team efficiency by implementing streamlined communication protocols and tactical strategies.
Program Director
Opportunity Manor, Inc.
01.1991 - 01.2000
- Responsible for supervising and training 40 staff and direct care for 20 clients with developmental disabilities in five adult and child foster care settings.
- Created and managed behavior management plans, provided staff crisis intervention training, taught independent living skills, and maintained detailed client records
- Conducted team meetings with home staff, client work representatives, parents/guardians, and others as needed
- Created and enforced programming standards to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Provided case management of 20+ clients.
Education
Master of Science - MSpED Employability Skills Capstone Project
Bemidji State University
Bemidji, Minnesota05.2023
Work-Based Learning Teaching License -
Saint Cloud State University
St. Cloud,Minnesota01.2022
Minnesota Teaching License - Special Education EBD Teaching License
Bemidji State University
Bemidji, MN01.2019
Bachelor of Science - Applied Psychology - Behavior Analysis
Saint Cloud State University
01.1998
Skills
- Experience developing integrated employment and learning opportunities for disabled adult students
- Creation, Collaboration, and building of learning environmental situations in the community with businesses, volunteer organizations, county, state and community support agencies
- Job placements as Work-Based Learning Transition Program Special Education Teacher
- Human relations skills to negotiate, collaborate, build, and maintain positive working relationships with students their parents and employers developing paid and volunteer opportunities that offer job, teamwork, and transportation skills development to increase and display Employability Skills in Community employment positions
References
- Cindy Pedersen, Program Director, 320-253-8940, cpedersen@bentonstearns.k12.mn.us
- Whitney Ferrin-Rodriguez, 320-420-8891, whitneyrodriguez8386@gmail.com
- Patty Zimmerman, Former Intake and Transportation Coordinator, 320-252-5461, czimmyinstc@gmail.com, 1004 Knoll Street, Aubrey, Texas, 76227
- Valerie Larkin, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, 320 491-0937, Valerie.larkin@state.mn.us, 1542 Northway Dr Door 2, Saint Cloud, Minnesota, 56303-1240
Timeline
Palmer Activites School Bus Driver
01.2022 - Current
Water / Parks Patrol officer
Stearns County Sheriffs Office
01.2022 - 06.2023
Special Education Teacher
Benton Stearns Voyagers/New Frontiers
01.2016 - Current
Paraprofessional
Benton Stearns School District #6383
01.2008 - 01.2016
Foster Parent
Stearns County Social Services
01.2000 - 01.2019
Program Director
Opportunity Manor, Inc.
01.1991 - 01.2000
Minnesota National Guard - Sergeant
United States Army National Guard
01.1988 - 01.2003
Master of Science - MSpED Employability Skills Capstone Project
Bemidji State University
Work-Based Learning Teaching License -
Saint Cloud State University
Minnesota Teaching License - Special Education EBD Teaching License
Bemidji State University
Bachelor of Science - Applied Psychology - Behavior Analysis
Saint Cloud State University
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