Colleen Byler
New Castle,PA
Summary
Dedicated teacher with expertise in lesson planning and positive reinforcement. Demonstrated success in creating inclusive learning environments and supporting students' unique needs, ready to enhance student achievement and collaboration within educational frameworks. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Organized and dependable teacher willing to tackle new challenges with dedication and enthusiasm.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project SEARCH Special Education Instructor
Cray Youth & Family Services
New Castle, PA
08.2018 - Current
- Design and implement daily life skills instruction to students 18-21 years of age at Project SEARCH - UPMC Jameson
- Develop and deliver comprehensive lesson plans to enhance student learning in accordance with Project SEARCH employability skills curriculum
- Facilitate lessons on team building, advocacy, technology, financial literacy, employment skills, health and wellness, resume and portfolio development, and interview preparation
- Develop IEPs tailored to each student's unique needs
- Schedule and facilitate IEP meetings
- Facilitate six collaborative meetings focused on employment planning, involving students, school districts, families, and program partners over the course of the school year
- Evaluate and document student data to produce detailed quarterly reports assessing achievement of IEP goals and objectives
- Analyze student performance data and create summaries to assist in the transition process for graduating special education students
- Monitor and document daily student attendance
- Develop and uphold effective communication strategies with staff, program partners, students' families, and school districts to support and promote student success
- Collaborate regularly with special education directors to ensure effective communication on attendance, IEPs, progress reports, and student performance
- Write and distribute quarterly Project SEARCH newsletters
- Organize yearly Project SEARCH assessment days for high school senior applicants
- Monitor and guide student behavior to promote compliance within a professional work environment
- Collaborate with direct supervisors to facilitate effective communication and decision-making
- Implement differentiated instruction strategies for students with exceptionalities, including autism, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and visual or hearing impairments
- Facilitate a welcoming classroom atmosphere that encourages diverse student participation and collaborative learning
- Integrate diverse technology tools in classroom settings, including Google Classroom, Google Docs, and Google Slides
- Assess student performance and provide actionable feedback to foster continuous improvement
- Connect students with essential community services, including OVR and local developmental disabilities agencies
- Implement reasonable modifications and accommodations to enhance accessibility in classroom and workplace environments
- Collaborate with local schools to identify and recruit students with disabilities from various counties for the Project SEARCH program
- Design and produce annual program yearbook showcasing student achievements and milestones
Substitute Teacher
Shenango Area School District
New Castle, PA
04.2018 - 06.2018
- Recorded daily lunch counts and student attendance to ensure accurate reporting
- Implemented teacher's pre-planned lessons that aligned with state curriculum standards
- Managed classroom behavior to create a positive learning environment for students
- Enforced school rules and safety protocols
- Adapted instructional materials to meet diverse student needs and learning styles
- Managed assigned teacher duties and supervised students in the hall, cafeteria, and playground
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
New Castle Area School District
New Castle, PA
11.2008 - 06.2011
- Organized classroom layout and resources to optimize learning environment
- Designed and delivered lesson plans tailored for students in a learning support classroom
- Facilitated collaboration with general education teachers to co-teach in inclusive classrooms, ensuring effective implementation of specialized instruction and accommodations
- Administered assessments to students such as 4-Sight, AIMSweb, PSSA, PASA
- Oversaw and managed students' academic performance and grade tracking per nine week period
- Managed morning and afternoon hall responsibilities, facilitating smooth transitions amongst students
- Communicated with parents and guardians to provide updates on student academic performance
- Developed IEPs tailored to meet unique student needs
- Led and facilitated IEP meetings to ensure compliance and support student needs
- Monitored and documented daily student attendance and lunch counts
- Monitored and adjusted a behavior plan in the classroom to support student engagement and discipline
- Facilitated learning for students with diverse disabilities, including autism, hearing impairments, intellectual disabilities, and speech delays
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education & Special Education
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, PA12-2007
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Data-informed teaching
- Special education awareness
- Reliability
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Multitasking abilities
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Lesson planning
- Organizational skills
- Positive reinforcement
- Verbal and written communication
- Time management
Certification
Heartsaver CPR AED
Timeline
Project SEARCH Special Education Instructor
Cray Youth & Family Services
08.2018 - Current
Substitute Teacher
Shenango Area School District
04.2018 - 06.2018
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
New Castle Area School District
11.2008 - 06.2011
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education & Special Education
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania