Colleen Francis
Toms River,NJ
Summary
Well-rounded and compassionate Special Education Teacher adept at addressing each student’s unique learning needs, and creating effective lesson plans to accommodate them.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Tuckerton Borough Board of Education
09.2024 - Current
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Basic Skills Teacher
Tuckerton Borough Board of Education
09.2023 - Current
- Evaluated student progress regularly through assessments and provided constructive feedback to support growth.
- Implemented data-driven instructional strategies, analyzing assessment results to inform future lesson planning effectively.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining strong classroom discipline.
- Supported special needs students through tailored instructional approaches, ensuring equal access to educational opportunities.
Basic Skills Teacher
Lacey Township Board Of Education
09.2022 - Current
- Partnered with general education teachers modify instruction to accommodate student's learning styles.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Applied various teaching aids to minimize learning gaps and instruct and motivate students.
- Optimized learning plans based on student performance and feedback.
- Reviewed class and student records to identify improvement opportunities.
- Communicated student progress to parents and guardians for collaborative approach to educational goals.
Special Education Teacher
Lacey Township Board Of Education
09.2021 - 06.2023
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
Special Education/4th Grade Elementary Teacher
Lavallette Elementary School
09.2020 - 06.2021
- Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies and social skills.
Basic Skills Instructor
Lacey Township School District
10.2019 - 06.2020
- Developed lesson plans to teach course materials according to curriculum.
- Applied various teaching aids to minimize learning gaps and instruct and motivate students.
- Teach foundational skills in Kindergarten- Fourth grade in ELA and Math.
- Instruct students individually and in small groups, and complete individual student improvement plans.
Special Education Teacher (ICS)
Lakewood Township School District
08.2019 - 10.2019
- Developed individual educational plans (IEP) designed to promote educational, physical and social development.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with student based on differentiated learning needs.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
Basic Skills/In-Class Support Teacher
Lacey Township School District
03.2018 - 06.2019
- Developed lesson plans to teach course materials according to the curriculum.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Promoted language development skills through reading and storytelling.
- Developed Individual Educational Plans (IEP's) designed to promote educational, physical, social, and emotional development.
- Used a variety of teaching techniques to encourage students critical thinking and discussion in 5th and 6th grade English Language Arts and Math.
- Provided specialized classroom instruction to a broad range of students with developmental disorders, including autism.
Assistant Swim Coach
Toms River Regional School District
11.2017 - 02.2019
- Organized daily practices.
- Motivated and encouraged student athletes to do their best during practices and competitions.
- Reviewed emergency procedures for students at beginning of every class and answered questions to help each feel comfortable.
- Guided student athletes through different swimming strokes and strategies to increase stamina.
- Adapted teaching strategies to match developmental age and abilities of students.
Teacher
Children's Center Of Monmouth County
08.2017 - 12.2017
- Taught children with multiple disabilities.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based upon unique learning needs.
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Observed and documented behaviors and actions
- . Promoted language development skills through reading and storytelling.
- Enhanced lessons using Smart Board technology and computers.
- Encouraged students to be understanding of others.
- Incorporated exciting and engaging activities to achieve student participation and hands-on learning.
Student Teaching
Joseph A. Citta Elementary
09.2012 - 12.2012
- Student taught second grade in both general class and special education classes.
- Modified student assignments to match individual learning needs.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities based on differentiated learning needs.
Field Technician
J.R. Henderson Labs Inc
05.2001 - 06.2011
- Collected water samples for a private, state certified water testing company.
- Oversaw chain of custody procedures for independent water purveyors, private home owners, and municipalities.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Kean University
Union2013
Skills
- New Jersey Teaching Certificate- Elementary (K-6) and Special Education endorsement (K-12)
- Orton Gillingham Trained
- Wilson Fundations Trained
- Differentiated instruction
- Integrates technology
- Excellent classroom management
- Social skills development
- Experience working with special needs students
- Student records management
- Works effectively with parents
- Interactive teaching/learning
- American Red Cross CPR and First Aid Certification
- American Red Cross Life-saving Certification
- American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certification
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Tuckerton Borough Board of Education
09.2024 - Current
Basic Skills Teacher
Tuckerton Borough Board of Education
09.2023 - Current
Basic Skills Teacher
Lacey Township Board Of Education
09.2022 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Lacey Township Board Of Education
09.2021 - 06.2023
Special Education/4th Grade Elementary Teacher
Lavallette Elementary School
09.2020 - 06.2021
Basic Skills Instructor
Lacey Township School District
10.2019 - 06.2020
Special Education Teacher (ICS)
Lakewood Township School District
08.2019 - 10.2019
Basic Skills/In-Class Support Teacher
Lacey Township School District
03.2018 - 06.2019
Assistant Swim Coach
Toms River Regional School District
11.2017 - 02.2019
Teacher
Children's Center Of Monmouth County
08.2017 - 12.2017
Student Teaching
Joseph A. Citta Elementary
09.2012 - 12.2012
Field Technician
J.R. Henderson Labs Inc
05.2001 - 06.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Kean University
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