Courtney Burnside
Carthage,MO
Summary
Dynamic educator with extensive expertise in special education, dedicated to creating personalized learning experiences that cater to diverse student needs. Proven ability to implement effective instructional strategies and cultivate inclusive classroom environments that promote engagement and success. Recognized for strong collaboration skills, adaptability, and a commitment to achieving measurable outcomes. Highly skilled in behavior management, developing individualized education plans, and conducting thorough student assessments to drive academic progress.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
K-12 Special Education Teacher at MRLC
Monett R-1 School District
08.2022 - 07.2026
- Worked collaboratively with eight sending school districts to provide students with specialized instruction and services in a public separate day facility setting.
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans and behavior intervention plans for diverse learning and behavior needs.
- Provided training and mentorship to seven behavior interventionists and registered Behavior Technicians on classroom management techniques, special education practices, and Applied Behavior Analysis.
- Advocated for resources and support to address individual student challenges effectively.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing individualized behavior intervention plans, consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Collaborated with a classroom Behavior Specialist, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst to enhance student outcomes and support services.
- Monitored student progress through daily data collection and adjusted instructional strategies accordingly.
Behavior Care Assistant
Jennifer Gamblin
03.2020 - 01.2023
- Assisted an individual within the Autism Spectrum on behavioral skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and communication.
- Assisted in medication management, ensuring adherence to prescribed regimens and improving health outcomes.
Student Teaching
Carthage Public Schools
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Observed a Kindergarten to Third-grade teacher in a special education resource setting managing a small group of students for a duration of 16 weeks.
- Developed individualized writing, reading, and math lesson for students with disabilities such as Autism, Specific Learning Disabilities, and Attention Deficient Disorder.
Behavior Interventionist
Joplin Public Schools
12.2019 - 12.2021
- Assisted 15-25 students in effectively navigating social and academic environments by building a repertoire of skills using discrete trial training and naturalistic teaching strategies.
- Worked with educators to outline intervention plans, establish goals, and develop progress benchmarks.
- Implemented behavioral plans designed by IEP teams for students with behavior disorders.
Paraprofessional
Joplin Beacon Alternative School
12.2018 - 05.2019
- Applied positive reinforcement to redirect negative behaviors to a group of 25 students.
- Offered students personalized educational, behavioral and emotional support during instruction, socialization, and leisure time.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Education - Elementary Education (1-6), Special Education (K-12)
Missouri Southern State University
Joplin, MO05.2022
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Relationship building
- Data management
- Inclusion strategies
- Team collaboration
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- De-escalation techniques
- Behavior intervention plans
Certification
Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) Certification, May 2025.
Timeline
K-12 Special Education Teacher at MRLC
Monett R-1 School District
08.2022 - 07.2026
Student Teaching
Carthage Public Schools
01.2022 - 05.2022
Behavior Care Assistant
Jennifer Gamblin
03.2020 - 01.2023
Behavior Interventionist
Joplin Public Schools
12.2019 - 12.2021
Paraprofessional
Joplin Beacon Alternative School
12.2018 - 05.2019
Bachelor of Science in Education - Elementary Education (1-6), Special Education (K-12)
Missouri Southern State University
Awards
Monett Regional Learning Center Teacher of the Year 2024