Courtney Priest
Carbondale,KS
Summary
Dedicated to fostering holistic growth and enriching the lives of all children through keen observation, tailored developmentally appropriate experiences, and the facilitation of diverse learning opportunities. Renowned for resilience in navigating the multifaceted challenges inherent in educating complex learners amidst evolving circumstances. Adept at maintaining organizational excellence, advocating passionately, fostering collaboration, and leveraging data-driven insights to inform instructional strategies. Proficient in collaborating with colleagues to devise accommodations, modifications, and innovative approaches for fostering inclusive environments within mainstream or resource classrooms.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Washburn Rural High School USD #437
08.2022 - Current
- 9th-12th grade Low Incidence Program. This program encompasses high school students with a reading level below 3rd grade. They may be diagnosed with things like: moderate to severe autism, multiple disabilities (including medically fragile), various genetic syndromes, learning disabilities, etc.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Developed, amended, and managed IEPs that define student learning objectives, strategies for overall growth, accomodations, modifications, educational goals; in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support student needs and goals.
- Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
- Collaborate with parents/guardians, co-teachers, administrators, paraeducators, school & personal nurses, same-age peers, general education teachers, SLP, OT, PT, APE, TSVI, TSHI, home and community based therapists/case managers, etc., ensuring optimal progress for each student and their plethora of detailed needs.
- Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.
- Coordinated regular communication to share and analyze student performance data, challenges, and success with colleagues and parents.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Presented with my team: “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: There is no I in Team”, Fifth Annual Richard L. Simpson Conference on Autism, October 2023.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
Special Education Teacher
Washburn Rural Middle School USD #437
08.2018 - 05.2022
- 7th & 8th grade Low Incidence Program. Students here were diagnosed with severe multiple disabilities, severely medically fragile, severe autism, severe genetic syndromes, etc.
- I supervised, coached, and collaborated with: paras, personal nurses, and all other members of IEP teams.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs. To include, but not limited to: person(s) with educational rights, parents, guardians, doctors, various community case managers, foster care related staff, SLP, OT, PT, APE, TSVI, TSHI, administrators, counselors, psychologists, social workers, curriculum facilitators, reading and math interventionists, etc.
- Further trainings acquired: Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS), Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), Verbal Behavior (VB) ABA Therapy.
- Some systems that guided my programming: Functional Independence Skills Handbook (FISH), Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM), and Kansas Early Learning Standards (KSELS).
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives, support for overall growth, and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Created and maintained Positive Behavior Support Plans.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with multiple disabilities.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Supported the middle schools' most severe caseload of students, with minimal support staff, through the COVID 19 affected school years.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Provided ideas and suggestions for community support to families.
- Transferred in May of 2022 to continue on to high school with my students.
Special Education Teacher
Farley Elementary USD #437
08.2015 - 05.2018
- K-6 medically fragile program, (Low Incidence SPED)
- This was my first experience working with a co-teacher and supervising up to 7 paras
- Regained First Aid & CPR certifications.
- I collaborated with IEP team members, to include parents, to support my students to maintain skills and reach goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Provided life skills programming for students with multiple disabilities.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on interacting and various communication/speech strategies for students in special education.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with multiple disabilities.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- I left in May of 2018 to follow a large group of my students to the middle school.
Adapted Physical Education (APE) Paraeducator
Auburn-Washburn USD #437
08.2012 - 05.2014
- District-wide K-12 students who needed support in a PE classroom, with APE as a related service.
- Reported on student progress, behavior, and social skills to adapted PE teacher.
- Coordinated with outside agencies such as speech therapists or occupational therapists when necessary to ensure comprehensive support for each student''s unique needs.
- Monitored students in various PE classrooms (K-12) and outdoors activities to promote student safety & pursue IEP goals.
- Created and maintained a district-wide inventory system to keep track of adapted equipment and materials.
- Helped create an Adapted PE Handbook to provide ideas and strategies to general PE teachers.
Special Education Paraeducator
Washburn Rural Middle School USD #437
08.2011 - 05.2012
- 7th and 8th grade, Low Incidence Program
- Assisted in the development of social skills programs, fostering positive relationships among students and improving classroom dynamics.
- Maintained classroom equipment and work area to promote safe learning environment and meet mandated requirements.
- Contributed to the creation of an inclusive classroom environment, promoting acceptance and understanding among all students.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification
Childcare Provider
Kids Port
10.2009 - 05.2011
- Ages 6 weeks old - 9 years old
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child''s achievements or concerns while offering guidance on home-based support strategies.
- Monitored children's activities to verify safety and wellbeing.
- Created safe and engaging learning environment for groups of diverse children with various learning styles.
- Assisted in potty training and other daily hygiene activities to support child development.
- Responded to inquiries from parents and guardians.
- Provided nutritious meals and snacks according to dietary guidelines and personal restrictions, promoting overall health among the children in care.
- Worked closely with fellow staff members in developing and implementing educational and recreational activities.
- Provided social emotional support and guidance to children in conflict resolution.
- Implemented daily routines to establish consistency, helping children transition smoothly between activities.
- Administered first aid when needed, adhering to established protocols to ensure child safety and wellbeing.
- Sanitized dishes, tabletops, toys, and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading of germs.
- Worked with children to develop good cognitive, physical and language skills.
- Led children in creative, athletic, and educational activities while maintaining safe and orderly group.
- Assisted children in developing fine motor skills through play-based learning activities such as puzzles and stacking blocks.
- Fostered creativity with various arts and crafts projects, stimulating imagination and self-expression.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Attended and gained many, various trainings that contributed to gaining my "Child Development Associate" certificate.
- Worked various hours to include: early mornings, day time, late nights, and weekends.
Education
Certification - Low Incidence SPED
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KSBachelor of Science - Education
Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays, KS05.2015
Associates - General Studies
Colby Community College
Colby, KS05.2011
Skills
- Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)
- Verbal Behavior (VB) ABA Therapy
- Attention to details and organization
- Willingness to learn new skills
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Quality experience with high, medium and low assistive technology, to include AAC devices
- Co-teaching experience
- Curriculum development & instructional adaptation
Certification
- 200-Hour Certified Yoga Teacher, CYT 200; Breathe for Change - 2024
- Social-Emotional Learning Facilitator (SEL*F); Breathe for Change - 2024
Kansas State Board of Education Licenses Include:
- Early Childhood Unified,
- Elementary Education,
- English for Speakers of Other Languages,
- High-Incidence Special Education, &
- Low-Incidence Special Education
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Washburn Rural High School USD #437
08.2022 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Washburn Rural Middle School USD #437
08.2018 - 05.2022
Special Education Teacher
Farley Elementary USD #437
08.2015 - 05.2018
Adapted Physical Education (APE) Paraeducator
Auburn-Washburn USD #437
08.2012 - 05.2014
Special Education Paraeducator
Washburn Rural Middle School USD #437
08.2011 - 05.2012
Childcare Provider
Kids Port
10.2009 - 05.2011
Certification - Low Incidence SPED
Pittsburg State University
Bachelor of Science - Education
Fort Hays State University
Associates - General Studies
Colby Community College
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