Cristina M. Scheff
Bulverde,TX
Summary
Versatile Special Education Teacher with focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Co-Teacher/Tennis Coach
NEISD
01.2022 - Current
- Co-Teacher 6th thru 8th grade.
- Experience with Frontline, SuccessEd, Eduphoria, Skyward and SameGoal platforms.
- Experience with PLAAFPs, Accommodations/Modifications, STAAR, IEP Goals, Least Restrictive Environment, and Transition Supplements.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.
- Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
Special Education Teacher/ARD Facilitator
Cross Country Education-Legacy Traditional Schools
08.2021 - 01.2022
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Worked with students with moderate to severe autism to increase life skills.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Provided life skills programming for students with moderate to severe autism.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.
- Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education.
Special Education Teacher
Autism Treatment Center
10.2020 - 08.2021
- Worked with students from early childhood to 21 years of age with severe (ASD) autism and learning disabilities.
- Experience in collaborating with the ARD committee about student progress including parents, administrators, staff, and advocates
- Experience developing PLAAFPs & IEPs for students, STAAR ALT 2 and TEKS aligned goals, and collaborating with related services (OT, SLPs, BCBAs) to make decisions about student progress and IEP development.
- Experience in collaborating with many districts from the San Antonio area, Austin area, and other parts from the state of Texas, Missouri, and California
- Knowledge in developing self made curriculum, IEP binders, supplemental binders, and other resources (PECS books, visual/object/textile/object schedules, and behavioral interventions plans
- Knowledge of data collection, Catalyst (ABA software program for data collection), prompt distribution, ABC data collection, discrete trial training, DTT trial sheets, task analysis, and other forms of ABA strategies.
- Experience in making progress reports (6 to 9 weeks), attendance reports, and academic grades.
- Experience in conducting staff training, running meetings with other colleagues, administrative meetings to discuss new students, updates/in-service training, managing and supporting 20+ teacher assistants (paraprofessionals), and maintaining a caseload of nine or more students.
- Experience with SAMA training, CPI training, contaminants, de-escalation process, SIBs, severe aggressive behaviors, and protocols on how to manage crisis intervention.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Worked with students with moderate to severe autism to increase life skills.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Provided life skills programming for students with moderate to severe autism.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
- Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education.
Paraprofessional
Spring Branch Middle School
10.2019 - 10.2020
- Managed students with IEP goals, behavior management, de-escalating behavior, student supervision, re-teaching curriculum and lessons, and data collection on student’s progress with
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Assisted in maintaining engaging and respectful educational environment by promoting discipline and cooperation.
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Relieved classroom teacher during breaks and maintained order and structure in classroom.
- Assisted classroom teacher in supervising snack time and indoor and outdoor play.
- Prepared instruction materials, constructed bulletin boards, and set up work areas.
- Reported on student progress, behavior, and social skills to parents.
- Tailored lesson plans for students with emotional and cognitive disabilities.
- Administered tests and assessments to evaluate student progress and performance.
- Supervised students on field trips for safety and proper behavior in public settings.
- Oversaw groups of students at school and off-site locations, maintaining optimal safety, and security.
- Monitored students on field trips, handling roll call, and group movement to keep youths safe in public settings.
- Collaborated with parents and guardians to increase support and provide best learning environment.
- Assisted students in developing deeper understanding of course concepts by providing one-on-one support.
- Enforced rules and instructions to maintain discipline.
- Took part in professional development workshops to boost skills.
- Helped teacher prepare instructional material and displays.
- Demonstrated specific skills and activities for students to improve understanding and take excess workload off teachers.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve student engagement.
- Helped teachers manage bus loading and unloading.
- Laminated teaching materials to increase durability under repeated use.
- Graded and provided feedback on assignments.
- Maintained and operated classroom equipment to maximize use and lifespan.
Intake & Admissions Coordinator
Bariatric Counseling Center of San Antonio
05.2019 - 09.2019
- Responsible for the marketing and selling of clinical services to all clients referred and the communication of the referral sources
- Works with the Director of Outreach to build new referral relations and assists with increasing referrals from current referral partners
- Communicates with all referred and interested parties the value of program attendance and completes the admission process with clients
- Ongoing support for the client integration into programming is also a part of the responsibilities
- Positions are varied in its role; it is sales, selling of the program to referrals, admission process and length of stay focused, encouraging ongoing participation in the program
- Collaboration with co-workers is vital for business operation, while communication via email, use of Salesforce and KIPU software with warm calls is the day to day criteria for this position.
- Confirmed all insurance benefits met standards of admissions as dictated by policy.
- Completed preliminary paperwork for incoming and outgoing patients.
- Assisted in patient admission process based on federal and state laws.
- Collaborated with admissions team to develop and implement strategies to improve admissions process.
- Compiled and analyzed data to track admissions trends and make recommendations for improvements.
Benefits Counselor
Aflac
08.2018 - 02.2019
- Help employers’ employees understand supplemental insurance and facilitate policies for the business; help with the claims process and running my own business
- Experience with B2B marketing and prospecting and cold calling
- Helped building relationships with partners to establish trust and solid relationships.
- Provided subject matter expertise on eligibility, coverage and other benefits matters.
- Provided knowledgeable advice on benefits matters such as eligibility and coverage.
- Answered questions and built interest with friendly and knowledgeable support.
- Cultivated and deepened relationships with local businesses.
- Explained advantages and limitations of different benefit programs and policies.
- Consulted with employers to develop benefit plans and cost management solutions.
- Collected documents and checked applications for completeness before submission.
- Researched and evaluated new benefits programs to select cost-effective providers and coverage levels.
- Explained benefits to plan participants in easy to understand terms in order to educate each on available options.
- Resolved issues and inquiries from plan participants regarding health and welfare benefits and deductions through telephone, email, and in-person interactions.
- Coordinated and conducted employee orientations to promote understanding of coverage and options.
- Observed strict procedures to maintain data and plan participant confidentiality.
- Developed comprehensive benefits packages to improve employee satisfaction and retention.
Paraprofessional
Rahe Bulverde Elementary School
01.2018 - 08.2018
- Managed students with IEP goals, behavior management, de-escalating behavior, student supervision, re-teaching curriculum and lessons, and data collection on student’s progress with
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Assisted in maintaining engaging and respectful educational environment by promoting discipline and cooperation.
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Relieved classroom teacher during breaks and maintained order and structure in classroom.
- Assisted classroom teacher in supervising snack time and indoor and outdoor play.
- Prepared instruction materials, constructed bulletin boards, and set up work areas.
- Reported on student progress, behavior, and social skills to parents.
- Tailored lesson plans for students with emotional and cognitive disabilities.
- Administered tests and assessments to evaluate student progress and performance.
- Supervised students on field trips for safety and proper behavior in public settings.
- Oversaw groups of students at school and off-site locations, maintaining optimal safety, and security.
- Monitored students on field trips, handling roll call, and group movement to keep youths safe in public settings.
- Collaborated with parents and guardians to increase support and provide best learning environment.
- Assisted students in developing deeper understanding of course concepts by providing one-on-one support.
- Enforced rules and instructions to maintain discipline.
- Took part in professional development workshops to boost skills.
- Helped teacher prepare instructional material and displays.
- Demonstrated specific skills and activities for students to improve understanding and take excess workload off teachers.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve student engagement.
- Helped teachers manage bus loading and unloading.
- Laminated teaching materials to increase durability under repeated use.
- Graded and provided feedback on assignments.
- Maintained and operated classroom equipment to maximize use and lifespan.
Student Teacher
Comal ISD
09.2017 - 01.2018
- Worked with classroom teacher to learn about current standards and best practices.
- Facilitated small group activities and one-on-one instruction to meet individual student needs.
- Assisted with management of classroom rules, procedures and expectations to instill discipline and observance of conduct code.
- Cultivated positive relationships with administration, teaching staff, and students.
- Promoted positive and productive learning environment to increase engagement and rapport with students and teachers.
- Utilized various teaching techniques and strategies to engage students in learning.
- Monitored classrooms for safety and good behavior, offering students positive reinforcement to maintain discipline.
- Developed lesson plans that incorporated mandated topics and included immersive activities for student engagement.
- Designed lessons on for students using various teaching methods and modern classroom technologies.
- Created and implemented different learning activities to meet needs of different types of learners.
- Observed and participated in special learning opportunities to expand horizons and learn different approaches.
- Encouraged critical thinking and problem solving skills to enable students to step out of comfort zone.
- Facilitated discussions and activities to promote student collaboration and engagement.
- Assisted in administering tests and other assessments to evaluate student progress.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
Special Education Teacher/Paraprofessional
Comal ISD
09.2015 - 08.2017
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.
- Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
- Managed students with IEP goals, behavior management, de-escalating behavior, student supervision, re-teaching curriculum and lessons, and data collection on student’s progress with
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Assisted in maintaining engaging and respectful educational environment by promoting discipline and cooperation.
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Relieved classroom teacher during breaks and maintained order and structure in classroom.
- Assisted classroom teacher in supervising snack time and indoor and outdoor play.
- Prepared instruction materials, constructed bulletin boards, and set up work areas.
- Reported on student progress, behavior, and social skills to parents.
- Tailored lesson plans for students with emotional and cognitive disabilities.
- Administered tests and assessments to evaluate student progress and performance.
- Supervised students on field trips for safety and proper behavior in public settings.
- Oversaw groups of students at school and off-site locations, maintaining optimal safety, and security.
- Monitored students on field trips, handling roll call, and group movement to keep youths safe in public settings.
- Collaborated with parents and guardians to increase support and provide best learning environment.
- Assisted students in developing deeper understanding of course concepts by providing one-on-one support.
- Enforced rules and instructions to maintain discipline.
- Took part in professional development workshops to boost skills.
- Helped teacher prepare instructional material and displays.
- Demonstrated specific skills and activities for students to improve understanding and take excess workload off teachers.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve student engagement.
- Helped teachers manage bus loading and unloading.
- Laminated teaching materials to increase durability under repeated use.
- Graded and provided feedback on assignments.
- Maintained and operated classroom equipment to maximize use and lifespan.
Preschool Teacher/Assistant Teacher
St. Paul’s Christian Day School
08.2008 - 07.2015
- Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.
- Established positive communication with parents in daily conversation and formal conferences.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Maintained organized, fun and interactive classroom to help children feel safe.
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers, and letters.
- Addressed behavioral and learning issues with parents and daycare management.
- Assisted and supervised 6-8 children through entire school day.
- Allowed for ample outdoor discovery time in schedule each day.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
- Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
- Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
- Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
- Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
- Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
- Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
- Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
- Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
Preschool Teacher
Lighthouse Christian Learning Center
08.2006 - 07.2008
- Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.
- Established positive communication with parents in daily conversation and formal conferences.
- Maintained organized, fun and interactive classroom to help children feel safe.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers, and letters.
- Addressed behavioral and learning issues with parents and daycare management.
- Assisted and supervised 6-8 children through entire school day.
- Allowed for ample outdoor discovery time in schedule each day.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
- Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
- Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
- Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
- Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
- Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
- Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
- Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
- Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
Education
Master of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX05.2022
Bachelor of Science - Education
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA12.2014
Associate of Science - Psychology
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA12.2013
Skills
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Social Skills Development
- Student Records Management
- Conflict Resolution Techniques
- Differentiated Instruction
- Data Management
- Lesson Planning
- Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
- Learning Style Assessments
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Progress Evaluations
- Instructional Strategies
- Behavior Modifications
- Parent Communication
- Curriculum Adjustments
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Parent Communications
- Classroom Management
- Crisis Prevention and Intervention
- Team Collaboration
- Scheduling Proficiency
- Small Group Instruction
- Relationship Building
Certification
- EC-12 Special Education Certification
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Special Education Co-Teacher/Tennis Coach
NEISD
01.2022 - Current
Special Education Teacher/ARD Facilitator
Cross Country Education-Legacy Traditional Schools
08.2021 - 01.2022
Special Education Teacher
Autism Treatment Center
10.2020 - 08.2021
Paraprofessional
Spring Branch Middle School
10.2019 - 10.2020
Intake & Admissions Coordinator
Bariatric Counseling Center of San Antonio
05.2019 - 09.2019
Benefits Counselor
Aflac
08.2018 - 02.2019
Paraprofessional
Rahe Bulverde Elementary School
01.2018 - 08.2018
Student Teacher
Comal ISD
09.2017 - 01.2018
Special Education Teacher/Paraprofessional
Comal ISD
09.2015 - 08.2017
Preschool Teacher/Assistant Teacher
St. Paul’s Christian Day School
08.2008 - 07.2015
Preschool Teacher
Lighthouse Christian Learning Center
08.2006 - 07.2008
Master of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
Texas Tech University
Bachelor of Science - Education
Liberty University
Associate of Science - Psychology
Liberty University