Cynthia Gjerde
Ramsey,MN
Summary
Compassionate, creative and effective Teacher with valuable experience in classroom administration, professional development and project planning. Equipped with extensive background in versatile education environments. Student-centric instructor, academic facilitator and motivational coach. Competent at performing independently or as member of teaching team. Well-versed in classroom and online technologies.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Itinerant Blind/Visually Impaired Teacher
Northeast Metro ISD 916
08.2023 - 06.2026
- Managed an itinerant caseload of 35 students across 10+ school sites, efficiently balancing direct instruction, consultation, and travel schedules.
- Conducted Functional Vision Assessments and Learning Media Assessments to determine learning modes and visual access.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams and state/county agencies.
- Provided specialized instruction in the Expanded Core Curriculum, Braille literacy, visual efficiency, assistive technology, self - advocacy.
- Provided consultative support to paraprofessionals, general education teachers, and special education teachers on classroom accommodations and tactile modifications.
Special Education Teacher
Prairie Seeds Academy
08.2018 - 06.2023
- Designed individualized education programs tailored to student needs.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to enhance classroom dynamics.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support student development.
- Developed and executed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Monitored student progress through assessments, adjusting instruction as needed.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
Special Education Teacher
DaVinci Academy
08.2016 - 06.2017
- Developed interactive phonemic awareness activities through and intensive intervention reading program with a 90% success rate.
- Collected and reported data on over 15+ students
- Managed schedules and programs for over 10+ students from elementary to middle school
- Developed and implemented new positive behavior plans
- Supported and promoted school wide Positive Behavior Intervention System
Special Education Teacher
Cambridge Isanti ISD #911
08.2013 - 06.2016
- Managed caseloads of over 10 students in multiple buildings
- Developed and implemented new positive behavior plans
- Collected and reported data on over 40+ students
- Managed schedules and programs for over 20+ elementary level students
- Developed a new testing scheduling system
Special Education Teacher
Spring Lake Park School District
10.2009 - 07.2015
- Developed and implemented new positive behavior plans
- Responsible for confidential and time-sensitive legal documents
- Collected and reported data on over 20+ students
- Managed schedules and programs for over 20+ middle school and high school students
- Collaborated in the creation of policies and procedures of a new program in the district
Education
Masters of Science Degree -
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MN02-2011
Bachelors of Elective Studies Degree - undefined
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, Minnesota05-2008
Associates in Arts Degree - undefined
Anoka Ramsey Community College
Coon Rapids, Minnesota05-2005
Master of Science - Blind/Visual Impairments
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND06-2024
Skills
- Managing confidential and time-sensitive documents
- Relationship building
- Growth mindset
- Student-centered learning
- Group and individual instruction
- Cultural sensitivity
Accomplishments
- Magna Cum Laude St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota 05/2008
- Dean’s List St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota 9/2007 and 05/2008
- Graduate Certificate in Special Education, Emotional Behavioral Disorders St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota 08/2010
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
- 8 years teaching resource and inclusion settings with K-12 students
- 6+ years working with level 3 programs
- Recognized ability to implement new strategies and flexibility to work various settings and programs
- Excellent communication skills with parents, administrators, service providers, and faculty
- Developed policies and procedures of a new program for 5-12 students with mental health difficulties
Timeline
Itinerant Blind/Visually Impaired Teacher
Northeast Metro ISD 916
08.2023 - 06.2026
Special Education Teacher
Prairie Seeds Academy
08.2018 - 06.2023
Special Education Teacher
DaVinci Academy
08.2016 - 06.2017
Special Education Teacher
Cambridge Isanti ISD #911
08.2013 - 06.2016
Special Education Teacher
Spring Lake Park School District
10.2009 - 07.2015
Bachelors of Elective Studies Degree - undefined
St. Cloud State University
Associates in Arts Degree - undefined
Anoka Ramsey Community College
Masters of Science Degree -
St. Cloud State University
Master of Science - Blind/Visual Impairments
University of North Dakota