Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Dana Markasich

Eveleth,MN

Summary

Friendly individual with a genuine desire and skills needed to help students of all ages, reach academic and personal goals. Several years of experience delivering individualized educational assistance. Two AA degrees, currently enrolled at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU), Special Education, Youth at Risk - BS degree.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Paraprofessional

Northland Learning Center
Virginia, MN
01.2025 - Current
  • Level 4 Special Education setting. The academic and developmental needs of the students vary significantly.
  • Excellent communication skills are crucial.
  • High levels of work enjoyment, collaboration, and communication with students, families, teachers, administrators, and other professionals toward the common goal of student success.
  • To connect with a student, I know they have to trust me; therefore, goal #1 is to show them that I am a safe person whom they can trust. Defining boundaries and expectations is crucial.
  • Positive Behavioral and Intervention Supports (PBIS), which include a whole array of strategies. eg: model expected behaviors with my own words and actions.

Special Education Paraprofessional/PCA

ARC Northland
Victory Christian Academy, Hibbing, MN
09.2020 - 10.2024
  • I worked with the same child in the same school location for multiple consecutive academic years. Kindergarten (2020) through Grade 4 (2024),
  • PCA was my official job title; however, my responsibilities better fit the description of mentor, paraprofessional, or academic instructor.
  • Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS), allowed me to model and reinforce expected behaviors, prevent undesired behaviors, and provide individualized support to my student.
  • Partnered extensively with the students' parents, teachers, and school administration. We worked together to increase students' enthusiasm and engagement in learning.
  • I was a consistently familiar face whom all students trusted. I happily provided help and support to all students and teachers as needed.

Early Childhood Teacher

Kiddy Karousel Child Care Center
Hibbing, MN
06.2022 - 05.2024
  • Seasonal (summer) employment.
  • Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support, and developed strategies to improve learning.
  • Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment to promote emotional well-being and developmental growth for all children.

Preschool Assistant Teacher

Victory Christian Academy
Hibbing, MN
09.2019 - 03.2020
  • Collaborated with the lead teacher to prepare age-appropriate curriculum to support child development milestones.
  • I observed and interacted with children to identify individuals in need of additional support. Developed strategies to foster a love for learning, and achieve goals.
  • Supervised children & built relationships with them and their families in and out of the classroom, such as the playground, cafeteria, gym, library, and field trips.
  • Maintained classrooms by disinfecting and sterilizing surfaces and toys, organizing snack time, and nap hours.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Special Education and Youth at Risk

Southwest Minnesota State University
Marshall, MN
05-2027

Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education/Special Education

Minnesota North College
05-2024

Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts

Minnesota North College
05-2024

High School Diploma -

Manistee High School
Manistee, MI
06-1988

Skills

  • Special Education Support
  • Restorative justice circle training
  • CPI certification
  • Core subject instruction and support
  • IEP familiarity, IEP compliance
  • Multiculturalism and inclusivity awareness
  • Calm and patient demeanor
  • CPR and first aid

Timeline

Paraprofessional

Northland Learning Center
01.2025 - Current

Early Childhood Teacher

Kiddy Karousel Child Care Center
06.2022 - 05.2024

Special Education Paraprofessional/PCA

ARC Northland
09.2020 - 10.2024

Preschool Assistant Teacher

Victory Christian Academy
09.2019 - 03.2020

Bachelor of Science - Special Education and Youth at Risk

Southwest Minnesota State University

Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education/Special Education

Minnesota North College

Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts

Minnesota North College

High School Diploma -

Manistee High School

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