Dana McKinney
Chagrin Falls
Summary
Versatile and compassionate Intervention Specialist 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 and emotional achievement.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
3rd Grade Intervention Specialist
Leighton Elementary, Aurora City Schools
08.2015 - Current
- Built strong relationships with parents and guardians, fostering open communication regarding student progress and needs.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by incorporating social-emotional learning strategies into daily activities.
- Facilitated small group instruction for targeted skill development, enhancing academic growth for all participants.
- Provided ongoing assessment of student progress, adjusting interventions as needed to optimize results.
- Empowered students by teaching self-advocacy skills and promoting independence within the classroom setting.
- Assisted teachers in modifying lesson plans and adapting instructional materials to facilitate inclusive learning environments.
- Coordinated with other professionals such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and school psychologists to address comprehensive student needs.
- Supported students with diverse needs, ensuring their academic progress aligned with IEP goals.
- Ensured a smooth transition between grade levels and school settings for students with disabilities through careful planning and collaboration with stakeholders.
- Improved overall classroom performance by providing targeted support for struggling students in various subjects.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, interventions implemented, and modifications made to ensure compliance with regulations and best practices.
- Established trusting and friendly relationships with parents and colleagues.
- Addressed behavioral issues through the implementation of positive behavior supports and interventions.
- Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education.
PS/Kindergarten Intervention Specialist
Miller Elementary, Aurora City Schools
08.2012 - 05.2015
- Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.
- Applied proven strategies to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
1st, 2nd, 3rd Grade Interventionist
Craddock/Leighton Elementary, Aurora City Schools
08.2009 - 05.2012
- Gathered, organized, and analyzed data on student needs and progress.
- Developed strong relationships with students, fostering trust and promoting a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with teachers to assess needs, set objectives, and discuss strategies.
- Conducted small group instruction focusing on specific skill areas, allowing for targeted remediation efforts within the classroom setting.
- Created tools for instruction and behavioral support.
- Assisted students in developing self-regulation skills through individualized coaching sessions and goal-setting activities.
PS/Kindergarten Interventionist
Miller Elementary, Aurora City Schools
08.2006 - 05.2009
- Gathered, organized, and analyzed data on student needs and progress.
- Developed strong relationships with students, fostering trust and promoting a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with teachers to assess needs, set objectives, and discuss strategies.
- Conducted small group instruction focusing on specific skill areas, allowing for targeted remediation efforts within the classroom setting.
- Monitored student progress through ongoing assessments, adjusting interventions as needed to maximize success.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance data, ensuring timely reporting of progress reports to relevant stakeholders.
- Enhanced communication between teachers, parents, and support staff by coordinating regular meetings to discuss student progress.
Integrated Preschool Interventionist
Jordak Elementary & The Metzenbaum Center
08.2002 - 05.2006
- Gathered, organized, and analyzed data on student needs and progress.
- Developed strong relationships with students, fostering trust and promoting a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with teachers to assess needs, set objectives, and discuss strategies.
- Conducted small group instruction focusing on specific skill areas, allowing for targeted remediation efforts within the classroom setting.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance data, ensuring timely reporting of progress reports to relevant stakeholders.
- Implemented tracking tools to evaluate successes and areas in need of improvement.
- Enhanced communication between teachers, parents, and support staff by coordinating regular meetings to discuss student progress.
- Determined appropriate interventions and planned support milestones.
- Assessed and documented student progress with established goals.
Education
Master of Arts - Reading Specialization
Kent State University
Kent, OH05.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Intervention Specialist
Ashland University
Ashland, OH05.2002
High School Diploma -
West Geauga High School
Chesterland, OH06.1998
Skills
- Strong collaboration skills
- Student Engagement
- Academic Accommodations
- Behavior Modification
- Inclusion Practices
- Social Skills Training
- Problem-solving skills
- Group and individual instruction
- Extensive experience & training with reading intervention
- Extensive experience & training with neurodiversity
Accomplishments
Provided multiple professional development trainings to colleagues:
Structured Teaching
Collaborative Problem-Solving
Rime Magic
Dyslexia
Evidence-Based Reading Interventions
Certification
Certified TEACCH Trainer
S.P.I.R.E. Training Workshop
Reading Endorsement (K-12)
Timeline
3rd Grade Intervention Specialist
Leighton Elementary, Aurora City Schools
08.2015 - Current
PS/Kindergarten Intervention Specialist
Miller Elementary, Aurora City Schools
08.2012 - 05.2015
1st, 2nd, 3rd Grade Interventionist
Craddock/Leighton Elementary, Aurora City Schools
08.2009 - 05.2012
PS/Kindergarten Interventionist
Miller Elementary, Aurora City Schools
08.2006 - 05.2009
Integrated Preschool Interventionist
Jordak Elementary & The Metzenbaum Center
08.2002 - 05.2006
Master of Arts - Reading Specialization
Kent State University
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Intervention Specialist
Ashland University
High School Diploma -
West Geauga High School
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