DarLisa Akins
MERRILLVILLE,IN
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
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Gary Community School Corporation
09.2019 - Current
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
Behavioral Specialist Paraprofessional
Merrillville Community School
09.2014 - 09.2019
- Developed positive relationships with students, fostering trust and encouraging growth in social skills.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to decrease negative behaviors and increase pro-social skills in students.
- Reduced instances of classroom disruptions through proactive behavioral interventions.
- Coordinated community resources for families, connecting them with relevant support services as needed.
- Supported students with emotional and behavioral disorders by creating tailored coping strategies.
- Provided crisis intervention services during critical situations involving emotionally distressed or volatile individuals.
- Facilitated social skills groups, enabling improved peer interactions and conflict resolution abilities.
- Promoted safe and therapeutic patient care through consultation and supervision, communication and interactions.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing strong rapport with students, parents, and faculty members.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN04.2024
Bachelor of Science - Management
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ04.2011
Skills
- Differentiated Instruction
- Classroom Management
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Small Group Instruction
- Relationship Building
- Co-teaching Experience
- Lesson Planning
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Data Management
- Inclusion Strategies
- Team Collaboration
- Group and individual instruction
- Motivating students
- Parent Communication
- Autism Spectrum Knowledge
- Instructional Strategies
- Special Education
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Parent communications
- Behavior Intervention Plans
- Trained in CPI
- Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
- Behavior Modifications
- Progress Evaluations
- Life Skills Instruction
Arts and Crafts , Cheer Coach
I am a Middle school cheer coach I have been coaching for 15 plus years. I enjoy teaching students to learn skills of cheer to help them get scholarships to attend and cheer cheer on a college level. I enjoy arts and crafts i do a lot og DIY projects and incorporate what i do into my classroom to help my students in special education communicate and find them something that they love to do and help them gain more hands on educations for those that struggle.
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Gary Community School Corporation
09.2019 - Current
Behavioral Specialist Paraprofessional
Merrillville Community School
09.2014 - 09.2019
Master of Science - Special Education
Indiana Wesleyan University
Bachelor of Science - Management
University of Phoenix
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