David Arrington
Kenosha,WI
Summary
Dedicated educational professional with over 20 years of experience in education, leadership, coaching, and community engagement. Proven ability to build positive relationships with students, families, staff, and community stakeholders while creating inclusive learning environments that promote academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and student success. Experienced in special education, instructional leadership, behavior intervention, crisis prevention, and collaborative problem-solving. Passionate about fostering a culture of belonging, accountability, and excellence while supporting diverse learners through evidence-based instructional practices.
Overview
1
1
Certification
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Cross-Categorical Special Education Teacher / Case Manager
Forest Park Middle School | Franklin Public Schools
Franklin, Wisconsin
01.2024 - Current
- Develop and manage Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with diverse learning needs.
- Deliver specialized instruction in academic, behavioral, executive functioning, and social-emotional skill development.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support student achievement and compliance with state and federal special education regulations.
- Facilitate IEP meetings and maintain strong communication with families and stakeholders.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student performance and identify areas for growth.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to inform and improve lesson planning, leading to higher achievement levels for students across all ability levels.
- Designed differentiated instruction techniques that met the unique needs of each learner while maintaining high expectations for all students
- Established a strong rapport with students by cultivating a supportive and inclusive classroom atmosphere where all learners felt valued and respected.
- Managed caseloads effectively by prioritizing tasks and collaborating with team members, ensuring timely completion of required documentation and reports.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to arange of neurodiverse students.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
Teacher
Zion Benton Township High School | Zion, Illinois
Zion, Illinois
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Taught Life Management courses with an emphasis on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies.
- Supported students with disabilities through accommodations, modifications, and individualized supports.
- Collaborated with faculty to provide engaging and inclusive learning experiences.
- Developed classroom procedures that promoted student safety, engagement, and success.
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student understanding and retention of complex subjects.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment promoting student participation and collaboration.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
Teacher
Racine Unified School District | Racine, Wisconsin
Racine, Wisconsin
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Provided instruction and support to students with diverse academic and behavioral needs.
- Developed and implemented individualized supports for students receiving special education services.
- Collaborated with general education teachers and support staff to ensure student success.
- Created inclusive learning environments focused on academic achievement and positive behavior.
- Utilized various educational technologies for effective teaching and assessment practices.
- Analyzed student performance data to inform instructional adjustments and improve academic outcomes.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
Teacher
21st Century Preparatory School | Racine, Wisconsin
Racine, Wisconsin
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Facilitated engaging and differentiated instruction aligned with student needs.
- Fostered strong relationships with students, staff, and families.
- Supported social-emotional growth and positive school culture.
- Demonstrated leadership in classroom management and instructional planning.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
Educator / Substitute Teacher
Kenosha Unified School District | Kenosha, Wisconsin
Kenosha, Wisconsin
01.2005 - 01.2020
- Supported instruction across elementary, middle, and high school settings.
- Maintained continuity of learning and effective classroom management.
- Built strong relationships with students, families, and educational teams.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment promoting student collaboration and respect.
- Collaborated with parents and community stakeholders to enhance educational resources and student outcomes.
- Built relationships and communicated with parents to provide best learning environment for children.
- Implemented classroom management techniques that fostered a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
Football Coach
Kenosha Unified School District
Kenosha, Wisconsin
01.2005 - 01.2019
- Coached and mentored student-athletes for 16 seasons.
- Developed leadership, teamwork, accountability, and character-building skills.
- Collaborated with families, administrators, and coaching staff to support student success both on and off the field.
- Mentored coaching staff to foster professional development and improve program effectiveness.
- Coordinated with school administration to ensure compliance with athletic regulations and safety standards.
- Evaluated player performance through video analysis, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
- Organized outreach initiatives to engage community support for the football program and increase participation.
- Conducted regular assessments of team dynamics, adjusting practices to optimize player collaboration and cohesion.
- Enhanced player skills through focused coaching, personalized feedback, and tailored drills.
- Motivated athletes to become stronger, more agile, and more effective through training habits and proper nutrition.
- Encouraged sportsmanship and teamwork among players both on the field and during off-field activities.
Education
Administrative Licensure Graduate Coursework -
Carthage College
Kenosha, WI07.2026
Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Educational Leadership And Management
Carthage College
Kenosha, WI05.2024
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Engineering & Technology
Mississippi Valley State University
Itta Bena, MS05.1994
Skills
- Educational Leadership
- Special Education Compliance
- IEP Development & Facilitation
- Student Behavior Support
- Crisis Prevention & Intervention
- MTSS & Intervention Systems
- Instructional Coaching
- Data Analysis & Progress Monitoring
- Social-Emotional Learning
- Restorative Practices
- Family & Community Engagement
- Staff Collaboration & Team Building
- Structured Literacy Practices
- Executive Functioning Supports
- Professional Development Facilitation
- Strategic Planning & School Improvement
Certification
- Wisconsin/Illinois Licensed Teacher
- Cross-Categorical Special Education Certification (Wisconsin DPI)
- Illinois Professional Educator License – Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS1)
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI) Certified
- Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Certification
- International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Accredited Program
- Advanced training aligned with the Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading, emphasizing structured literacy and evidence-based reading instruction.
- CESA #1 Supporting Neurodiverse Students Learning Events Cohort (2025–2026)
- Year-long professional learning cohort focused on inclusive educational practices, neurodiversity-affirming supports, differentiated instruction, and improving outcomes for diverse learners.
- ACE Leadership Program – Carthage College
- Leadership development focused on organizational effectiveness, educational leadership, and systems improvement.
- Lean Six Sigma Training
- Process improvement, systems thinking, and data-driven decision-making methodologies.
PROFESSIONAL PHILOSOPHY
I believe that every student deserves access to a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where relationships, high expectations, and individualized support foster academic achievement and personal growth. My leadership philosophy is grounded in servant leadership, collaboration, integrity, and a commitment to empowering students, educators, families, and communities to achieve their fullest potential.
Timeline
Cross-Categorical Special Education Teacher / Case Manager
Forest Park Middle School | Franklin Public Schools
01.2024 - Current
Teacher
Zion Benton Township High School | Zion, Illinois
01.2024 - 01.2025
Teacher
Racine Unified School District | Racine, Wisconsin
01.2022 - 01.2024
Teacher
21st Century Preparatory School | Racine, Wisconsin
01.2020 - 01.2022
Educator / Substitute Teacher
Kenosha Unified School District | Kenosha, Wisconsin
01.2005 - 01.2020
Football Coach
Kenosha Unified School District
01.2005 - 01.2019
Administrative Licensure Graduate Coursework -
Carthage College
Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Educational Leadership And Management
Carthage College
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Engineering & Technology
Mississippi Valley State University