Dawn Baker
Gainesville,GA
Summary
Passionate educator with 23 years of experience in special education. Proficient in developing engaging lesson plans and implementing behavior management strategies. Aiming to leverage strong collaboration and communication skills to support diverse learning needs and promote positive classroom experiences. Committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment and enhancing student engagement through tailored instructional strategies.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Preschool Teacher
Forsyth County School System/Kelly Mill ES
Cumming, GA
07.2020 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans that fostered early childhood learning and development.
- Implemented behavioral management strategies to promote positive classroom environments.
- Collaborated with parents to support children's educational and emotional needs.
- Assessed student progress through informal evaluations and tailored instructional approaches.
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on classroom management techniques and curriculum implementation.
- Organized and led age-appropriate activities that enhanced social skills and creativity.
- Continued skills in the classroom that the speech and occupational therapist worked on during their sessions.
- Proficient in developing legally compliant and effective Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Special Education Teacher
Chattahoochee Elementary School
Cumming, GA
08.2006 - 05.2020
- Developed individualized education plans to address diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to enhance student support services.
- Implemented behavior management strategies, fostering positive classroom environments.
- Conducted assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instructional methods.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
Special Education IRR Teacher
Hall County Schools
Gainesville, GA
08.2002 - 05.2003
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment to enhance student learning and participation.
- Utilized assessment tools to evaluate student progress and adapt instruction accordingly.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects promoting critical thinking skills.
Special Education Teacher (DDK and Preschool)
Orange County School System
Orlando, FL
11.1998 - 06.2001
- Developed individualized education plans to support diverse learning needs.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to enhance classroom engagement.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess student progress and adapt interventions.
- Facilitated professional development workshops for staff on special education best practices.
- Analyzed student data to refine teaching methods and improve educational outcomes.
- 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.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
University of North Georgia
05-2006
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL12-1995
Skills
- Classroom management
- Classroom organization
- Child development
- Positive reinforcement
- Parent-teacher communication
- Lesson planning
- Frog Street Curriculums
- Handwriting without Tears
- Brigance Testing
- Engaging, hands-on learning
Timeline
Special Education Preschool Teacher
Forsyth County School System/Kelly Mill ES
07.2020 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Chattahoochee Elementary School
08.2006 - 05.2020
Special Education IRR Teacher
Hall County Schools
08.2002 - 05.2003
Special Education Teacher (DDK and Preschool)
Orange County School System
11.1998 - 06.2001
Master of Science - Special Education
University of North Georgia
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Central Florida