Dawn Cruickshank
Grand Junction,CO
Summary
I have worked in the special education department in Mesa County Valley School District in a variety of jobs over the past twenty years. I have developed strong professional ties with administrators, teachers, para educators, and parents. I look forward to advancing in my career to help advocate for the success of students in special education.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Coordinator
Mesa County Valley School District 51
08.2020 - Current
- Advocated for appropriate resources and supports necessary for special education students to succeed academically and socially.
- Created a positive learning environment by establishing behavioral expectations and building strong rapport with students, families, and colleagues.
- Trained faculty members on best practices for accommodating diverse learners, fostering inclusive school culture.
- Enhanced the learning environment for special education students by implementing individualized instructional plans.
- Developed strong relationships with parents, caregivers, and outside service providers to support student progress both in school and at home.
- Organized professional development workshops focused on special education topics, increasing staff knowledge and expertise in the field.
- Coordinated the delivery of specialized services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling for eligible students.
District Behavior Analyst
Mesa County Valley School District 51
08.2015 - 05.2020
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment strategies for clients.
- Enhanced client progress by implementing individualized behavior plans and interventions.
- Communicated effectively with team members, ensuring consistency in approach and alignment of goals across all providers.
- Reduced challenging behaviors by conducting thorough assessments and creating targeted intervention plans.
District Behavior Specialist
Mesa County Valley School District 51
08.2009 - 05.2015
- Regularly reviewed and updated district policies related to student behavior, keeping in line with current best practices and legal requirements.
- Trained teachers on effective classroom management techniques, leading to improved learning environments.
- Implemented crisis prevention and intervention strategies when necessary, ensuring the safety of all students and staff.
Significant Needs Behavior Teacher
Mesa County Valley School District 51
08.2002 - 05.2009
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
Significant Needs Behavior Teacher
Mesa County Valley School District 51
08.1998 - 05.2002
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, ILBachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, ILSkills
- Team player
- Advocate for students
- Professional Development
- Behavior Monitoring
- Professional Involved at state level education
- Data driven decision making
Certification
- Initial Principal License
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Affiliations
- Board Member Colorado Discoverability
- President Colorado Division of Emotional and Behavior Health
Timeline
Special Education Coordinator
Mesa County Valley School District 51
08.2020 - Current
District Behavior Analyst
Mesa County Valley School District 51
08.2015 - 05.2020
District Behavior Specialist
Mesa County Valley School District 51
08.2009 - 05.2015
Significant Needs Behavior Teacher
Mesa County Valley School District 51
08.2002 - 05.2009
Significant Needs Behavior Teacher
Mesa County Valley School District 51
08.1998 - 05.2002
Master of Science - Special Education
Northern Illinois University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Northern Illinois University
- Initial Principal License
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst
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