Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Educator Qualifications
Timeline
Generic

Dawn Kramer

Spirit Lake,Iowa

Summary

Dedicated teacher with experience in early childhood and special education settings. Proven track record of fostering inclusive learning environments and enhancing student engagement. Skilled in developing tailored educational plans and utilizing data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes. Strong communicator and collaborator, adept at building relationships with students, families, and colleagues to support diverse learning needs.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

TK-4 Special Education Teacher, Level III/Strat II

Spirit Lake Community Schools
08.2021 - 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.
  • 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.
  • Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
  • Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
  • Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Spirit Lake Community Schools
08.2014 - 05.2021
  • Assessed student progress regularly through formative and summative assessments, adapting instruction accordingly to meet individual needs.
  • Maintained accurate records of student performance, using data analysis tools to inform ongoing instructional planning and decision making.
  • Implemented data-driven instructional practices, resulting in improved student performance on assessments and increased mastery of key concepts.
  • Increased parent involvement in the learning process by maintaining open communication and providing regular updates on student progress.
  • Coordinated with related service providers to ensure seamless delivery of supports for students requiring additional interventions or therapies.
  • Enhanced student motivation by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world examples into lesson plans.

Home Visitor/Family Support Specialist

UDMO - Head Start/Early Head Start
08.2013 - 05.2014


  • Recruited families and built positive relationships with parents in order to support parenting roles.
  • Provided crisis intervention when necessary, connecting families with appropriate supports and resources to address immediate needs.
  • Empowered parents as their child's first teacher through coaching on age-appropriate activities that foster cognitive growth.
  • Empowered parents as their child''s first teacher through coaching on age-appropriate activities that foster cognitive growth.
  • Facilitated evidence-based parenting workshops, equipping parents with the tools to foster healthy child development.
  • Supported parents in developing skills for positive discipline and behavior management.

Director/Owner/Teacher

Bright Beginnings Preschool
08.2006 - 05.2013
  • Instructed students ages 3-5 years individually and in small groups through a variety of methods.
  • Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
  • Established and enforced rules for behavior, daily routines, and procedures.
  • Established objectives for lessons, units, and projects which correlate with the Iowa Early Learning Standards and the GOLD online assessment.
  • Assessed students' development using a variety of methods, including GOLD assessment.
  • Set up the preschool classroom and planned instruction based on the Creative Curriculum.
  • Incorporated S.M.A.R.T. PreK techniques and strategies into daily preschool routines.
  • Established and maintained relationships and communication with families.
  • Created policies and procedures for the preschool program in the parent handbook.
  • Hired and supervised staff.


Education

Master of Education - Teacher Leadership

Northwestern College
Orange City, IA
12.2016

Bachelor of Science - Education

University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD
05.1994

Skills

  • Differentiated instruction
  • Classroom management
  • Individual education plans - IEPs
  • Relationship building
  • Lesson planning
  • Data management
  • Trained in CPI

Certification

  • K-6 Teacher Elementary Classroom
  • K-8 Multi-categorical Resource Mild
  • K-8 Instructional Strategist I: Mild/Moderate
  • PK-K Early Childhood Special Education
  • PK-K Teacher, Pre-Kindergarten-Kindergarten Classroom
  • K-12 Instructional Strategist II: ID

Educator Qualifications

  • S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K (Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training)
  • Creative Curriculum training
  • Every Child Reads
  • GOLD Assessment - Interrater Reliability Certification
  • Pediatric CPR and First Aid
  • IQPPS
  • Iowa Early Learning Standards
  • ECERS-R training (Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale - Revised)
  • Project Approach - Cohort II
  • National Training Institute - Addressing Challenging Behaviors (PBIS)
  • LETRS training

Timeline

TK-4 Special Education Teacher, Level III/Strat II

Spirit Lake Community Schools
08.2021 - Current

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Spirit Lake Community Schools
08.2014 - 05.2021

Home Visitor/Family Support Specialist

UDMO - Head Start/Early Head Start
08.2013 - 05.2014

Director/Owner/Teacher

Bright Beginnings Preschool
08.2006 - 05.2013

Master of Education - Teacher Leadership

Northwestern College

Bachelor of Science - Education

University of South Dakota

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