Dawn Kunkel
Bordentown,New Jersey
Summary
Passionate Special Education Teacher with a track record of formulating effective IEPs and behavior modification strategies. Committed to promoting self-advocacy and independence in students, driving positive classroom dynamics and improved participation.
Experienced Special Education Teacher skilled in developing individualized education plans and implementing assistive technology. Recognized for leading professional development sessions that foster collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, resulting in improved support for students with disabilities.
Dynamic educator with a strong foundation in behavior management and personalized learning. Committed to promoting self-advocacy and independence in students, driving positive behavioral changes and academic growth.
Overview
1
1
Certification
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher Autism Level 3
Trenton Board of Education
09.2013 - Current
- Formulated and launched personalized education plans supporting distinct student needs.
- Designed captivating lesson plans that support curriculum standards and facilitate learning objectives.
- Utilized data from student assessments to tailor instruction, resulting in more effective learning outcomes.
- Developed and executed behavioral intervention plans, leading to decrease in disruptive behaviors and increase in classroom participation.
- Improved reading comprehension among students with learning disabilities by designing and delivering targeted literacy activities and assistive technology.
- Organized and led professional development sessions for colleagues in my district on inclusive education strategies, improving school-wide support for students with disabilities.
- Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.
- Worked alongside multidisciplinary groups to analyze student progress and adjust instructional methods.
- Mentored and instructed new teachers in proven methods for enhancing support for students with disabilities.
- Chaired School Leadership Committee to review teacher concerns and issues to implement necessary changes schoolwide.
- Organized annual Sensory Day to immerse all students in unique educational experiences
- Executed annual autism awareness month breakfast for families, creating relaxed atmosphere of enjoyment and nourishment.
Teacher for Adjudicated Juveniles
New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission
01.2003 - 06.2012
- Developed individualized education plans to meet diverse student needs and promote academic growth.
- Implemented behavioral management strategies to foster a positive learning environment and enhance student engagement.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess student progress and adjust instructional methods accordingly.
- Designed and delivered curriculum aligned with state standards, ensuring relevance and rigor in lesson plans.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education, Language And Literacy
The College of New Jersey
Ewing, NJ05-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Speech Communication
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Shippensburg, PA05-1996
Skills
- Differentiated Instruction for Multiple Grade Levels
- IEPs (Individual Education Plans)
- Whole/Small Group & Individual Instruction
- De-escalation Techniques
- Special Education Autism Level 3
- BIPs (Behavior Intervention Plans)
- Daily & Extensive Parent Communications
- Experience Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
- Assistive Technology (AAC/Communication Boards)
- Proven Track Record for Student Promotion to the LRE (Least Restrictive Environment)
- Behavior Modification for Challenging Behaviors
Certification
- K-8 Elementary Education
- 5-8 English Endorsement
- Remedial Instruction in Reading & Mathematics
- Special Education
- K-12 English (pending paperwork approval DOE NJ)
Timeline
Special Education Teacher Autism Level 3
Trenton Board of Education
09.2013 - Current
Teacher for Adjudicated Juveniles
New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission
01.2003 - 06.2012
Master of Arts - Special Education, Language And Literacy
The College of New Jersey
Bachelor of Arts - Speech Communication
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania