Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Debra Halstead

DONAHUE

Summary

Dynamic Special Education Teacher with a proven track record at Black Hawk Area Sp Ed Phoenix Program, skilled in developing individualized education plans and fostering strong relationships with students and families. Expertise in differentiated instruction and collaborative teamwork enhances student engagement and success in diverse learning environments.

Experienced with developing and implementing individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs. Utilizes effective behavior management techniques to create positive and inclusive classroom environment. Track record of collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support student success and development.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience

Work History

Special Education Teacher

Black Hawk Area Sp Ed Phoenix Program
08.2023 - Current
  • Developed individualized education plans to address diverse student needs and learning goals.
  • Implemented behavioral management strategies to enhance classroom environment and student engagement.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess student progress and adapt instructional methods.

Special Education Teacher

Rock Island SD 41 Thurgood Marshall Learning Center
08.2021 - 05.2023
  • Utilized assistive technology tools to support students' learning and communication skills.
  • Conducted regular assessments to monitor student performance and adjust teaching techniques accordingly.
  • Provided training and resources for staff on best practices in special education instruction.
  • Fostered positive relationships with families to ensure support for students' educational journeys.

Paraprofessional

Rock Island-Milan School District 41
08.2013 - 05.2019
  • Assisted teachers in developing and implementing individualized education plans for students.
  • Collaborated with teachers to create engaging educational materials and resources.
  • Supported classroom management by fostering a positive learning environment for diverse learners.
  • Facilitated small group instruction to enhance student understanding of core subjects.
  • Collaborated with special education staff to monitor student progress and adapt learning strategies.
  • Maintained accurate records of student performance, attendance, and behavioral incidents.
  • Organized educational materials and resources to support lesson plans and classroom activities.
  • Directed after school drama club
  • Directed 7 musicals created stage, props, taught music, and dance.
  • Took drama club to elementary school to perform skits. drama club chosen to perform for the Illinois Board of education Workshop for teachers.
  • Created an environment of artistic expression as a calming tool. painted murals through-out the school.
  • Directed and wrote a musical called " Becoming the Dream"

a travel through the history to present.

community members, community thespians, and students participated and performed for community and students and families.

Language Arts Teacher

Carbon Cliff Barstow SD 36 Eagle Ridge
08.2004 - 05.2005
  • Developed engaging lesson plans that aligned with curriculum standards and fostered student interest in literature.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities within the classroom.
  • Evaluated student progress through formative assessments, providing timely feedback to enhance learning outcomes.
  • Organized and facilitated literature circles, promoting collaborative discussions and critical thinking among students.

Art Teacher

Silvis SD34 Northeast Jr High School
08.1990 - 06.2003
  • Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
  • Fostered a creative environment, encouraging student expression through various artistic mediums.
  • Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a positive learning atmosphere.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to integrate art across interdisciplinary subjects and projects.
  • Created a Theater Group " PIZASS" wrote and performed skits and plays for anti- bullying , anti- drugs had 25 students
  • Taught an after-school art program
  • Mentored students in artistic techniques, enhancing skills and confidence in their abilities.
  • Organized school-wide art exhibitions showcasing student work to promote community involvement. entered students art work and festival of trees for 7 years received many awards.
  • Assessed student progress and provided constructive feedback to support artistic growth.

Education

Associate of Science - Learning Behavioral Specialist 1

Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL
08-2016

Bachelor of Science - Education Elementary/ Middle School Teacher

Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL
05-1990

Skills

  • Differentiated instruction
  • Classroom management
  • Individual education plans IEPS
  • Small group instruction
  • Relationship building
  • Co-teaching experience
  • Collaborative teamwork
  • Lesson planning

Timeline

Special Education Teacher

Black Hawk Area Sp Ed Phoenix Program
08.2023 - Current

Special Education Teacher

Rock Island SD 41 Thurgood Marshall Learning Center
08.2021 - 05.2023

Paraprofessional

Rock Island-Milan School District 41
08.2013 - 05.2019

Language Arts Teacher

Carbon Cliff Barstow SD 36 Eagle Ridge
08.2004 - 05.2005

Art Teacher

Silvis SD34 Northeast Jr High School
08.1990 - 06.2003

Associate of Science - Learning Behavioral Specialist 1

Western Illinois University

Bachelor of Science - Education Elementary/ Middle School Teacher

Western Illinois University