Dion Gaston
Lincoln
Summary
Accomplished Special Education Teacher at Lincoln Northwest High School, adept in crafting Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and employing differentiated instruction to enhance student learning. Demonstrated success in fostering academic growth and building strong relationships, leveraging collaborative teamwork and progress monitoring to achieve notable improvements in student outcomes.
In addition, I am a resilient Special Education Teacher familiar with challenges associated with teaching special needs children. Remains positive under times of stress or conflict. Works well with classroom teachers to develop accommodations and special techniques for mainstream classroom inclusion.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Educaton Teacher
Lincoln Northwest High School
08.2023 - 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.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- 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.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
Driver's Education Instructor
Southeast Community College
11.2019 - Current
- Evaluated student performance and documented progress and goals.
- Offered timely commands to assist student driver in steering or braking to avoid accidents.
- Administered driver education course and knowledge test to assist students with earning learner's permits.
- Designed routes and set practice skills to challenge student drivers and build behind-the-wheel confidence.
- Online Instructor
- Drive-Lab Instructor
- Verified proper use of safety restraints by vehicle occupants to comply with Nebraska law.
- In-Person Lecture Instructor
- Participated in trainings, meetings and seminars to expand knowledge and optimize instruction.
- Moved vehicle to assigned location and checked and inspected vehicle components to maximize safety.
- Scheduled appointments with students for driving lessons.
- Supported student drivers in hands-on road training.
- Made driving test appointments for each student and communicated with DMV staff.
- Observed and evaluated students' work to determine progress, provide feedback, and make suggestions for improvement.
- Presented lectures and conducted discussions to increase students' knowledge and competence using visual aids such as graphs, charts and slides.
- Connected instruction to real-world experiences and to students' post-secondary goals.
- Provided instructional handouts, texts, audiovisual aids and other materials to facilitate learning.
Associate Teacher Special Education
Yankee Hill Ed. Center/Student Support Program
08.2022 - 07.2023
- Managed small groups of students during specialized instruction periods focused on targeted skill development areas such as reading or math remediation.
- Monitored student progress through ongoing assessments and adjusted instructional strategies accordingly for optimal results.
- Participated in regular meetings with parents, therapists, and school administrators to discuss student progress and develop appropriate interventions.
- Facilitated after-school tutoring sessions for struggling students needing additional support in core subjects.
- Co-taught Math and Science
- Improved students'' social skills by incorporating group activities and peer interactions into daily routines.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, behavior incidents, and IEP modifications in compliance with school and legal requirements.
- Implemented hands-on learning experiences that connected real-world situations to academic concepts, promoting deeper understanding among students.
- Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Provided life skills programming for students with moderate to severe autism.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing differentiated instruction techniques tailored to individual needs.
- Provided one-on-one support to students during instructional periods, addressing specific academic challenges and promoting understanding of complex concepts.
- Supported students with various disabilities, including autism, ADHD, and learning differences, ensuring their unique needs were met.
- Developed strong relationships with families, fostering open communication channels and collaborating on educational goals for each child.
Student Advocate
Yankee Hill Education Center
08.2021 - 07.2022
- Supported diverse learners by creating inclusive learning environments that accommodated various learning styles and abilities.
- Collaborated with teachers to implement accommodations for students with special needs, ensuring equal access to educational opportunities.
- Connected students with appropriate resources by maintaining a comprehensive database of available services and supports within the community.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in education advocacy and better serve the needs of all students under my care.
- Increased graduation rates through proactive monitoring of at-risk students and targeted interventions.
- Reduced disciplinary incidents through implementation of restorative justice practices and conflict resolution strategies in collaboration with school staff.
- Created safe spaces for open dialogue among students, fostering a sense of belonging for all individuals within the school community.
- Promoted positive school culture by addressing individual student needs and collaborating with faculty members.
- Provided timely intervention for struggling students through early identification of academic issues and development of personalized action plans.
- Served as a liaison between families and school staff, facilitating open communication about student progress, expectations, and concerns.
- Improved student retention rates by providing one-on-one guidance and assistance in navigating academic challenges.
- Coordinated with school counselors and administrators to identify at-risk students and develop tailored strategies for academic success.
- Enhanced student support by developing and implementing comprehensive advocacy programs.
- Worked effectively with fellow team members to coordinate effective solutions to any question or concern.
- Delivered friendly service and offered expert support in every interaction.
- Greeted and welcomed new patients, assisting with orientation of programming schedule and rules.
- Supported individuals with legal, physical, or mental health concerns in dealing with routine needs and complex problems.
- Worked with individuals to help understand and overcome personal, social or behavioral problems affecting educational or vocational situations.
- Delivered supportive and knowledgeable counseling to students with academic or personal concerns.
- Advised students on educational, career and social opportunities.
- Provided resources to support students in achieving career goals.
- Advocated for students to access available resources.
- Empowered students through counseling and skill-building exercises.
- Assisted students in exploring and selecting career paths.
- Analyzed student academic records to assess educational and career goals.
- Collaborated with parents, school faculty and social workers to address problems and grow student success.
- Collaborated with parents and teachers to help students reach potential.
- Developed and implemented student guidance plans to foster academic success.
- Used standardized assessments to evaluate abilities, interests and characteristics of different students.
Student Support Technician
Schoo Middle School
08.2019 - 07.2021
- Maintained a safe work environment by strictly adhering to established safety protocols and guidelines.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory standards and safety requirements.
- Enhanced student support by promptly addressing individual needs and providing tailored assistance.
- Increased student retention rates by implementing effective student support services and resources.
- Coordinated schedules and resources for efficient tutor allocation, maximizing student support.
- Enhanced student support by developing and implementing tailored intervention strategies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive student support, fostering a cohesive educational environment.
- Enhanced student support services by implementing comprehensive academic plans and interventions.
- Enhanced student support services by implementing targeted intervention strategies and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
- Served as liaison between general education teachers and special education staff to facilitate collaboration on student support plans.
- Served as a liaison between general education teachers and Special Education staff members, facilitating collaboration for optimal student support.
- Participated in department meetings alongside faculty members, providing input on matters concerning curriculum development and student support services.
- Improved parent-teacher collaboration for better student support through regular meetings, updates, and workshops.
- Enhanced student support services by implementing proactive strategies and interventions.
- Established effective communication channels with parents, leading to improved parent-teacher relationships and student support.
- Built strong relationships with parents and guardians through frequent communication, enhancing student support at home.
- Actively participated in departmental meetings, collaborating with colleagues to identify and address areas for improvement in the curriculum and student support services.
- Built strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication for optimal student support.
- Enhanced student support by delivering one-on-one and small group assistance in various subjects.
- Served as active member of student support team.
- Fostered strong working relationships with colleagues to promote collaboration and enhance overall student support services.
- Delivered informative presentations to school staff on the importance of student support services in enhancing academic achievement.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive special education services, enhancing student support.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings, sharing insights from psychological evaluations to inform decision-making processes related to student support services.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, and parents for the development of individualized student support plans.
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Lincoln Public Schools
01.2019 - 05.2019
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, implementing clear expectations and consistent consequences for all students.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Took over class for regular classroom teacher, managing assignments, student needs, and recordkeeping.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
- Kept accurate and current attendance records and assignment sheets to maintain file compliance.
- Followed lesson plans designed by absent teachers.
- Enforced school and class rules to maintain order in classroom.
- Implemented classroom management techniques to maintain positive learning environment.
- Assisted students in mastering subject material and preparing for tests.
- Monitored student behavior and administered discipline as needed.
Education Specialist
Unversity Of Nebraska - Lincoln
12.2003 - 03.2019
- Target School Districts: Winnebago Public Schools, Lyons-Decatur Public Schools, Norfolk Public Schools, Madison Public Schools, Lincoln Public Schools.
- Strengthen and assisted in the rates at which program participants enrolled and graduated from post-secondary institutions.
- Facilitated and assisted in researching and selecting post-secondary institutions.
- Counseled program participants with financial aid (FAFSA) planning.
- Provided scholarships and fellowships information.
- Recruited and retained eligible first-generation and/or low-income participants.
- Preparation for college entrance exams (ACT/SAT).
- Planned, organized, and oversaw academic year and summer enrichment programs.
- Provided academic and career support for first-generation and/or low-income pre-college students.
- Selected and supervised a summer staff comprised of two faculty, ten instructors, two interns, two practicum students, and four volunteers.
- Managed and evaluated an academic school year staff of one faculty, twelve tutors, four interns, three student-workers, four practicum students, and five volunteers
- Empowered and enriched parents, families, and community members about program successes, goals, resources, and outcomes.
- Established and coordinated cultural enrichment programs.
- Endorsed program outcomes and successes through media outlets, newsletters, and community focus meetings.
- Assessed individual student needs to create lesson plans addressing academic strengths and interests of students, while fostering development, and growth.
- Met with parents and guardians to assist in understanding and supporting educational objectives, learning expectations and behavior standards.
- Increased parent involvement through regular communication about student progress and collaborative goal-setting for academic success.
- Enhanced students'' critical thinking skills by integrating problem-solving tasks and real-world applications into lessons.
- Organized field trips and guest speakers to enrich learning experiences beyond the classroom setting.
- Reviewed teacher performance and suggested improvements.
- Developed teacher hiring and training program to inspire teachers and maintain performance levels.
- Evaluated student work using formative assessments and provided constructive feedback, promoting continuous improvement in academic performance.
- Led after-school tutoring sessions for struggling students, providing targeted support to improve their understanding of course material.
- Restructured day-to-day schedules based on modern knowledge of student performance.
- Implemented student assessment and evaluation processes, aiding program success.
- Developed community education programming events and other activities designed to increase and improve educational outcomes.
- Liaised between faculty, staff and administrators to coordinate educational program delivery.
- Planned, formulated and assessed goals, policies, and activities designed to implement educational objectives and performance standards.
- Built relationships with external stakeholders, community organizations and donors to increase program scope.
- Monitored expenditures to remain within budgets and improve forecasting accuracy.
- Tracked educational program progress to identify strengths and opportunities.
- Identified methods and tools to promote student success in project-based learning.
- Supported staff recruitment initiatives for high-quality program delivery.
- Spearheaded outreach activities with local businesses to expand educational opportunities and promote volunteer and job shadowing programs and services.
- Attended professional educational and developmental meetings to support accreditation and grant writing.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
- Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
- Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Improved students' analytical skills by introducing state-of-the-art computer program technologies.
- Implemented reading, math, science, foreign language, and writing workshops to increase student literacy and support school reading programs.
- Designed detailed learning plans for struggling students based on test, homework and assignment records.
Education
Associate of Arts - Transfer Program
Moorpark College
Moorpark, CABachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Wayne State College
Wayne, NEMaster of Arts - Education Administration
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Lincoln, NEEndorsement - Initial Teacher Certification - Special Education (7-12)
Universty of Nebraska - Lincoln
Lincoln, NE12.2023
Skills
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Behavior Intervention Plans
- Functional Behavior Assessment
- Differentiated Instruction
- Inclusion Strategies
- Small Group Instruction
- Relationship Building
- Co-teaching Experience
- Lesson Planning
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Motivating students
- Progress Monitoring
Certification
Nebraska Educator's Certificate/Permit
Initial Teaching Certificate - Special Education Generalist (7-12)
Issue Date: 4/4/24
Expiration Date: 8/31/29
Traffic Safety & Licensing
Driver Education Instructor Certification
Issue Date: 10/1/19
Expiration Date: NA
Timeline
Special Educaton Teacher
Lincoln Northwest High School
08.2023 - Current
Associate Teacher Special Education
Yankee Hill Ed. Center/Student Support Program
08.2022 - 07.2023
Student Advocate
Yankee Hill Education Center
08.2021 - 07.2022
Driver's Education Instructor
Southeast Community College
11.2019 - Current
Student Support Technician
Schoo Middle School
08.2019 - 07.2021
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Lincoln Public Schools
01.2019 - 05.2019
Education Specialist
Unversity Of Nebraska - Lincoln
12.2003 - 03.2019
Associate of Arts - Transfer Program
Moorpark College
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Wayne State College
Master of Arts - Education Administration
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Endorsement - Initial Teacher Certification - Special Education (7-12)
Universty of Nebraska - Lincoln
Nebraska Educator's Certificate/Permit
Initial Teaching Certificate - Special Education Generalist (7-12)
Issue Date: 4/4/24
Expiration Date: 8/31/29
Traffic Safety & Licensing
Driver Education Instructor Certification
Issue Date: 10/1/19
Expiration Date: NA
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