Donisha Dunlap
Chicago,USA
Summary
Newly licensed and highly motivated educator with hands-on classroom experience supporting diverse learners in inclusive and special education settings. Skilled in implementing structured teaching strategies, differentiated instruction, and student-centered supports aligned with IEP goals. Committed to building positive relationships and fostering a safe, supportive learning environment for all students.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher Assistant
William H.Ryders Science Specialty Elementary School
01.2024 - Current
- Supported students with mild to severe disabilities in inclusive and self-contained classrooms.
- Assisted lead teacher in delivering differentiated instruction and implementing IEP goals.
- Provided 1:1 and small group academic and behavioral support.
- Utilized strategies such as visual supports, token economies, and assistive technology.
- Monitored student progress and maintained detailed documentation.
- Collaborated with teachers, therapists, and parents to support student success.
- Assisted with classroom management and adapted materials to student needs.
Student Teacher-Special Education
William H.Ryders Science Specialty Elementary School
06.2024 - 05.2025
- Developed and taught lessons aligned with IEP goals for students with various disabilities.
- Conducted assessments and contributed to IEP meetings and documentation.
- Implemented behavior intervention plans (BIPs) under supervision.
- Fostered a supportive classroom culture emphasizing student strengths and independence.
- Used data-driven practices to adjust instruction and behavior supports.
- Worked collaboratively with general education teachers to support inclusion.
Master Scheduler
Christian Fenger Academy High School
08.2021 - 01.2024
- Developed and maintained schedules for 300 staff & students.
- Supports students with graduation requirements through academic advising around class schedule 9th-12th grade.
- Collaborates with school counselor to input students’ transcripts for students in grades 9th-12th.
- Create and apply logistics & Statistics for scheduling students & staff.
Records Coordinator
Christian Fenger Academy High School
08.2021 - 01.2024
- Administrative and clerical work.
- Maintain the filing system of the central records.
- Monitor, post, and process university forms for personnel and budgetary actions.
- Maintain an organized central filing system with birth certificate social Security cards, SAT scores, grades and Parent information.
Counselor Assistant
Christian Fenger Academy High School
02.2021 - 01.2024
- Work with the high school guidance counselor for students on academic and social development issues.
- Help school guidance counselors with administrative tasks such as organizing student files and paperwork, setting up appointments with students and family members, contacting community resources for students and their families.
- Organizing information and materials for group testing, registering new students, transferring students to different classrooms, and taking notes during student and family meetings.
Social Distancing Ambassador Program Supervisor
Employer Employee Services
03.2020 - 02.2021
- Supervised staff of 6-8 to work with families to assess needs, establish short/long-term goals; prepared action plans for self-sufficiency, and monitored until completion.
- Developed jobs by working with internal Business Representatives and performing community outreach to build partnerships.
- Facilitated life-skills workshops including resume writing, and coaching to prep clients for interviews and job retention.
- Screened clients for job opportunity and referred to employers based on qualifications; provided resources to assist clients in obtaining proper interviewing attire.
- Participated in weekly, virtual, job fairs and hiring events to target employers for jobs, and remain abreast of marketing trends.
- Followed up with employers via cold calling, emails, LinkedIn or other mode of communication to determine needs for candidates.
Business Marketing Assistant
Farmers Insurance
08.2019 - 02.2020
- Answered policy holders’ questions and concerns regarding insurance claims.
- Sold a variety of insurance products to businesses and individuals, achieving a 30% success rate in sales and extra coverage.
- Sold 30% auto, homeowner’s, and life insurance to new customers; upgraded policies for established customers.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
Chicago State University
Chicago, Illinois01.2025
Bachelors of Science - Business Management
Chicago State University
Chicago, Illinois07.2022
Associates of Science - Business Management
North Western Business College
Bridgeview, Illinois07.2017
Skills
- Teaching and instruction
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Classroom management strategies
- Relationship building skills
- Behavioral plan management
- Classroom organization
Certification
- Substitute Teaching License
- Special Education Credential
- Safety-Care Training
- First Aid & CPR Certified
- ESL Endorsement-Current
Timeline
Student Teacher-Special Education
William H.Ryders Science Specialty Elementary School
06.2024 - 05.2025
Special Education Teacher Assistant
William H.Ryders Science Specialty Elementary School
01.2024 - Current
Master Scheduler
Christian Fenger Academy High School
08.2021 - 01.2024
Records Coordinator
Christian Fenger Academy High School
08.2021 - 01.2024
Counselor Assistant
Christian Fenger Academy High School
02.2021 - 01.2024
Social Distancing Ambassador Program Supervisor
Employer Employee Services
03.2020 - 02.2021
Business Marketing Assistant
Farmers Insurance
08.2019 - 02.2020
Bachelors of Science - Business Management
Chicago State University
Associates of Science - Business Management
North Western Business College
Master of Science - Special Education
Chicago State University
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