Donovan Berger
Springfield,PA
Summary
Special Education Department Chair with strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Skilled in curriculum development, individualized education plans, and inclusive classroom strategies. Known for adaptability to changing needs and reliable performance. Respected for fostering supportive and effective learning environment. Provided support and mentorship to new and established educators.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Department Chair
Upper Darby School District
10.2023 - Current
- Improved classroom management by consistently implementing behavioral strategies and interventions.
- Mentored new special education teachers, providing guidance on best practices and classroom management techniques.
- Contributed to school-wide initiatives that supported a positive culture of learning for all students.
- Championed an inclusive school culture by advocating for the needs of special education students during administrative discussions.
- Continuously refined instructional approaches, staying current with best practices in special education through ongoing professional development.
- Enhanced individualized learning by developing and implementing tailored IEPs for each student.
- Streamlined processes for IEP development, ensuring timely completion and compliance with state regulations.
- Collaborated closely with other department chairs to establish interdisciplinary connections in curriculum planning.
- Increased parent involvement through effective communication and collaboration on student progress.
- Strengthened team cohesion among special education teachers, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Optimized data collection methods to track student progress more accurately and inform instructional decisions.
Itinerant Learning Support Teacher
Drexel Hill Middle School
04.2018 - 06.2024
- Developed and piloted program providing itinerant and supplemental levels of support for students on the Autism Spectrum
- Implement System 44, Read 180, HMH and SOAR intervention/support curriculums
- Provide push in and small group learning support
- Utilize IEP writer, IEP plus and PowerSchool IEP writing programs
- Write up re-evaluations and functional behavioral assessments
- Utilize Canvas and Schoology platforms
- Facilitate Speak Up program
- Mentor to new and incoming teachers
- Teach during Extended School Year (ESY)
- Facilitate COVID compensatory services
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop curriculum aligned with state standards, ensuring consistency across grade levels.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
Child Care Coach
Kidz Klub
08.2014 - 01.2020
- Provide care for students 3 months-12 years
- Assisted in running summer camp for children ages 3-6
Long Term Substitute/Building Substitute
Springfield School District
10.2016 - 04.2018
- Communications Teacher
- Itinerant Learning Support Teacher (Math)
- 7th Grade Science Teacher
4th Grade Behavioral and Emotional Support Teacher
Camelot Academy KAPS
08.2015 - 06.2016
- Implemented Wilson Foundation Language Program and Touch Math interventions
- Administered DIBELS, DIGITS Assessments and PSSA
Kindergarten Behavioral and Emotional Support Teacher
Camelot Academy KAPS
08.2014 - 06.2015
Elementary Student Teaching Placement
Upper Darby School District: Hillcrest Elementary School
01.2014 - 05.2014
- 4th grade
Special Education Student Teaching Placement
Upper Darby School District: Hillcrest Elementary School
01.2014 - 05.2014
- 1st-3rd grades
Special Education Preschool Field Experience
Chester County Intermediate Unit
09.2013 - 12.2013
- Ages 3-5
Child Care Coach
Goddard School
01.2013 - 08.2013
- Provide care for students 3 months-6 years
- Implemented lesson plans and supervised field trips for students
Reading Practicum Field Experience
Culbertson Elementary School: Marple Newtown School District
01.2013 - 05.2013
- 2nd Grade
Preschool Learning Environment Field Experience
Goddard School: West Goshen, PA
09.2012 - 12.2012
- Ages 3-5
Special Education Behavior Management Field Experience
Timothy School: Downingtown, PA
09.2012 - 12.2012
- Facilitated the development of motor skills in students with Autism through Physical Education
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
American College of Education
Indianapolis, IN11-2022
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
West Chester University
01.2014
Skills
- Collaborative leadership
- Inclusive education
- Data-driven decision making
- Legal compliance
- Individualized education programs
- Transition planning
- Adaptive learning
- Social-emotional learning
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Problem-solving abilities
Certification
- Pennsylvania Preschool-4th Grade Teaching Certification, 05/14
- Pennsylvania Preschool-8th Grade Special Education Teaching Certification, 05/14
Awards
Teacher of the Year: Camelot Academy KAPS, 06/16
Timeline
Special Education Department Chair
Upper Darby School District
10.2023 - Current
Itinerant Learning Support Teacher
Drexel Hill Middle School
04.2018 - 06.2024
Long Term Substitute/Building Substitute
Springfield School District
10.2016 - 04.2018
4th Grade Behavioral and Emotional Support Teacher
Camelot Academy KAPS
08.2015 - 06.2016
Child Care Coach
Kidz Klub
08.2014 - 01.2020
Kindergarten Behavioral and Emotional Support Teacher
Camelot Academy KAPS
08.2014 - 06.2015
Elementary Student Teaching Placement
Upper Darby School District: Hillcrest Elementary School
01.2014 - 05.2014
Special Education Student Teaching Placement
Upper Darby School District: Hillcrest Elementary School
01.2014 - 05.2014
Special Education Preschool Field Experience
Chester County Intermediate Unit
09.2013 - 12.2013
Child Care Coach
Goddard School
01.2013 - 08.2013
Reading Practicum Field Experience
Culbertson Elementary School: Marple Newtown School District
01.2013 - 05.2013
Preschool Learning Environment Field Experience
Goddard School: West Goshen, PA
09.2012 - 12.2012
Special Education Behavior Management Field Experience
Timothy School: Downingtown, PA
09.2012 - 12.2012
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
West Chester University
Master of Science - Special Education
American College of Education
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