DOUGLAS SMITH
Decatur,IL
Summary
I have been a Special Education Teacher since Jan. 2013. I have loved this job, but I am looking for something different. A year ago I started volunteering and leading a support group at my church. I discovered a love of helping people in this way, I have since started my MSW at SIU. I am loving the classes and I am learning so much. My goal is once I have my MSW, I hope to acquire my LCSW certification.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
DPS 61
08.2025 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans tailored to student needs
- Implemented behavior management strategies to enhance classroom engagement
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support student development
- Assessed student progress and adapted instructional methods accordingly
- Utilized assistive technology to facilitate learning for diverse learners
- Designed and delivered differentiated lessons promoting accessible education
- Maintained accurate records of student performance and behavioral data
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- 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.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
Special Education Teacher
Maroa Forsyth High School
08.2018 - 05.2025
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet varied needs of students, enhancing educational accessibility.
Football Coach
Monticello High School/Eisenhower High School
06.2009 - 11.2022
- Developed competitive practice plans to enhance player skills and teamwork.
- Analyzed game footage to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
- Fostered positive relationships with players, promoting a supportive team environment.
- Coordinated game strategies to maximize performance against opponents.
- Mentored junior coaches, providing guidance on effective coaching techniques.
- Implemented training programs focused on physical conditioning and injury prevention.
- Evaluated player progress through regular assessments and feedback sessions.
- Motivated athletes to become stronger, more agile, and more effective through training habits and proper nutrition.
- Encouraged sportsmanship and teamwork among players both on the field and during off-field activities.
- Established strong team culture and values to promote teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship.
- Negotiated and resolved conflicts between players, parents and staff to restore order.
- Instilled discipline and principles of good sportsmanship in players.
- Collaborated with fellow coaches to exchange ideas, improve practice routines, and share resources.
- Increased player retention by cultivating strong relationships with athletes and their families through regular communication and support.
Special Education Teacher
Eisenhower High School
01.2013 - 06.2018
- Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
- Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students'' understanding of real-world applications for their skills.
- Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive educational and emotional support for students.
- Reduced feelings of isolation among students with special needs by implementing inclusive classroom practices.
- Collaborated with parents and other educators to develop comprehensive support plans, promoting student success.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Carbondale, IL05-2027
Master of Science - Special Education
Quincy University
Quincy12-2012
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Greenville College
Greenville, IL05-2006
Skills
- Compassionate
- Relationship building
- Collaborative teamwork
- Data management
- Inclusion strategies
- De-escalation techniques
- Social skills development
- Trained in CPI
- Assessment strategies
- Skills development
- Community resource referrals
- Data collection
- Excellent communication
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Organizational skills
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
DPS 61
08.2025 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Maroa Forsyth High School
08.2018 - 05.2025
Special Education Teacher
Eisenhower High School
01.2013 - 06.2018
Football Coach
Monticello High School/Eisenhower High School
06.2009 - 11.2022
Master of Science - Social Work
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Master of Science - Special Education
Quincy University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Greenville College