Dru Kwapick-Engen
Duluth,MN
Summary
Dynamic educator with extensive experience special education, focusing on curriculum development and adaptive teaching strategies. Successfully improved student engagement and learning outcomes through individualized education plans, collaboration with families, and targeted instructional methods, ensuring a positive impact on diverse learners.
Overview
1
1
Certification
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Duluth Edison Charter schools
Duluth, Minnesota
09.2013 - 06.2026
- Developed individualized education plans for diverse learning needs.
- Implemented adaptive teaching strategies to support varying learning styles.
- Conducted assessments to monitor student progress and inform instruction.
- Facilitated inclusive classroom activities promoting social interaction and teamwork.
- Collaborated with parents to enhance student development and engagement.
- Facilitated teamwork between special education and general education teachers to support student diversity. through collaboration with general education teachers.
- Provided direct instruction in the areas of academics, communication, behavior management, and social and emotional development.
- Worked closely with therapists such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists.
- Trained paraprofessionals to enhance their teaching skills and support student learning. in providing effective instruction to special needs students.
- Implemented behavior intervention strategies designed by behavior specialists.
- Developed and maintained individualized skill-appropriate lesson plans to promote and build student confidence.
- Assisted with classroom observations to identify developmental delays and behavioral issues.
- Planned and supervised experiential learning activities through class projects, field trips and demonstrations.
- Presented information in audio-visual and interactive formats using computers, televisions, audio-visual aids and other technologies.
Director/Teacher
Lake Superior Lutheran Preschool
Duluth, USA
08.2009 - 08.2013
- Developed curriculum to enhance early childhood education programs.
- Supervised and trained teachers to ensure quality instruction and care.
- Managed daily operations of preschool activities and staff schedules.
- Established partnerships with families to promote community involvement.
- Implemented safety protocols to maintain a secure learning environment.
- Coordinated events and activities to engage students and families.
- Developed policies and procedures to ensure compliance with corporate standards.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to set long-term objectives for the company.
- Managed budgeting and financial planning processes for the organization.
- Cultivated strong relationships with customers by responding promptly to inquiries or complaints.
Owner/Teacher/Director
Cornerstone Preschool & Child Care Center, Ltd.
Duluth, USA
07.2000 - 09.2008
- Developed engaging curriculum for diverse age groups.
- Directed daily operations of preschool and child care center activities.
- Managed staff recruitment, training, and performance evaluations.
- Implemented policies to enhance child development and learning experiences.
- Ensured compliance with state licensing and safety regulations.
- Fostered relationships with parents through regular communication and meetings.
- Oversaw budgeting and resource allocation for center needs.
- Guided employees on daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Identified new opportunities for growth, expansion, and diversification.
Education
BAS - Elementary Education, Native American Studies
University of MN
Duluth, MNSome College (No Degree) -
University of WI
StoutSkills
- IEP development
- Curriculum development
- Assessment administration
- Classroom assessments
- Differentiated instruction
- Instructional strategies
- Adaptive strategies
- Behavioral interventions
- Engagement techniques
- Early intervention
- Assistive technology
- Family collaboration
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Teamwork and cooperation
- Mentorship
- Leadership development
- Conflict resolution
Other Valuable Experiences
- Setup and used Quickbooks Pro to manage a business and a non-profit organization.
- Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Publisher to creating reports, spreadsheets, advertising, charts, and many other useful files.
- Introduced to SmartBoard technology, and pursuing additional training.
- Experience with Kidspiration and KidPic.
- Completed CPR and First Aid training in 12/01/12.
Professional Organizations And Awards
- Duluth Association for the Education of Young Children (DAEYC), 01/01/96, 01/01/10, President (twice), Vice-president, Treasurer, A local membership organization that provides trainings and networking for early childhood professionals in the Twin Ports area., Received the Founders Award for leadership in the local early childhood field in 2002.
- Minnesota Education for the Education of Young Children, 06/01/04, 05/01/08, A state wide membership organization that provides trainings, creates resources and advocates for early childhood professionals at national, state and local levels., Elected for 2- two year terms by the Arrowhead region.
Professional Accomplishments
Manage students individual Education Plans (IEP), writing, working with the IEP team (teachers, parents, administration and other service providers), Designed and implemented developmentally appropriate curriculum for children 16 months to 12 years., Taught lessons to children ages 16 months to 12 years., Set up environments and learning centers that encourage children to learn through exploration and interaction., Worked with a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher supervising high students while teaching them about child development and being a teacher., Worked with teachers in many grades on a regular basis assisting in the classrooms., Assisted with providing enrichment activities and remedial activities for students., Served 4 years on state board for Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children (MNAEYC)., Elected board member for Duluth Association for the Education of the Young Children (DAEYC) as President, Vice-president and Treasurer. As well as an active member for more than 13 years., Collaborated on committee in charge of meeting national standards for DAEYC to be an official chapter of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)., Organized professional trainings and collaborated to host conferences for early childhood professionals.
Certification
- Certificate of completion - LETTRS
Timeline
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Duluth Edison Charter schools
09.2013 - 06.2026
Director/Teacher
Lake Superior Lutheran Preschool
08.2009 - 08.2013
Owner/Teacher/Director
Cornerstone Preschool & Child Care Center, Ltd.
07.2000 - 09.2008
BAS - Elementary Education, Native American Studies
University of MN
Some College (No Degree) -
University of WI