- Volunteering with youth sports programs as a soccer and basketball coach
- I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community
- Youth mentor, providing guidance and support to empower the next generation of leaders
- Volunteering for community initiatives to give back to local communities and make a positive impact
- I participate in various sports activities for physical activity, camaraderie, and personal growth
- Playing Sports
- Exercising
Dustin Keesler
Walton
Summary
Special Education Teacher at Downsville Central School with a proven track record in developing individualized education plans and fostering strong relationships with students and parents. Expert in differentiated instruction and classroom management, successfully enhancing student engagement and academic achievement through collaborative teamwork and innovative instructional strategies.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Downsville Central School
09.2023 - 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.
- 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.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- 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.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Reduced feelings of isolation among students with special needs by implementing inclusive classroom practices.
- Fostered positive learning environment, reducing classroom disruptions through effective behavior management strategies.
- Guided students through transition planning processes, preparing them for post-secondary education and employment opportunities.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet varied needs of students, enhancing educational accessibility.
- Collaborated with parents and other educators to develop comprehensive support plans, promoting student success.
- Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
Soccer Coach
Downsville Central School
08.2013 - Current
- Fostered a safe, positive environment for players to grow both athletically and personally through mentoring efforts.
- Promoted love of game by assisting players with understanding positioning, play techniques, and teamwork strategies.
- Adopted soccer strategies and tactics to maximize team potential.
- Maintained player safety through careful practice and game supervision.
- Engaged parents, players and staff to maintain open, constructive communications.
- Built positive, productive training environments fostering team unity and camaraderie.
- Increased player skills development by focusing on individual strengths and weaknesses through targeted drills.
- Promoted sportsmanship values among players by emphasizing respect for opponents, officials, teammates, coaches, and themselves throughout each season.
- Developed and led age- and ability-appropriate soccer training drills.
- Expanded the soccer program''s reach in the community by organizing outreach events and clinics for potential players and their families.
- Achieved consistent winning records with tactical game plans tailored to each opponent''s style of play.
Mathematics Teacher
Downsville Central School
01.2020 - 06.2023
- Collaborated with fellow math teachers on curriculum development, resulting in a more cohesive and comprehensive program.
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Provided meaningful math instruction to improve math skills of children.
- Established a positive learning environment by enforcing consistent discipline and using effective classroom management techniques.
- Improved students'' problem-solving abilities by incorporating real-life applications into mathematical concepts.
- Assessed submitted class assignments, determined grades, and reviewed work with struggling students to boost success chance.
- Encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving to help students develop mathematical reasoning.
- Attended teacher conferences and workshops to stay abreast of new developments in math education.
- Mentored students on individual basis to help develop math skills.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through interactive and collaborative activities, contributing to improved student outcomes.
- Provided additional support for students with special needs and learning disabilities.
- Kept classroom environments consistent and focused on learning by establishing and enforcing clear objectives.
- Increased parent involvement through consistent communication and involvement in school events, strengthening the home-school connection.
- Advocated for inclusion of advanced mathematical topics in curriculum, preparing students for higher education challenges.
- Initiated after-school tutoring sessions for students needing extra help, significantly improving their mathematical abilities.
- Planned and delivered engaging mathematics lessons that catered to various learning styles and abilities.
- Maintained lesson flexibility to adapt to student progress and information retention.
Basketball Coach
Downsville Central School
11.2014 - 02.2021
- Promoted sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect among players both on and off the court.
- Enhanced player skills through personalized coaching and feedback.
- Promoted good sportsmanship with competing teams on- and off-field.
- Created opportunities for players to develop leadership skills through team captain roles or mentoring younger teammates.
- Built strong, cohesive teams by fostering a positive and supportive environment.
- Adjusted coaching style according to each athlete''s learning style to maximize potential improvement.
- Developed strong relationships with athletes'' parents to encourage open communication and collaboration regarding player development.
Education
Master of Arts - Master of Arts, K-6 Mathematics Education
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT01-2024
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans ieps
- Small group instruction
- Co-teaching experience
- Relationship building
- Lesson planning
- Collaborative teamwork
- Inclusion strategies
- Parent communication
- Motivating students
- Instructional strategies
- De-escalation techniques
- Special education
Certification
First Aid & CPR certified as of September 2024
DASA training
Mandatory Reporter Training
Early Childhood Education K-6 Certification
7-12 Mathematics Certification
K-12 Special Education Certification
Interests
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Downsville Central School
09.2023 - Current
Mathematics Teacher
Downsville Central School
01.2020 - 06.2023
Basketball Coach
Downsville Central School
11.2014 - 02.2021
Soccer Coach
Downsville Central School
08.2013 - Current
Master of Arts - Master of Arts, K-6 Mathematics Education
Western Governors University
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