Elana Trimble
Waverly,United States
Summary
Patient and compassionate educator with expertise in individualized instruction and fostering strong relationships with students, staff, and families. Skilled in lesson planning, data-driven assessments, and creating engaging, inclusive learning environments that support both academic and social-emotional growth. Highly motivated, adaptable, and creative thinker with a strong work ethic, exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to work independently while quickly mastering new challenges.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Lincoln Elementary
Charles City, Iowa
08.2025 - Current
- Built strong, trusting relationships with students to support confidence, motivation, and academic growth.
- Cultivated a welcoming, inclusive classroom where students felt safe, valued, and supported.
- Developed individualized, skill-appropriate lesson plans tailored to students' strengths, needs, and interests.
- Developed creative, hands-on learning activities that transformed abstract concepts into tangible experiences, making the curriculum accessible for diverse learning profiles, while aligning activities to IEP goals and core standards.
- Implemented targeted interventions and evidence-based strategies to address academic and behavioral needs.
- Adapted curriculum materials and instructional approaches for diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Conducted formal and informal assessments to monitor progress and guide instructional decisions.
- Created compliant IEPs, progress reports, and all state-specific special education documentation.
- Facilitated small-group and one-on-one instruction for remediation, enrichment, and skill-building.
- Analyzed student data to prescribe personalized supports, and adjust instructional plans.
- Collaborated with general education teachers, specialists, and service providers to enhance inclusion.
- Partnered with families through consistent, positive communication, focused on student success.
- Coordinated with special services and outside agencies to connect students with additional support.
- Provided guidance to paraprofessionals on effective classroom management and student support.
- Implemented positive behavior systems that reinforced prosocial behaviors, and student self-regulation.
- Integrated hands-on learning, visual supports, and interactive tools to promote engagement and clarity.
- Supported students' social-emotional growth by encouraging resilience, empathy, and problem-solving.
- Maintained accurate student records and documentation in alignment with district and state guidelines.
Long-term substitute Special Education Teacher - Elementary Strat I
Hanson Elementary
Cedar Falls, United States
02.2025 - 05.2025
- Tailored math and ELA lessons for diverse learners, fostering inclusive classrooms.
- Boosted student engagement through strategic teaching methods and data analysis.
- Coordinated with staff to enhance individualized education plans, and student outcomes.
- Tracked student progress with data-driven approaches, ensuring measurable academic growth.
- Adapted multi-sensory teaching techniques to address varied learning challenges effectively.
- Implemented individualized math and ELA strategies for elementary students, creating accessible learning pathways that addressed specific developmental needs.
- Developed creative, hands-on learning activities that transformed abstract concepts into tangible experiences, making the curriculum accessible for diverse learning profiles.
Student Teacher - 4th Grade
Prairie West Elementary
Waverly, United States
11.2024 - 02.2025
- Adapted lessons for diverse needs.
- Collaborated with peers to align curriculum to standards and enhance lesson effectiveness.
- Participated in IEP meetings and parent-teacher conferences.
- Built strong relationships with students.
- Cultivated a welcoming and inclusive environment.
- Utilized data-driven assessments to tailor instruction, achieving measurable progress.
- Delivered engaging, innovative, and inclusive lessons.
- Designed engaging learning modules.
- Cultivated a positive classroom environment, building strong relationships with students to promote confidence and academic growth.
Long-term Substitute Special Education Teacher - 7th grade Strat 1
Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School
Waverly, United States
08.2024 - 11.2024
- Tailored social studies, ELA, and science lessons for diverse Strat I learners, fostering inclusive classrooms.
- Boosted student engagement through strategic teaching methods and data analysis.
- Coordinated with staff to enhance individualized education plans, and student outcomes.
- Tracked student progress with data-driven approaches, ensuring measurable academic growth.
- Adapted multi-sensory teaching techniques to address varied learning challenges effectively.
- Implemented individualized social studies, ELA, and science strategies for elementary Strat I students, creating accessible learning pathways that addressed specific developmental needs.
- Developed creative, hands-on learning activities that transformed abstract concepts into tangible experiences, making the curriculum accessible for diverse learning profiles.
- Adapted lessons for diverse needs.
- Collaborated with peers to align curriculum to standards and enhance lesson effectiveness.
- Participated in IEP meetings and parent-teacher conferences.
- Built relationships with students.
- Cultivated a welcoming and inclusive environment.
- Utilized data-driven assessments to tailor instruction, achieving measurable progress.
- Delivered engaging, innovative, and inclusive lessons.
Long-term Substitute Special Education Teacher - high school Strat 1
Cedar Falls High School
Cedar Falls, United States
03.2024 - 05.2024
- Implemented targeted interventions.
- Developed curriculum for SDI classes: reading, writing, and executive functioning skills.
- Adapted teaching methods to diverse needs.
- Utilized data-driven assessments to tailor instruction, achieving measurable progress.
- Designed custom learning modules.
- Cultivated a positive learning environment.
- Partnered with faculty to align curriculum and ensure IEP/504 implementation, fostering a cohesive educational approach.
- Meticulously tracked and analyzed student progress.
- Built and maintained student relationships.
Substituted Teacher - K-12
Waverly Shell Rock and Cedar Falls Community Schools Districts
Waverly, United States
08.2023 - 03.2024
- Engaged students with lesson plans.
- Adapted to diverse subjects, maintaining classroom continuity.
- Foster inclusive environments, addressing varied student needs.
- Managed classrooms efficiently, supporting teacher directives.
- Executed assigned duties, ensuring seamless educational delivery.
Paraeducator - Strat 2 behavior school
Lied Center
Waverly, United States
09.2019 - 08.2023
- Facilitated classroom, group, and one-on-one instruction.
- Tracked student progress meticulously.
- Partnered with teachers and staff to develop data-driven, cohesive support systems, ensuring consistency across school settings.
- Introduced creative engagement techniques by designing custom learning modules.
- Participated in continuing education and sustained all required certifications.
- Fostered strong partnerships with teachers and staff.
- Created and maintained strong, positive student relationships.
- Worked closely with classroom teachers to cultivate a unified, inclusive, and welcoming environment
Self-employed cosmetologist
Shear Image
Waverly, United States
08.2008 - 09.2019
- Cultivated a loyal clientele through relationships.
- Consulted with clients about their desired results.
- Expanded skills by staying informed about industry trends and techniques.
- Fostered strategic partnerships with local businesses.
- Managed appointments for multiple stylists and clients.
- I mentored junior stylists.
- Kept meticulous client records.
- Maintained all necessary licensing and continuing education.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education and Elementary Education (Dual Licensure)
Western Governors University
MILLCREEK, UT02.2025
Cosmetology -
La James College of Cosmetology
CEDAR FALLS, IA09.2005
Skills
Relationship Building & Collaboration
- Build strong relationships with students, staff, families, and outside agencies
- Parent–teacher collaboration and multidisciplinary teamwork
- Positive role modeling, emotional support, and effective communication
Instruction & Classroom Practice
- Individualized and differentiated instruction
- Small group and one-on-one instruction
- Inclusive teaching practices and co-teaching experience
- Classroom management, behavior support, and visual/material adaptations
- Creative lesson design and fast-thinking problem solving
Special Education & Intervention
- IEP development, implementation, and progress monitoring
- Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and social skills training
- Mathematics, ELA, and social-emotional interventions
- Targeted academic and behavioral support strategies
- Transition planning and inclusion support
Data & Organizational Skills
- Data-driven assessments, progress evaluations, and student records management
- Paraprofessional guidance and oversight
- Scheduling proficiency and collaborative planning
Certification
- Substitute Teacher Authorization, 01/01/23
- Bachelor of Arts, Special Education and Elementary Education (Dual Licensure), 02/01/25
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Lincoln Elementary
08.2025 - Current
Long-term substitute Special Education Teacher - Elementary Strat I
Hanson Elementary
02.2025 - 05.2025
Student Teacher - 4th Grade
Prairie West Elementary
11.2024 - 02.2025
Long-term Substitute Special Education Teacher - 7th grade Strat 1
Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School
08.2024 - 11.2024
Long-term Substitute Special Education Teacher - high school Strat 1
Cedar Falls High School
03.2024 - 05.2024
Substituted Teacher - K-12
Waverly Shell Rock and Cedar Falls Community Schools Districts
08.2023 - 03.2024
Paraeducator - Strat 2 behavior school
Lied Center
09.2019 - 08.2023
Self-employed cosmetologist
Shear Image
08.2008 - 09.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education and Elementary Education (Dual Licensure)
Western Governors University
Cosmetology -
La James College of Cosmetology