Emily Blatchford
Special Education Teacher
Oak Forest,IL
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate special education teacher committed to fostering inclusive learning environments. Skilled in developing individualized education plans (IEPs) that address diverse learning needs, ensuring each student reaches full potential. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with parents, caregivers, and multidisciplinary teams to support student success. Eager to contribute expertise in adaptive teaching strategies and behavioral management to a dynamic educational institution.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Southwest Cook County Cooperative Association for Special Education
Oak Forest, IL
08.2016 - Current
- Conducted assessments to identify student needs, developing specific education plans for enhanced learning outcomes.
- Analyzed educational needs and implemented targeted instructional strategies to maximize teaching impact.
- Partnered with various professional teams to implement strategies that support student development and academic achievement.
- Reviewed and assessed student performance metrics, emphasizing both academic achievements and behavioral growth.
- Analyzed student assessment data to identify trends in academic and behavioral progress.
- Implemented strategies to maintain an engaging classroom environment that promotes positive behavior among students.
- Enhanced student engagement and success by utilizing differentiated teaching methods and offering customized support to accommodate diverse learning styles.
Special Education Teacher
Beacon Therapetuic Day School
Calumet Park, Illinois
08.2006 - 07.2016
- Collaborated with educators to develop and apply test adaptations that accommodate diverse student needs.
- Enhanced text presentation by adjusting font size using computer software.
- Engaged with various professional teams to drive initiatives focused on student development and achievement.
- Analyzed student assessment data to identify trends in academic and behavioral progress.
- Applied specialized instructional knowledge to create and oversee IEPs, facilitating effective strategies for student achievement and progress.
Special Education Teacher
University Park, Crete-Monee Middle School
Crete-Monee, Illinois
09.2007 - 12.2007
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans for 8th-grade self-contained classes, covering math, science, U.S. history, language arts, and life skills.
- Developed and applied token economy systems and behavior charts to promote accountability and behavioral improvement.
- Consulted with behavior specialist to develop and apply varied techniques for improving student behavior.
- Achieved collaborative outcomes in IEP meetings by integrating input from various stakeholders. Enhanced team effectiveness during staffings through strategic resource allocation. Improved family engagement in parent-teacher conferences, resulting in increased support for student development.
Teacher
Park Forest, Park Forest Academy
Park Forest
04.2007 - 06.2007
- Designed and implemented engaging lesson plans for English, Math, Science, and History, effectively addressing the unique challenges faced by students with educational barriers in small class settings.
- Developed and applied token economy systems and behavior charts to promote accountability and behavioral improvement.
- Facilitated communication among teachers to ensure comprehensive oversight of student conduct.
- Achieved improved student outcomes by actively participating in IEP meetings. Fostered collaboration among educators to implement tailored educational plans. Enhanced communication between stakeholders to ensure comprehensive support for students.
Student teaching
Palos Heights, IL, Alan B. Shepard High School
Palos Heights, IL
09.2006 - 12.2006
- Taught Freshman English/literacy workshop classes with class sizes up to 20 students with ED, BD, and LD
- Developed point system for grading in resource classes
- Communicated with other teachers to keep track of student progress
- Utilized a variety of methods in areas of reading and writing
- Participated in professional period staffings and parent/teacher meetings
- Kept records of grades and sent out progress reports
Student teaching
Midlothian Park, IL, Central Park Elementary
Midlothian Park, IL
09.2006 - 12.2006
- Taught Health, reading, writing, math, and science
- Developed unit plans for 1st grade math
- Developed lesson plans for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade health lessons
- Participated in parent/teacher conferences
- Taught child with autism
Observation
Charleston Middle school, Mattoon Middle School, and Eisenhower High School Districts
03.2004 - 06.2005
- Learned various instructional methods
- Participated in class exercises
- Took multiple collection data on various behaviors (frequency, momentary time sampling, duration, and anecdotal, etc.)
Volleyball Camp Instructor
Eisenhower High School, Blue Island, IL
Blue Island, IL
06.2002 - 08.2002
- Modeled and encouraged leadership
Lifeguard
Blue Island Park District, Blue Island, IL
Blue Island, IL
06.2001 - 08.2002
- Red Cross certified (2001)/Ellis certified (2004)
- Modeled and encouraged positive behavior
- Established a safe atmosphere for pool patrons
Swim Instructor
Blue Island Park District, Blue Island, IL
Blue Island, IL
06.2001 - 08.2002
- Taught individuals ages 5-8 how to float, hold their breath, back petal etc.
Intramural Basketball Referee
Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL
Charleston, IL
03.2002 - 06.2002
- Modeled good sportsmanship and encouraged team work strategies
- Officiated basketball games for fraternities and sororities
Education
Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction
Colorado State University-Pueblo
Colorado State 03.2020 - 12.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education-LBSI
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, Illinois, IL 08.2002 - 05.2006
Skills
- Adaptive instructional techniques
- Student engagement strategies
- Implementation of tailored educational strategies
- Effective small group teaching
Affiliations
- Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC), Fall 2004-Spring 2005
- Best Buddies Organization, Fall 2004-Present
Timeline
Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction
Colorado State University-Pueblo
03.2020 - 12.2020
Special Education Teacher
Southwest Cook County Cooperative Association for Special Education
08.2016 - Current
Special Education Teacher
University Park, Crete-Monee Middle School
09.2007 - 12.2007
Teacher
Park Forest, Park Forest Academy
04.2007 - 06.2007
Student teaching
Palos Heights, IL, Alan B. Shepard High School
09.2006 - 12.2006
Student teaching
Midlothian Park, IL, Central Park Elementary
09.2006 - 12.2006
Special Education Teacher
Beacon Therapetuic Day School
08.2006 - 07.2016
Observation
Charleston Middle school, Mattoon Middle School, and Eisenhower High School Districts
03.2004 - 06.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education-LBSI
Eastern Illinois University
08.2002 - 05.2006
Volleyball Camp Instructor
Eisenhower High School, Blue Island, IL
06.2002 - 08.2002
Intramural Basketball Referee
Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL
03.2002 - 06.2002
Lifeguard
Blue Island Park District, Blue Island, IL
06.2001 - 08.2002
Swim Instructor
Blue Island Park District, Blue Island, IL
06.2001 - 08.2002