Emily Kula
Okemos
Summary
Compassionate, empathetic, and data driven special education teacher with 2.5 years of experience supporting students with emotional impairments and various other disabilities. I specialize in creating emotionally responsive, structured environments that create resilience, self regulation, and academic growth. Known for a collaborative approach and commitment to equity, I design and help implement personalized strategies that help students continue to thrive.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Resource Room Teacher
Holbrook Elementary
08.2024 - Current
- Provide individualized instruction to 3rd and 4th grade students with a wide range of abilities and disabilities.
- Develop and implement IEPs using MIPSE, ensuring all legal timelines and documentation are met.
- Utilize data-driven instruction and weekly to monthly progress monitoring to inform intervention strategies.
- Collaborate with general education teachers and ancillary staff to ensure cohesive support for all students.
- Communicate effectively with parents regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies to support continuous growth both inside and outside the classroom.
Resource Room Teacher
Vera Ralya Elementary
04.2023 - 06.2024
- Served 2nd–4th grade students with a variety of disabilities, modifying general education curriculum as needed.
- Supervised and managed up to five paraprofessionals, providing direction and support for daily instruction.
- Implemented interventions including Reading Mastery, Heggerty, and phonics-based programs.
- Held all IEP meetings on time and monitored student goals using Acadience, Rigby, and teacher-created assessments.
- Participated in professional development on ABA, anti-racism, and social justice education.
Intern (Student Teaching – Gen Ed)
West Godwin Elementary
01.2023 - 03.2023
- Supported small group instruction and 1:1 interventions in a first-grade classroom for reading and math.
- Collected behavioral data for pre-referral evaluations; used CKLA and Bridges curricula.
- Gained hands-on experience in various software programs, increasing proficiency and expanding technical skill set.
Intern (Student Teaching – Special Ed)
Dix Street Elementary
08.2022 - 12.2022
- Delivered push-in/pull-out services to K–5 students in reading, writing, and math.
- Progress-monitored IEP goals using data tracking systems; implemented interventions such as Reading A to Z.
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
Site Supervisor
Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation
04.2022 - 08.2022
- Supervised 20–30 students and 6 staff members; managed scheduling, conflict resolution, and community partnerships.
- Trained new team members on site policies and procedures.
- Developed work schedules for team members to maximize shift coverage.
Student Manager
Valley Dining Center, Western Michigan University
02.2019 - 08.2022
- Managed teams and coordinated operations across shifts; developed strong leadership and communication skills.
- Trained staff in department procedures and requirements to build cohesive and successful team.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while prioritizing tasks according to urgency and importance in achieving institutional goals.
Lead Tutor
Boys and Girls Club
02.2022 - 06.2022
- Led literacy interventions and progress monitoring using MAZE and CBM tools; trained and supported peer tutors.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by fostering open communication and collaboration among students.
- Utilized assessment data to adjust teaching strategies, ensuring continuous improvement in student achievement.
Special Ed. Paraprofessional
Parchment North Elementary
09.2021 - 12.2021
- Provided academic and behavioral support during in-person and virtual learning sessions.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Improved classroom management by assisting teachers with behavioral interventions and monitoring student progress.
Special Ed. Paraprofessional & ARCH Leader
Challenger Elementary
04.2021 - 08.2021
- Supported K–3 students, including 1:1 behavioral support; led summer enrichment activities.
- Enhanced student support by delivering one-on-one and small group assistance in various subjects.
- Supported special education teachers in implementing accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs.
Education
Master of Education - STEM Education
American College of Education
06.2025
Bachelor of Science - Special Education & Elementary Education
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI04.2023
Skills
- Student-centered mindset
- Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
- Culturally responsive and trauma-informed instruction
- Classroom and paraprofessional management
- Strong communication with families and staff
- IEP development (MIPSE, Illuminate), progress monitoring, data collection
- Intervention programs: Orton-Gillingham, Heggerty, Reading A to Z, Corrective Reading, Reading Mastery
- Curriculum: CKLA, Bridges Math, Fountas & Pinnell, Delta Math
- Proficiency in Google Suite, Excel, Planbook, and virtual learning platforms
- Crisis prevention and intervention
- Parent-teacher communication
Certification
- Michigan Standard Teaching Certificate
- Elementary Education (ZG) K–5 All Subjects; K–8 Self-contained
- Learning Disabilities (SM) K–12
- Emotional Impairments (SE) K–12
- CPI Certified – Expires Oct. 2026
- CPR/AED/First Aid (Infant, Child, Adult) – Certified Nov. 2022
Timeline
Resource Room Teacher
Holbrook Elementary
08.2024 - Current
Resource Room Teacher
Vera Ralya Elementary
04.2023 - 06.2024
Intern (Student Teaching – Gen Ed)
West Godwin Elementary
01.2023 - 03.2023
Intern (Student Teaching – Special Ed)
Dix Street Elementary
08.2022 - 12.2022
Site Supervisor
Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation
04.2022 - 08.2022
Lead Tutor
Boys and Girls Club
02.2022 - 06.2022
Special Ed. Paraprofessional
Parchment North Elementary
09.2021 - 12.2021
Special Ed. Paraprofessional & ARCH Leader
Challenger Elementary
04.2021 - 08.2021
Student Manager
Valley Dining Center, Western Michigan University
02.2019 - 08.2022
Bachelor of Science - Special Education & Elementary Education
Western Michigan University
Master of Education - STEM Education
American College of Education
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