Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
After School Programs
Interests
Timeline
background-images

Emily Serr

CHICAGO,IL

Summary


Special education professional with proven track record of fostering inclusive learning environments and implementing effective instructional strategies. Strong emphasis on team collaboration and achieving positive educational outcomes, adaptable to changing classroom dynamics. Skilled in behavior management, curriculum development, and student advocacy, bringing reliability and flexibility to role.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Special Education Teacher

Chicago Public Schools, Walsh Elementary
08.2008 - 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
  • Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
  • Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
  • Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.

5th Grade General Education Teacher

CICS Washington Park Elementary School
08.2007 - 06.2008
  • Communicated effectively with parents regarding student progress, addressing concerns and offering strategies for improvement when necessary.
  • Increased student engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and collaborative projects.
  • Utilized assessment tools to monitor student progress, adjusting instructional strategies accordingly for optimal results.
  • Contributed to school-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall student achievement by participating in curriculum development committees and attending regular staff meetings.
  • Served as a mentor for new teachers, providing guidance and support throughout their first year in the profession.
  • Developed comprehensive lesson plans that catered to diverse learning styles, enhancing comprehension of subject material.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units, enriching students'' understanding of broader themes and connections between subjects.

Education

Master of Science - Teaching English As A Second Language

University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL
05-2017

Master of Science - Reading Instruction

Concordia University
River Forest, IL
06-2012

Certification Program - LBS1 Endorsement

Roosevelt University
Chicago, IL
05-2009

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education

DePaul University
Chicago, IL
05-2007

Skills

  • Differentiated instruction
  • Classroom management
  • Individual education plans IEPs
  • Small group instruction
  • Co-teaching experience
  • Lesson planning
  • Collaborative teamwork
  • Data management
  • Social skills development
  • Behavior intervention plans
  • Verbal and nonverbal communication

Certification

  • Illinois Professional Educator License (K-9)
  • LBS1 (K-9)
  • Social Science Endorsement (5-8)
  • ESL Endorsement (K-9)

Affiliations

  • The Autism Helper

After School Programs

Soccer coach for Urban Initiatives

Facilitated Garden Club activities

 

Interests

  • Practicing yoga
  • I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community
  • Playing Tennis
  • Regularly practice mindfulness and meditation for overall wellness

Timeline

Special Education Teacher

Chicago Public Schools, Walsh Elementary
08.2008 - Current

5th Grade General Education Teacher

CICS Washington Park Elementary School
08.2007 - 06.2008

Master of Science - Teaching English As A Second Language

University of Illinois At Chicago

Master of Science - Reading Instruction

Concordia University

Certification Program - LBS1 Endorsement

Roosevelt University

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education

DePaul University
Emily Serr