Eric Thurston
Scottsdale,AZ
Summary
Versatile Special Education Teacher with focus on individual student needs and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Provides constant communication, patience, and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement. Experience with students who have a variety of disabilities and needs. Worked with, and has respect for, students from various cultures. Presently retired and volunteering to teach English to Ukrainian adults.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher- Learning Resource Center
Scottsdale Unified School District
08.2018 - 05.2022
- Special Education Cross Categorical
- Co-taught English and Algebra
- Taught study strategies classes
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies
- After school tutoring
- Worked closely with parents to provide emotional support to students
Teacher- Learning Resource Center
Mesa Unified School District
08.2017 - 05.2018
- Taught study skills and reading
- Tutored after school
- Co-taught English and algebra
- On various committees
Teacher- Life Skills
Scottsdale Unified School District
08.2013 - 05.2017
- Taught life skills, essentials math, and job preparation
- Used many real-life lessons to teach life skills
- Manged paraeducators
Teacher K-4 Cross-categorical Class
Scottsdale Unified School District
08.2003 - 05.2013
- Taught all subjects to students with various disabilities
- Responsible for tube feeding and hygiene
- Worked with regular education teachers to provide inclusion
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
Customer Service Representative
International Color Services
02.1990 - 06.2003
- Handled customer inquiries and suggestions courteously and professionally
- Worked closely with clients and printing companies in a high stress environment
Education
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Technology
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZObtained Regular Education Teaching Certification.
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZCourses To Obtain Special Education Certification
Maricopa Community Colleges - Rio Salado Community College
Tempe, AZSkills
- Trained in behavior management
- Proficient in online teaching
- Treats students with compassion and caring
- Works well with regular education teachers to help students with disabilities to be included in all classes
- Adept with IEP programs- Synergy and SEAS
- Good relationships with parents
- Trained and experienced in Wilson Reading Program
- Adept with classroom technologies such as Smartboard, SuccessMaker and Google Classroom
Certification
K-12 Special Education Cross Categorical Certification
SEI Endorsement
Timeline
Teacher- Learning Resource Center
Scottsdale Unified School District
08.2018 - 05.2022
Teacher- Learning Resource Center
Mesa Unified School District
08.2017 - 05.2018
Teacher- Life Skills
Scottsdale Unified School District
08.2013 - 05.2017
Teacher K-4 Cross-categorical Class
Scottsdale Unified School District
08.2003 - 05.2013
Customer Service Representative
International Color Services
02.1990 - 06.2003
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Technology
Arizona State University
Obtained Regular Education Teaching Certification.
Arizona State University
Courses To Obtain Special Education Certification
Maricopa Community Colleges - Rio Salado Community College