Erica Hodges
Bourbonnais,IL
Summary
Versatile and dedicated Special Education Teacher with a solid focus on the individual needs of students. Empathetic professional who is flexible and accommodating in the design and implementation of hands-on lessons and employing a wide range of manipulatives to enhance student achievement. Adept in firm behavioral management techniques. Tenacious in building relationships and securing loyalty.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher (Contract)
AERO Therapeutic Center
11.2022 - Current
- Provide data-driven instruction that increases student achievement and engagement ensuring optimal progress.
- Create and manage IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Provide life skills programming for students with multiple disabilities.
- Organize field trips and community-based experiences that enrich students' understanding of real-world applications for their skills.
- Improve student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Foster strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Collaborate with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
Special Education Teacher
Pathways In Education
10.2016 - 11.2022
- Facilitate guided, customized independent study, online courses, and experiential learning for at-risk and underserved students.
- Develop IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Work with students individually and in groups to promote full academic functioning.
- Modify general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Foster empathy based discipline.
- Cultivate connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapist
Autism Home Support Services
08.2015 - 08.2016
- Implement individualized treatment plans and behavior plans as directed by Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
- Maintain accurate documentation of client progress, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitating effective communication among team members.
- Provide ongoing support and guidance to parents, empowering them to effectively implement ABA techniques at home.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care and support for clients and their families.
- Design visual supports and schedules for clients, aiding in increased independence and daily functioning.
- Evaluate client progress during quarterly review meetings, making necessary adjustments to treatment plans and celebrating achievements alongside families.
Special Education Teacher
Camelot Therapeutic Day School
07.2014 - 08.2015
- Deliver effective and differentiated classroom instruction across multiple subjects to a range of neurodiverse students, as well as students with emotional and specific learning disabilities.
- Case Manager of students with Individualized Educational Plans (IEP),
- Utilize and support therapeutic interventions for children and families including implementing social and medical treatment plans.
- Implement behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Improve behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Enhance students' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
Education
Master of Education - Special Education
National Louis University
Chicago, Illinois09.2018
Skills
- Differentiated Instruction
- Classroom Management
- Autism Spectrum Knowledge
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Social Skills Development
- Visual Supports
- Life Skills Instruction
- Small Group Instruction
- Progress Evaluations
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Accomplishments
- Proposed and successfully awarded $10,000 grant for student-led podcast studio and programming
- Proposed and successfully awarded $10,000 grant for artistic theatrical garden
Certification
- Illinois Professional Educators License (IEIN:185080) -LBS1
- Chicago College and Career Advising Credential
Affiliations
- National Society of Leadership and Success
Timeline
Special Education Teacher (Contract)
AERO Therapeutic Center
11.2022 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Pathways In Education
10.2016 - 11.2022
Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapist
Autism Home Support Services
08.2015 - 08.2016
Special Education Teacher
Camelot Therapeutic Day School
07.2014 - 08.2015
Master of Education - Special Education
National Louis University
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