Erika Worthen
Leander,TX
Summary
Dynamic educator with a proven track record in creating inclusive learning environments. Expertise in behavior management and individualized support strategies enhances student participation and academic success.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Special Education Teacher
Leander ISD
Cedar Park, TX
08.2024 - Current
- Monitored student progress, adjusting interventions based on data-driven assessments.
- Fostered inclusive classroom environments promoting social skills and peer interactions among students.
- Increased student participation in group projects by fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.
- Promoted a positive classroom culture by implementing effective behavior management strategies and clear expectations for conduct.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers entering the field, offering guidance, support, and sharing best practices for successful classroom management.
- Supported student success with personalized attention and targeted interventions for those struggling academically.
- Participated actively in school-wide initiatives focused on improving overall student achievement levels and school climate.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing differentiated instruction techniques tailored to individual learning styles.
- Improved classroom engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world examples into lesson plans.
- Evaluated students'' progress regularly using formative assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed for optimal learning outcomes.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Applied proven strategies to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills.
- Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- 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.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for diverse student needs.
- Advocated for resources and support services to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
- Collaborated with fellow educators to develop cross-curricular projects, enhancing students'' understanding of subject matter connections.
- Developed strong relationships with parents through consistent communication, resulting in increased parent involvement in their child''s education.
- Provided ongoing professional development opportunities for staff members, ensuring the continued growth of educators within the school community.
Elementary Special Education Teacher - AU/Behavior Specialist
Leander ISD
Cedar Park, TX
08.2021 - Current
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) to address diverse student needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create supportive learning environments for students with disabilities.
- Utilized assistive technology to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes in the classroom.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted instructional strategies based on individual performance data.
- Trained and mentored new staff on best practices for special education instruction and classroom management.
- Led professional development workshops focused on inclusive teaching strategies and behavioral interventions.
- Advocated for student rights and necessary accommodations within school policies and procedures.
- Engaged families through regular communication, fostering partnerships to support student success and well-being.
- Attended professional development workshops to stay current on best practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Monitored student progress closely, intervening proactively when necessary to ensure steady growth and achievement of learning goals.
- Assessed student performance regularly using various evaluation tools, adjusting instructional strategies as needed.
- Provided one-on-one support for students struggling in specific areas, resulting in marked improvement in their understanding of the subject matter.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistency in enforcing rules.
- Boosted student confidence and participation through positive reinforcement and tailored instruction methods.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, fostering a comprehensive learning experience.
- Cultivated a positive classroom environment that fostered an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust, and open communication between teacher and students.
- Supported the development of social skills among students by promoting group activities and cooperative learning opportunities.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Used state and district assessments to determine student abilities and track academic progress.
- Enforced classroom rules to encourage positive behavior and distributed rewards for good conduct.
- Provided non-verbal communication training to staff members to facilitate student aid.
- Developed individualized behavior intervention plans to address client-specific needs.
- Trained staff on behavior management techniques to enhance service delivery.
- Analyzed data to assess the effectiveness of behavioral interventions and modify approaches.
- Mentored junior staff in best practices for behavioral assessment and intervention planning.
- Reduced classroom disruptions through careful observation and analysis of student behaviors, leading to tailored interventions.
Middle School Special Education Teacher
Leander ISD
Cedar Park, TX
08.2021 - 05.2024
- Designed individualized education plans to meet diverse student needs.
- Implemented behavioral interventions to support student engagement and learning.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to adapt curriculum for inclusivity.
- Developed assessments to evaluate student progress and inform instruction strategies.
- Facilitated communication between parents, staff, and administration regarding student needs.
- Analyzed data trends to improve instructional practices and enhance student outcomes.
- Designed lesson materials specifically targeted at reinforcing key concepts for struggling learners, boosting comprehension levels among those facing academic challenges.
- Assisted students in developing self-advocacy skills, empowering them to take ownership of their educational experience and achieve success both academically and socially.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on research and trends in special education teaching methods.
- Coordinated with school counselors and other support staff to connect students with appropriate resources and services tailored to their unique needs.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, implementing positive reinforcement strategies to foster a safe and inclusive learning environment.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Tailored education and development goals to match individual student abilities and needs.
Lead Special Education Teacher
Redeemer Lutheran School
Austin, TX
08.2016 - 05.2021
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for diverse student needs.
- Led and mentored a team of special education teachers to enhance instructional techniques.
- Collaborated with parents, educators, and specialists to ensure effective communication and support.
- Designed adaptive learning materials using assistive technology to facilitate student engagement.
- Conducted professional development workshops on best practices in special education strategies.
- Advocated for resources and support services to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
- Collaborated with fellow educators to develop cross-curricular projects, enhancing students'' understanding of subject matter connections.
- Developed strong relationships with parents through consistent communication, resulting in increased parent involvement in their child''s education.
- Provided ongoing professional development opportunities for staff members, ensuring the continued growth of educators within the school community.
Teacher in Social Science
Orange County Public School District
Orlando, FL
08.2012 - 05.2016
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans in social sciences curriculum.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to foster critical thinking and civic engagement among students.
- Utilized technology tools to enhance learning experiences and streamline administrative tasks.
- Assessed student performance through varied evaluation methods, ensuring understanding of key concepts.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects promoting comprehensive learning outcomes.
- Organized extracurricular activities that reinforced social science themes and encouraged student participation.
- Mentored new teachers by providing guidance on effective teaching strategies and classroom management techniques.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers in the social science department, providing guidance with lesson planning and classroom management techniques.
- Developed strong relationships with parents and guardians to encourage active participation in their child''s education.
- Enhanced student comprehension of complex social science topics by using visual aids, multimedia presentations, and hands-on learning experiences.
- Promoted diversity and inclusion within the classroom through culturally relevant curriculum materials and activities.
- Designed interdisciplinary units connecting social science content with other subject areas such as English language arts or mathematics for a more comprehensive understanding of course materials.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to share best practices, strategies, and resources for teaching social sciences effectively.
- Planned and implemented integrated Social Studies lessons to meet Common Core Curriculum Standards.
- Utilized technology to enhance student education and grasp of materials.
- Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
- Evaluated students' understanding of course material through examinations and in-depth essay writing.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs.
Education
Ph.D. - Higher Education Administration
University of Florida
Gainesville, AL05-2028
Master of Arts - Management/Leadership/Education
Webster University
St. Louis, MO05-2006
Bachelor of Arts - History/Political Science/Education
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL05-2001
Skills
- Early intervention
- Collaborative teaching
- Positive behavior support
- Inclusion practices
- Social skills training
- Life skills instruction
- Functional behavior assessments
- Parent collaboration
- Assessment strategies
- Learning disability support
- Individualized education plans
- Augmentative communication
- Assistive technology
- Emotional and behavioral disorders
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Job coaching
- Individual education plans ieps
- Team collaboration
- Classroom management
- Collaborative teamwork
- Motivating students
- Relationship building
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Social skills development
- Emotional support
- Lesson planning
- Parent communications
- Positive role model
- Trained in CPI
- Behavior intervention plans
- Verbal and nonverbal communication
- Student support
- Small group instruction
- Data collection
- Instructional strategies
- Group and individual instruction
- Behavior modifications
- De-escalation techniques
- Behavior modification
- Crisis prevention and intervention
- Skills development
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Data management
- Social integration
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Student records management
- Special education
- Elementary education
- Assessment administration
- Head teacher support
- Progress evaluations
- IEP and BIP implementation
- Competent in smartboard technology
Accomplishments
- Trained fellow teachers on the procedures for completing Individual Education Plans.
- Special Education Team Lead of 17 staff members.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
Certification
- Certified K-5 (General Education), State of Texas
- Certified K-12 Special Education, State of Texas
- Certified K-12 Special Education, State of Florida
- Certified Social Studies 5-12. State of Texas
- Certified History/Economics/Gov't 9-12, State of Florida
- Middle School Endorsement, State of Florida
- Reading Endorsment, State of Florida
Timeline
Lead Special Education Teacher
Leander ISD
08.2024 - Current
Elementary Special Education Teacher - AU/Behavior Specialist
Leander ISD
08.2021 - Current
Middle School Special Education Teacher
Leander ISD
08.2021 - 05.2024
Lead Special Education Teacher
Redeemer Lutheran School
08.2016 - 05.2021
Teacher in Social Science
Orange County Public School District
08.2012 - 05.2016
Ph.D. - Higher Education Administration
University of Florida
Master of Arts - Management/Leadership/Education
Webster University
Bachelor of Arts - History/Political Science/Education
University of Central Florida