Erin N. Kangas
Stanwood
Summary
Skilled educator with strong expertise in special education. Adept at developing tailored learning plans, employing effective instructional strategies, and fostering inclusive classroom environments. Known for collaboration, adaptability, and delivering measurable results. Proficient in behavior management, individualized education plans, and student assessments.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Morley Stanwood Community Schools
Morley, MI
01.2004 - Current
- Developed compliant IEP documentation systems and PLAAFP templates to support quality programming and special education compliance.
- Designed and implemented special education curriculum aligned with Michigan standards and Common Core essential elements.
- Developed and monitored behavior intervention plans using functional behavior assessments to improve student outcomes.
- Coordinated student programming, schedules, accommodations, and services to ensure IEP compliance and LRE implementation.
- Supported MTSS and intervention systems through progress monitoring, accommodations, and data-driven instructional decisions.
- Implemented evidence-based literacy interventions, including science of reading, Orton-Gillingham, corrective reading, and Read Naturally.
- Developed data-tracking systems to monitor academic, behavioral, and functional progress and evaluate intervention effectiveness.
- Coordinated and administered state and district assessments while ensuring appropriate accommodations.
- Utilized assessment data to support RTI/MTSS processes, intervention planning, and student achievement goals.
- Supported MICIP and school improvement initiatives through data analysis, MTSS implementation, and continuous improvement planning.
- Facilitated collaboration among families, educators, administrators, and service providers to support student success.
- Mentored and coached new special education staff, supporting professional growth and instructional best practices.
- Led inclusive co-teaching practices and collaborated with general education, ISD, and START teams to improve student outcomes.
- Designed and delivered professional development on curriculum, accommodations, MTSS, and special education best practices.
- Middle School
- 6-8 Resource Room
- Elementary School
- K-5 Resource Room
Special Education Teacher
Benzie County Central Schools
Benzonia, MI
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Created PLAAFP templates aligned with legal requirements.
- Designed and implemented special education curriculum for MICI program aligned with Common Core essential elements and EGLCE.
- Developed and monitored behavior management plans with functional behavior assessments.
- Coordinated student schedules based on individual needs.
- Modified/accommodated curriculum, assignments, and assessments to support diverse learners.
- Implemented science of reading strategies and various reading interventions (e.g., Orton-Gillingham, corrective reading, Read Naturally, Reading Rods).
- Utilized alternate assessments and created data systems to track student progress and determine LRE.
- Administered state and district assessments (MEAP, MEAP-Access, MI-Access, PSAT, FastBridge).
- Used data to drive RTI and intervention planning for at-risk students.
- Collaborated with all stakeholders to facilitate IEP meetings and implementation.
- Mentored new staff for over 8 years and continue to support colleagues in professional growth.
- Created co-teaching environments and incorporated varied learning styles into instruction.
- Collaborated with general education, ISD, and START team members to support student learning.
- Conducted professional development for alternative curriculum planning guides.
- Middle School
- 6-8 Resource Room
Special Education Teacher
Kalkaska Public Schools
Kalkaska, MI
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Used data to drive RTI and intervention planning for at-risk students.
- Collaborated with all stakeholders to facilitate IEP meetings and implementation.
- Mentored new staff for over 8 years and continue to support colleagues in professional growth.
- Created co-teaching environments and incorporated varied learning styles into instruction.
- Collaborated with general education, ISD, and START team members to support student learning.
- Conducted professional development for alternative curriculum planning guides.
- Elementary
- K-5 Categorical
Education
Masters of Curriculum and Instruction -
Western Governors University
Millcreek, Utah01-2022
Bachelor's of Science - Psychology, Elementary Education
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI01-2000
Associates of Arts - Macro Agreement
Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Rapids, MI01-1997
Skills
- Strategic Planning: MICIP School Improvement Core Team Member (2021–Present)
- Data Analytics: PSAT, Fastbridge, and Mi-Access Data Interpretation for LRE and RTI
- Staff Development: 8 years as a Formal Mentor Teacher; Professional Development Facilitator
- Systemic Compliance: Legalities of PLAAFP development, Manifestation IEPs, and FBA/PBIS monitoring
- Differentiated instruction
- Individual education plans ieps
- Small group instruction
Certification
- Michigan Teaching Certifications 2000–Present
- Emotional Impairment
- Mental Impairment
- Elementary Education
- MASSP Path To Leadership Administrator Certification (in-progress)
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Morley Stanwood Community Schools
01.2004 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Benzie County Central Schools
01.2001 - 01.2004
Special Education Teacher
Kalkaska Public Schools
01.2000 - 01.2001
Bachelor's of Science - Psychology, Elementary Education
Grand Valley State University
Associates of Arts - Macro Agreement
Grand Rapids Community College
Masters of Curriculum and Instruction -
Western Governors University
Make A Difference Award Winner and Nominee
The award honors local educators, administrators, support staff, and community members who go above and beyond to support and enhance the educational experiences of students—particularly those with exceptional needs.