Erin Sanford
Traverse City
Work Preference
Summary
Compassionate and adaptable professional with extensive experience in special education. Known for developing positive relationships with students and team members while implementing the individualized strategies that promote lifelong growth and learning.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teaching Assistant
Northwest Ed, Life Skills Center
Traverse City
08.2023 - Current
- Facilitated communication device implementation.
- Supported work experience training.
- Direct care.
Respite Care Provider
Community Alliance
Ypsilanti
03.2007 - Current
- Assisted children in increasing communication skill, mobility within home and community, as well as self-care participation.
- Developed positive, supportive relationships with the children, their families, and other involved parties.
- Supported medical visits, hospital stays, travel and sibling interactions.
Special Education Substitute
ESS Midwest
Traverse City
10.2022 - 08.2023
- Explored various programs to learn about student population, program environments and opportunities.
Special Education Teacher
Washtenaw Intermediate School District
Ann Arbor
10.2015 - 08.2022
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance student support.
- Tailored instruction to specific learning styles, incorporating AAC and technology.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and needs.
- Developed and implemented Individual Education Plans for students with moderate to severe needs.
- Used research-based classroom strategies to address challenging behaviors in the classroom.
- Managed range of caseloads: SCI/ASD (Local-based High School), MOCI/SCI/ASD/DHH (Young Adult Center), SCI/ASD (Middle-High School, Center-based program, SCI/ASD (Middle-High School, Center-based ESY)
Special Education Teaching Assistant
Ann Arbor Public Schools
Ann Arbor
08.2012 - 10.2015
- Collaborated with special education team to implement preschool programming in self-contained SXI, ASD Level II and ASD Level I classrooms at Westerman Preschool & Family Center.
- Worked with both groups and individuals to provide instruction in communication, mobility, feeding and hygiene.
Special Education Substitute
PESG
Caledonia
06.2007 - 08.2015
- Supported Special Education students in self-contained programs as long term substitute and for ESY staffing.
- Seasonal and intermittent employment, as vacation and full-time school role permitted.
- Multiple districts within Washtenaw County.
Instructional Assistant
Honey Creek Community School
Ann Arbor
02.2007 - 06.2010
- Supported mainstreamed elementary through middle school students with individualized education plans (qualified under ASD, MICI and VI).
- Monitored student behavior to teach requisite social and academic skills.
- Facilitated a positive learning environment through individual and peer coaching in an inclusive environment.
- Honey Creek is a charter school attached to and housed within WISD's main center-based program building.
Special Education Substitute
Washtenaw Intermediate School District
Ann Arbor
01.2004 - 06.2007
- Supported center-based SXI, SCI, ASD and YA programs for children aged 2.5-26 years of age.
- Long- and short-term assignments, including ESY, prior to privatization of substitute pool.
Education
Endorsement in Cognitive Impairment - Special Education
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI12-2010
Bachelor of Science - Secondary Education, Earth Science And Biology
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI06-2006
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI06-2000
Skills
- Communication device implementation
- Individual Education Plans
- Specialized instructional strategies
- Student progress assessments
- Adaptive technology integration
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
Trainings & Certifications
- Michigan Alt + Shift Math and AAC training, 2020-2022
- More Than Words, The Hanen Program, 2015
- Certification Endorsements: SA, DA and DH
Timeline
Special Education Teaching Assistant
Northwest Ed, Life Skills Center
08.2023 - Current
Special Education Substitute
ESS Midwest
10.2022 - 08.2023
Special Education Teacher
Washtenaw Intermediate School District
10.2015 - 08.2022
Special Education Teaching Assistant
Ann Arbor Public Schools
08.2012 - 10.2015
Special Education Substitute
PESG
06.2007 - 08.2015
Respite Care Provider
Community Alliance
03.2007 - Current
Instructional Assistant
Honey Creek Community School
02.2007 - 06.2010
Special Education Substitute
Washtenaw Intermediate School District
01.2004 - 06.2007
Endorsement in Cognitive Impairment - Special Education
Eastern Michigan University
Bachelor of Science - Secondary Education, Earth Science And Biology
Eastern Michigan University
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Michigan Technological University