Shona Daly
Oceanside,USA
Summary
Dedicated Educator committed to creating a stimulating, encouraging, and supportive classroom atmosphere for all students. Skilled in special education, inclusive practices, mental health support, and differentiated instruction across diverse learning environments.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Specialist
AIM Agency
Oceanside, NY, USA
05.2020 - Current
- Skillfully planned innovative and creative lessons designed to develop skills and learning for children requiring special education.
- Effectively managed class behavior through positive reinforcement and explicit instruction.
- Collaborated with parents and students to develop individualized learning development plans based on students’ needs and abilities.
- Assisted students in a post-secondary school setting to continue their goals of education, life skills, and career training.
- Closely monitored student progress to assess areas for development and extra support required.
- Conducted student assessments to formulate learning plans, reviewing and updating based on evolving needs.
- Helped students work through individual problems and challenges, encouraging perseverance.
Hospital School Teacher – Primary (Years 4–6 & Special Needs)
Queensland Children’s Hospital
01.2025 - 06.2025
- Delivered individualized bedside teaching for inpatients (Years 4–6), including students with diverse learning needs and chronic health conditions, ensuring continuity of education during hospitalization.
- Designed and implemented personalized learning activities aligned with students’ base school curriculum to minimize educational disruption.
- Fostered strong, supportive relationships with students, families, and caregivers to collaboratively address educational and emotional needs.
- Liaised with home schools to maintain educational engagement and support smooth transitions back to regular schooling post-discharge.
- Integrated wellbeing activities and emotional regulation strategies to support students’ mental health during extended hospital stays.
Hospital Teacher – Mental Health Inpatient Unit
Logan Hospital
07.2024 - 12.2024
- Provided educational support to students (Years 7–12) admitted for acute mental health crises in a hospital inpatient ward.
- Facilitated academic engagement aligned with each student’s school curriculum when clinically appropriate, ensuring continuity of learning during hospitalization.
- Maintained communication with base schools to support educational planning and promote a smooth reintegration process post-discharge.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to implement wellbeing strategies, including emotional regulation tools, fostering students’ readiness for return to school.
- Supported individualized transition plans to ease students’ return to their educational environments, considering both academic and mental health needs.
Education
Bachelor of Science: Adolescent Education - 7th - 12th Social Studies
State University of New York (SUNY) Oneonta
Oneonta, NY05-2022
Master of Science in Special Education (MSEd) -
Hunter College School of Education
New York, NY05-2024
Skills
- Special Education Instruction
- Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
- Differentiated Instruction
- Positive Behavior Support Strategies
- Student Mental Health Support
- Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Teams
- Crisis Intervention & De-escalation Techniques
- Classroom & Behavior Management
- Inclusive and Trauma-Informed Practices
- Communication with Families and Stakeholders
Certification
- Dual NYS Certified Teacher
- DASA (Dignity for All Students Act)
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Hospital School Teacher – Primary (Years 4–6 & Special Needs)
Queensland Children’s Hospital
01.2025 - 06.2025
Hospital Teacher – Mental Health Inpatient Unit
Logan Hospital
07.2024 - 12.2024
Special Education Specialist
AIM Agency
05.2020 - Current
Bachelor of Science: Adolescent Education - 7th - 12th Social Studies
State University of New York (SUNY) Oneonta
Master of Science in Special Education (MSEd) -
Hunter College School of Education