Gail McAlister
Tallmadge,OH
Summary
Empathetic Intervention Specialist with compassion for special needs individuals and excellent comprehension of developmental issues. Professional yet warm and committed to gaining trust of children and families. Strengths include creating a fun learning environment for students to excell and develop independent skills based on their individual strengths. I incorporate art and music, and love to find new ways for students to learn.
I continue to substitute teach for Canton City schools in Kindergarten, 1st grade and self-contained classrooms up through 6th grade.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Intervention Specialist
Canton City Schools
01.2016 - 11.2020
- Assessed students using effective testing instruments and tools.
- Helped students build skills to navigate typical academic and social situations.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
Children's Services Director
Portage County Board Of DD
07.2005 - 12.2015
Oversee Early Intervention Services (birth-3) for children with developmental disabilities.
Supervise Preschool and School-age programs with children with disabilities.
Supervise contract PT/OT services.
Worked closely with Akron Rotary camp to run a summer camp program.
CPR/First aid trainer
Special Olympics Coordinator and coach
Early Intervention Specialist
Portage County Board Of DD
08.1991 - 06.2005
Classroom teacher for kindergarten-age children with disabilities, plus typically developmenting students.
Wrote and implemented IEP's, completed report cards, evaluations needed for ETR's, ran meetings and helped transition students to their local school district as appropriate.
Worked closely with OT, PT and speech.
Supervised two assistants in the classroom as well.
Education
Master of Science - Administration/Principal License
University of Akron
Akron, OHBachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Akron
Akron, OHNo Degree - Education of Individuals With Multiple Disabilities
University of Akron
Akron, OHNo Degree - Special Education- LD And Behavior Disorders
University of Akron
Akron, OHSkills
- Behavior Modification Techniques
- Inclusion Practices
- Learning Strategies
- Assessment administration
- Writing IEP's and implementing
- Completing progress reports and report cards
- Differentiated instruction for all students
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Behavior Modification
- Academic Accommodations
- Student Records Management
- Intervention Planning
- Strong collaboration skills
- Classroom Management
- Student Engagement
Other interests
* I teach Sunday School at Tallmadge Lutheran church- since 1993.
* I give the children's message during both services- since 2020.
* I run the food pantry at the church also.
* I help with outreach for the preschool, before and after program, youth.
Additional Information
CPR/First aid trained
Timeline
Intervention Specialist
Canton City Schools
01.2016 - 11.2020
Children's Services Director
Portage County Board Of DD
07.2005 - 12.2015
Early Intervention Specialist
Portage County Board Of DD
08.1991 - 06.2005
Master of Science - Administration/Principal License
University of Akron
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Akron
No Degree - Education of Individuals With Multiple Disabilities
University of Akron
No Degree - Special Education- LD And Behavior Disorders
University of Akron
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