Gail Rimkus-Appel
Webster Groves,MO
Summary
Dedicated Special Education Teacher with 25 years of experience in developing and implementing effective educational programs tailored for students with serious emotional, mental, and learning disabilities. Expertise in utilizing data collection and technology to enhance lesson delivery, ensuring engagement and accessibility for diverse learning styles. Proven ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment that fosters the imagination and abilities of every student. Committed to empowering students to achieve their full potential through innovative teaching strategies and individualized support.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Bristol Elementary School
Webster Groves, MO
08.2024 - Current
- Teach Resource, Self-Contained, and Autism programs across K-5 grade levels while supervising 4 paraprofessionals and monitoring student progress through data collection and collaboration with related services
- Collaborate with students, parents/guardians, special education teachers, general education teachers, and administrators to plan and implement instructions while ensuring compliance with Missouri standards and IEP standards
- Manage students’ emotional and behavioral needs while developing and teaching behavioral strategies to support students’ self-advocacy and self-control
- Utilized assistive technology tools to enhance communication and learning outcomes for non-verbal students.
Special Education Teacher
Lindbergh High School
St. Louis, MO
08.2016 - 05.2024
- Assisted in coordinating math and science curriculum for grades 9-12. Supported the reading strategies team in developing effective learning techniques. Facilitated work experience opportunities for students.
- Led development and co-piloting of diverse Canvas courses, integrating scoring guides and assessments.
- Developed and implemented instructional strategies to ensure compliance with Missouri and IEP standards, enhancing educational outcomes.
- Oversaw students' emotional and behavioral needs while implementing and instructing behavioral strategies.
Special Education Teacher
Parkway West High School
Ballwin, MO
08.2008 - 05.2016
- Assisted in tracking student-led IEP progress. Supported collaboration with related services and general education staff to address student needs. Facilitated communication among team members to improve educational outcomes.
- Designed and implemented student executive functioning portfolios to enhance goal setting and progress monitoring.
- Facilitated collaboration among students, parents, special education teachers, general education teachers, and administrators to design and execute instructional plans.
- Facilitated support for students' emotional and behavioral development by applying targeted behavioral strategies.
Special Education Teacher
Cross Keys Middle School
Florissant, MO
08.2004 - 05.2008
- Resource (Grades: 6-8), Progress Monitoring, and collaboration with related services, and general education staff
- Facilitated individualized education plans (IEPs) by collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and tracking progress.
- Implemented targeted interventions to enhance students' academic skills and foster independence in learning.
- Manage students’ emotional and behavioral needs while developing and teaching behavioral strategies to support students’ self-advocacy and self-control
General Education Teacher-Science
Central Middle School (Riverview Gardens)
St Louis, MO
08.2003 - 05.2004
- Delivered engaging lessons to enhance comprehension of Earth life and physical sciences, focusing on fundamental chemistry and physics principles for 7th grade students.
General Education Teacher-Science
Selvidge Middle School (Rockwood)
Ballwin, MO
08.2001 - 05.2003
- Designed and delivered interactive lessons aimed at enhancing comprehension of earth life and physical sciences for 7th grade students, focusing on core chemistry and physics concepts.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
University of Missouri
St. Louis05-2004
Bachelor of Science - Middle School General Education with Math and Science certification
University of Missouri
St. Louis05-2001
Skills
- MO Housse certification
- Certified in cross-categorical special education
- General education certification for grades 5-9 in math and science
- Relationship building
- Co-teaching experience
- Trained in CPI
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Bristol Elementary School
08.2024 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Lindbergh High School
08.2016 - 05.2024
Special Education Teacher
Parkway West High School
08.2008 - 05.2016
Special Education Teacher
Cross Keys Middle School
08.2004 - 05.2008
General Education Teacher-Science
Central Middle School (Riverview Gardens)
08.2003 - 05.2004
General Education Teacher-Science
Selvidge Middle School (Rockwood)
08.2001 - 05.2003
Bachelor of Science - Middle School General Education with Math and Science certification
University of Missouri
Master of Arts - Special Education
University of Missouri