Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Gerald Taylor

Upper Darby,PA

Summary

Dynamic Special Educator with 14 years of experience in developing and implementing individualized education programs (IEPs) for diverse student populations, including those with behavioral and emotional challenges. Proven track record of fostering inclusive learning environments through collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community resources. Adept in crisis management and de-escalation techniques to ensure student safety and well-being. Strong leadership skills demonstrated through mentoring new educators and leading professional development initiatives. Committed to promoting holistic youth development and advocating for equitable access to educational and behavioral services. Seeking to leverage educational expertise and a passion for youth advocacy in a Director of Youth Residential Services role to drive positive outcomes for at-risk youth.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Special Education Teacher /Grade Level Chairperson

KIPP High School: Camden
07.2023 - Current


  • Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs tailored to individual student needs in an inclusive classroom environment.
  • Utilize various instructional strategies and technology to meet diverse learning styles, specifically focusing on English language arts.
  • Assess student progress through formal and informal assessments, adapting instruction and interventions as necessary.
  • Serve as a Grade Level Chair, facilitating communication and collaboration among teachers within the grade level to share resources and effective instructional strategies.
  • Organize and lead grade-level meetings to discuss student progress, curriculum implementation, and instructional practices.
  • Act as a liaison between the grade level and administration, representing the interests and needs of the team.
  • Design and write engaging, effective English special education curriculum resources aligned with state standards and best practices.
  • Collaborate with general education and special education staff to ensure curriculum accessibility and relevance for all students.
  • Continuously evaluate and revise curriculum materials based on student performance data and feedback.
  • Lead regional professional development initiatives for special education staff, focusing on instructional strategies, curriculum implementation, and compliance with special education laws and regulations.
  • Provide mentorship and support to new and existing teachers in instructional practices and classroom management techniques.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth among staff through workshops, training sessions, and collaborative planning.
  • Maintain regular communication with parents, guardians, and support staff regarding student progress and educational needs.
  • Engage with community resources and organizations to support the needs of students with disabilities and their families.

Special Education Teacher /Grade Level Chairperson

KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy
08.2016 - 06.2023
  • Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs tailored to individual student needs.
  • Assess student progress through formal and informal assessments, adapting instruction as necessary.
  • Collaborate with general education teachers to provide inclusive learning experiences.
  • Utilize various instructional strategies, resources, and technology to meet diverse learning styles.
  • Communicate regularly with parents, guardians, and support staff regarding student progress and needs.
  • Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment that promotes respect and understanding.
  • Provide training and support to paraprofessionals and other staff working with special education students.
  • Stay updated on special education laws, regulations, and best practices.
  • Participate in team meetings, staff development, and professional learning communities.
  • Facilitate communication and collaboration among teachers within the grade level to share resources and strategies.
  • Organize and lead grade-level meetings to discuss student progress, curriculum implementation, and instructional practices.
  • Serve as a representative for the grade level in school-wide meetings, conveying concerns and suggestions to administration.
  • Assist in coordinating grade-level activities, events, and assessments.
  • Support new teachers by providing mentorship and guidance in instructional practices and classroom management.
  • Collaborate with special education staff to ensure that the needs of all students are met.
  • Analyze student data to inform instructional decisions and improve student outcomes.
  • Promote a positive and collaborative culture among staff and students.

Special Education Teacher

Mastery Charter School
07.2014 - 06.2016

• Develop and implement individualized education programs (IEPs) tailored to each student's strengths, needs, and goals. Deliver differentiated instruction in core subjects (e.g., reading, writing, math) based on student learning levels, using specialized instructional techniques and tools.

• Use various strategies to support students with diverse disabilities (e.g., learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional and behavioral disorders, ADHD).

• Incorporate culturally relevant materials and instructional strategies that reflect the diverse backgrounds of students in an urban environment.

• Use assessment data to track student progress, modify instructional plans, and ensure students are meeting academic and behavioral goals.

• Create a positive, structured, and inclusive learning environment where students feel supported and safe. Use de-escalation techniques and positive behavioral interventions to manage student behavior and promote a culture of respect and responsibility.

Participate in IEP meetings, providing input on student progress and collaborating with parents, caregivers, and multidisciplinary teams (e.g., speech therapists, occupational therapists, social workers).

• Serve as an advocate for students with disabilities, ensuring they have the necessary accommodations, services, and resources to succeed in both academic and non-academic settings.

• Communicate regularly with families, providing updates on student progress, challenges, and strategies for supporting learning at home.

Special Education Teacher

I-LEAD Charter School
09.2011 - 06.2014

• Develop and implement individualized education programs (IEPs) tailored to each student's strengths, needs, and goals. Deliver differentiated instruction in core subjects (e.g., reading, writing, math) based on student learning levels, using specialized instructional techniques and tools.

• Use various strategies to support students with diverse disabilities (e.g., learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional and behavioral disorders, ADHD).

• Incorporate culturally relevant materials and instructional strategies that reflect the diverse backgrounds of students in an urban environment.

• Create a positive, structured, and inclusive learning environment where students feel supported and safe. Use de-escalation techniques and positive behavioral interventions to manage student behavior and promote a culture of respect and responsibility.

• Collaborate with school counselors, behavior specialists, and other support staff to provide comprehensive behavior support services.

Build relationships with students, families, and the broader school community, demonstrating an understanding and appreciation of the cultural, socioeconomic, and linguistic diversity present in an urban school setting.

• Implement culturally responsive teaching practices that validate and affirm the identities and experiences of students from marginalized backgrounds.

Behavioral Specialist Supervisor

Children Home of Reading
09.2011 - 06.2013

• Provide direct supervision, guidance, and support to behavioral specialists, direct care staff, and other treatment team members. Conduct regular team meetings and one-on-one supervision sessions to review case progress, address challenges, and ensure staff are meeting clinical and organizational standards.

• Lead training initiatives for staff on behavioral interventions, trauma-informed care, de-escalation techniques, and crisis intervention.

• Provide ongoing professional development opportunities to behavioral specialists and staff to improve the quality of services offered.

  • Oversee the development and implementation of individualized behavior treatment plans for each resident, working in collaboration with therapists, counselors, and other members of the clinical team.

• Act as a resource for staff in responding to crisis situations, ensuring that appropriate de-escalation techniques and interventions are utilized. • Oversee the use of behavior management programs, ensuring consistency, fairness, and alignment with each youth's treatment goals.

• Provide hands-on support during emergencies, acting as the lead in crisis intervention situations when needed.

Education

Master of Arts - Special Education

Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
05.2014

Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies

Benedict College
Columbia, SC
05.2011

Skills

  • Individualized Education Program (IEP) Development
  • Crisis Management and De-escalation Techniques
  • Behavioral Assessment and Intervention Planning
  • Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Teams
  • Culturally Responsive Teaching
  • Parent and Guardian Communication
  • Data-Driven Decision Making
  • Team Leadership and Supervision
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Program Development and Evaluation
  • Collaboration with Community Resources
  • Training and Professional Development

Timeline

Special Education Teacher /Grade Level Chairperson

KIPP High School: Camden
07.2023 - Current

Special Education Teacher /Grade Level Chairperson

KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy
08.2016 - 06.2023

Special Education Teacher

Mastery Charter School
07.2014 - 06.2016

Special Education Teacher

I-LEAD Charter School
09.2011 - 06.2014

Behavioral Specialist Supervisor

Children Home of Reading
09.2011 - 06.2013

Master of Arts - Special Education

Liberty University

Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies

Benedict College
Gerald Taylor