Gwen Garfield
Malta,MT
Summary
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges with a strong work ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills. Hardworking educator with customer service, multitasking and time management abilities devoted to giving every student a positive and memorable experience. Committed with consistent and organized practices and skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the learning of students, while, facilitating growth and a team-oriented mentality, including student, parents, and staff.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Clark County Public Schools
Las Vegas, NV
08.1998 - 02.2022
- Developed IEP's and behavior plans for students in collaboration with school personnel, parents, and outside agencies.
- Collaborated closely with other professionals such as school psychologists, social workers, special education teachers, speech therapists, and occupational therapists. to ensure that all necessary services were provided to each student.
- Assessed the academic, social, and emotional needs of students.
- Monitored student progress on a regular basis using data collection systems such as AIMSweb, KTEA, Woodcock Johnson, KeyMath, and teacher created assessments.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions designed to reduce problem behaviors.
- Conducted classroom observations to assess student's interactions within the classroom setting.
- Provided crisis intervention when needed including de-escalation strategies for aggressive behavior.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress related to their Individual Education Plan.
- Integrated technology into instruction to improve learning outcomes.
- Incorporated positive reinforcement strategies into daily instruction to increase appropriate behaviors among students.
- Utilized a variety of instructional strategies such as cooperative learning activities, role-playing exercises, visual aids. to engage learners who have difficulty focusing due to their disability.
- Worked collaboratively with parents on developing strategies that can be used at home to reinforce positive behavior changes and academics at school.
- Consulted regularly with administrators regarding program implementation.
- Advised colleagues on effective teaching methods for working effectively with students experiencing difficulties due to behavior and academics.
- Developed IEP to leverage developmental practices and educational theories to achieve educational objectives.
- Maintained consistent and timely contact with parents about student behavior, academics and upcoming events.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
- Teamed with general education teachers to plan and implement curriculum, state and district-wide assessments.
- Developed and maintained individualized skill-appropriate lesson plans to promote and build student confidence.
- Employed cutting-edge teaching technologies to meet learning objectives and enhance student experience.
- Incorporated interactive visual aids into student lesson plans to support learning objectives.
- Established and maintained dynamic working relationships with students, staff. and parents to support classroom objectives.
Behavior Specialist
Clark County School District, CCSD
Las Vegas, NV
08.2009 - 08.2015
- Implemented de-escalation protocols when necessary to help keep students safe while managing their challenging behaviors.
- Maintained accurate records of assessments, observations, interventions, and other activities related to each student's behavioral plan.
- Attended professional development workshops related to best practices in working with special needs populations.
- Provided consultation services to families regarding resources available within their communities that may be beneficial for children exhibiting problem behaviors.
- Advised teachers on how they can modify instructional strategies based on an individual student's strengths and weaknesses.
- Supported parents by providing guidance on how they can reinforce desired behaviors at home.
- Served as a liaison between schools and community agencies related to mental health services for youth with challenging behaviors.
- Provided individual and group behavior intervention services to students with disabilities.
- Collaborated with school staff, parents, and administrators to ensure successful implementation of BIPs.
- Monitored student behavior using data collection systems and provided feedback to teachers on effectiveness of interventions implemented.
- Provided crisis management support for students exhibiting challenging behaviors in school settings.
- Created positive learning environments by utilizing evidence-based practices such as Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports.
- Developed social skills instruction plans for students who exhibit difficulty developing appropriate peer relationships.
- Assisted in the training of school personnel in effective classroom management techniques and behavior modification strategies.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss student progress, develop recommendations, and collaborate on educational decisions.
- Worked directly with students and discussed behavioral goals and implementation of behavior intervention programs.
- Wrote goal-oriented programs and evaluated and documented progress and participation in weekly interdisciplinary treatment team conferences.
- Presented student behavioral data during IEP meetings to determine plan changes and progress.
- Collected data via direct student observation and consultation with classroom teachers regarding student behaviors.
- Developed and implemented departmental support systems to meet strategic objectives.
- Utilized consulting skills for implementation and maintenance of intervention plans.
- Demonstrated appropriate behaviors using behavior modeling and positive reinforcement techniques.
Education
Master of Science - Advanced Special Education
University of Portland
Portland, OR05-2016
Master of Science - Special Education, emphasis Behavior Disorders
University Las Vegas
Las Vegas05-2003
Bachelor of Science - Elementary/Special Education
Montana State University, Billings
Billings, MT12-1997
Skills
- Student Records Management
- Differentiated Instruction
- Parent Communication
- Individual Education Plans IEPs, academic and behavior
- Social Skills Development
- Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
- Progress Evaluations
- Team Collaboration
- Social Integration
- Emotional Support - students, staff, and parents
- Group and Individual Instruction
- Classroom Integration
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Relationship Building
Accomplishments
- As a RTI (Response to Intervention) Chairperson, presented at the Nevada Department of Education state meeting. Assisted staff writing intervention plans.
- As a behavior mentor, established a working relationship with Behavior Specialists of Nevada and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
- Established a Best Buddies program in an elementary school.
Certification
- Endorsement in differentiation instruction from Touro University, Las Vegas.
- Classes in autism instruction from Sierra Nevada College.
- Previously certified in Mandt and CPI.
Affiliations
- Co-Chairperson of a federal after school program, with an emphasis in academics and social skills through clubs.
- Basketball coach with the Greater Youth Sports Association. Brought sports to elementary students who would not have exposure otherwise. Was on the Board of Directors that established reading clubs in those schools, hiring tutors and receiving donated books.
Summary
- Taught first, fourth and fifth grade one year each.
- Have experience working with students over a 24 year period with Specific Leaning Disabilities, Other Health Impairment, Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Emotional disturbance, Speech or language impairment, Orthopedic impairment, Intellectual disability,
Timeline
Behavior Specialist
Clark County School District, CCSD
08.2009 - 08.2015
Special Education Teacher
Clark County Public Schools
08.1998 - 02.2022
Master of Science - Advanced Special Education
University of Portland
Master of Science - Special Education, emphasis Behavior Disorders
University Las Vegas
Bachelor of Science - Elementary/Special Education
Montana State University, Billings