Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Heather Filkowski

Carol Stream,IL

Summary

Accomplished Substitute Teacher & Special Education Paraprofessional offering more than 20 years aiding instructors in the classroom and promoting individualized learning techniques.

Always looking to take on more and learn more. Pursued my RBT certification with 40hr course work, passed exam and field observations.

Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Office & Customer Support

Greenscape Landscaping
01.2022 - 02.2024
  • Championed a customer-first culture within the support team, resulting in higher overall satisfaction levels and increased client retention rates.
  • Contributed positively to the organization''s online reputation by promptly addressing negative reviews or comments from dissatisfied customers.
  • Spearheaded initiatives to improve departmental communication, fostering a positive work environment.
  • Achieved consistently high customer satisfaction ratings through personalized assistance and empathy in interactions.
  • Organized all jobs from demo to first look with customers.
  • Managed bookings, transactions and other administrative tasks to foster excellent customer experiences.
  • Tech: Educate customers on their new devices and secure network connections. Many grills and outdoor media is Bluetooth and tablet controlled.
  • Maintained and processed invoices, deposits, and money logs.
  • Managed accounts payable and receivable activities, maintaining vendor relationships and positive cash flow.
  • Monitored incoming payments from clients, ensuring prompt application of funds against outstanding invoices.

Paraprofessional

School Dist CCSD 93
09.2014 - 03.2022
  • Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
  • Improved classroom management by assisting teachers with behavioral interventions and monitoring student progress.
  • Supervised students during non-instructional periods such as lunch, recess, or field trips, ensuring safety at all times.
  • Enhanced student support by delivering one-on-one and small group assistance in various subjects.
  • Worked with students AAC devices. Trained by CASE.
  • Collected data for RBT (registered behavior therapist)
  • Passed 40hr RBT course & exam with classroom observations hours.
  • Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing strong rapport with students, parents, and faculty members.
  • Supported special education teachers in implementing accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs.
  • Promoted a respectful classroom culture by modeling appropriate behavior and reinforcing positive interactions among peers.

Substitute Teacher, K-12

School Dist CCSD 93
08.2000 - 09.2014
  • Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
  • Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
  • Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively, implementing clear expectations and consistent consequences for all students.
  • Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
  • Took over class for regular classroom teacher, managing assignments, student needs, and recordkeeping.
  • Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
  • Filled several maternity leaves.
  • Specialized in AIP (severe and profound C.A.S.E. classroom)

Substitute Teacher, K-12

School Dist. U46
08.1999 - 05.2003
  • Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
  • Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
  • Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively, implementing clear expectations and consistent consequences for all students.
  • Specialized in severe and profound classrooms.
  • Filled long term leave and maternity positions.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Education & Art

DePaul University
Chicago, IL
10.1997

Skills

  • IEP compliance
  • Learning Disabilities Support
  • Classroom Organization
  • Collaboration with teachers
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Instructional support
  • Student Supervision
  • Nonverbal Communication
  • Behavioral plan management
  • Life Skills Development
  • Autism and spectrum disorders
  • Special needs
  • Feeding Assistance
  • Physical Disabilities Support
  • Personal Hygiene Assistance
  • Social Skills Training
  • Parental interaction
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Visual Schedules
  • Heavy Lifting
  • Assistive Technology
  • Sensory Integration
  • Seizure Management
  • Mobility Assistance
  • Adaptive Equipment
  • Behavior management techniques
  • Student Advocacy
  • Autism understanding
  • Student Engagement
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Nonviolent Crisis Intervention

Timeline

Office & Customer Support

Greenscape Landscaping
01.2022 - 02.2024

Paraprofessional

School Dist CCSD 93
09.2014 - 03.2022

Substitute Teacher, K-12

School Dist CCSD 93
08.2000 - 09.2014

Substitute Teacher, K-12

School Dist. U46
08.1999 - 05.2003

Bachelor of Arts - Education & Art

DePaul University
Heather Filkowski