Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

HEATHER FINN

Myrtle Beach,SC

Summary

Dedicated Case Manager and IEP facilitator with expertise as a Dyslexia Specialist from the Wilson Reading System. Versatile Special Education Teacher with focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement. Skilled in collaborating with general education teachers, data collection, IEP development, behavior management, and various math and English Language Arts curricula. Trained in reading and math interventions including Wilson Reading System, Just Words, REWARDS Reading Intervention, Heggerty (Phonemic Awareness), Visualizing and Verbalizing (comprehension), and more. Strong interpersonal skills with a proven track record of coordinating education plans for students with special needs. Known for positive motivation through differentiated instruction, mentoring new teachers, and serving as the Special Education Department Chairperson.

Overview

38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Special Education Teacher/Core Replacement Math

North Myrtle Beach Middle School
08.2022 - Current
  • Develop IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
  • Create and manage IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
  • Promote a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
  • Modify general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
  • Foster strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
  • Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
  • Evaluate student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.

Special Education Teacher, Mentor, Department Chairperson

Leonardtown Middle School
01.2016 - 01.2022
  • Teacher of the regional Specialized Learning Intervention Program for students with language disorders and IQs in the low range.
  • Case manager and teacher of students in grades 6-8th with a variety of disabilities including dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia (SLD), communication, and Other Health.
  • Reading Intervention specialist to students reading at least three years below grade level implementing phonics, fluency, and comprehension interventions.
  • Mentor to new special education teachers, providing training in IEP writing, data collection, interventions, and assessments. Run weekly mentor/mentee meetings.
  • Special Education Department Chair which involves attending monthly county meetings with special education supervisors and director of special education.
  • Conduct monthly department meetings for special education staff to train and disperse special education information relayed at county meetings.
  • Member of Instructional Leadership Team.
  • Provide Extended School Year Services for designated students with Individualized Education Plans.

Special Education Teacher

Glenbrook Middle School
01.2014 - 01.2015
  • Worked as a special education teacher for students with low cognition in 6th-8th grade researching and developing appropriate curricula for these students. Started program for this population which was new to the school.
  • Used a variety of modified curricula and strategies such as Vmath, Great Leaps, and the Wilson Reading System.
  • Created and implemented differentiated lesson plans as well as tests.
  • Provided small group and individual specialized instruction in math and English Language Arts.
  • Progress monitored with the use of Aimsweb
  • Completed testing, written reports, individual education plans, and data collection.
  • Used assessments and data collection to determine instruction.
  • Provided inclusion and pull-out services for the students.
  • Supervised paraprofessionals.
  • Member of the school's Child Study Team, which helped to identify struggling students and promote RTI.
  • Lead IEP meetings with parents and professionals.
  • Mentored and supported new special education teachers.
  • Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
  • Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.

Title 1 Tutor

Glenbrook Middle School
01.2014 - 01.2015
  • Provided struggling students with after school math instruction and support to help bridge the gaps in their skills.
  • Used data collection to determine instruction.
  • Designed and implemented targeted intervention plans for students at risk of not meeting academic standards, providing tailored support to address individual needs.
  • Implemented data-driven instructional practices to identify areas for improvement and track student progress over time.

Sixth Grade Special Education Teacher

Glenbrook Middle School
01.2006 - 01.2014
  • Worked as a special education teacher for 6 grade students receiving special education services.
  • Planned and team taught with general education teachers.
  • Created and implemented lesson plans and tests for modified curricula.
  • Provided inclusion and pull-out services for students.
  • Taught a small group, pull out math class using the 6th grade curriculum with modifications and accommodations.
  • Provided specialized instruction based on assessments and data collection.
  • Conducted IEP meetings.
  • Supervised paraprofessionals.
  • Completed standardized testing.
  • Member of Child Study Team.

Summer School Special Education Teacher

Lower Pioneer Valley Education Collaborative (LPEC)
06.2006 - 08.2006
  • Instructed severely disabled adults (ages 18-21) in work-related skills.
  • Supervised paraprofessionals.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
  • Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.

Long Term Special Education Substitute Teacher

Wolf Swamp Road School
01.2004 - 01.2006
  • Worked as a special education teacher for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students
  • Planned and team taught with general educators.
  • Completed all testing, written reports, and education plans for students.
  • Provided inclusion and pull-out services.
  • Supervised paraprofessionals.
  • Member of School's Math Committee.

Preschool Special Education Teacher

Bollman Bridge Elementary School
01.1991 - 01.1997
  • Coordinating teacher for practicum students and student teachers from the University of Maryland.
  • Worked as an Early Intervention Specialist and preschool special education teacher for children with special needs ages birth to 5 years.
  • Provided home visits and coaching for parents.
  • Completed developmental testing, written reports, IEPs and data collection.
  • Provided program coordination with other involved professionals.
  • Developed appropriate educational materials such as speech aids.
  • Helped to develop and implement a pilot program for reverse mainstreaming.
  • Worked closely with kindergarten teachers and curriculum.
  • Provided instruction and verbal and written feedback to practicum student.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education, enhancing the quality of instruction provided to students.
  • Utilized various assessment tools to evaluate student performance and inform instructional planning, ensuring individualized support for every learner.
  • Partnered with general education teachers to adapt lessons and materials for inclusion settings, promoting an inclusive learning environment for all students.
  • Collaborated with related service providers to ensure consistency of support for students across all areas of development.
  • Assessed student progress through ongoing observations, data collection, and analysis, ensuring timely modifications to instruction as needed.
  • Incorporated sensory strategies into daily routines to promote self-regulation and increase focus during instructional time.

Preschool Special Education Teacher

Chapel Forge Special Center
08.1987 - 06.1991
  • Instructed 3-5 year old children with a variety of disabilities.
  • Coordinated all services provided to students.
  • Developed appropriate individualized education plans.
  • Provided support, coaching, and meetings with parents.
  • Acted as cooperating teacher for practicum students from the University of Maryland.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education, enhancing the quality of instruction provided to students.
  • Utilized various assessment tools to evaluate student performance and inform instructional planning, ensuring individualized support for every learner.
  • Enhanced students'' social skills by implementing group activities and cooperative learning strategies.
  • Collaborated with related service providers to ensure consistency of support for students across all areas of development.
  • Coordinated with school administrators and support staff to provide comprehensive services that addressed the whole child''s developmental needs-academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.

Education

M.Ed. - Early Childhood Special Education

University of Maryland
01.1992

B.S. - Special Education

University of Maryland
01.1987

Skills

  • Differentiated instruction
  • Classroom management
  • Individual education plans
  • Small group instruction
  • Reading Intervention
  • Math Intervention
  • Student/Parent Rapport
  • Experience with iReady and Goalbook

Certification

Professional Teaching License, Cross Categorical Pre K-8 th Grade, State of SC, through 2026.

Timeline

Special Education Teacher/Core Replacement Math

North Myrtle Beach Middle School
08.2022 - Current

Special Education Teacher, Mentor, Department Chairperson

Leonardtown Middle School
01.2016 - 01.2022

Special Education Teacher

Glenbrook Middle School
01.2014 - 01.2015

Title 1 Tutor

Glenbrook Middle School
01.2014 - 01.2015

Summer School Special Education Teacher

Lower Pioneer Valley Education Collaborative (LPEC)
06.2006 - 08.2006

Sixth Grade Special Education Teacher

Glenbrook Middle School
01.2006 - 01.2014

Long Term Special Education Substitute Teacher

Wolf Swamp Road School
01.2004 - 01.2006

Preschool Special Education Teacher

Bollman Bridge Elementary School
01.1991 - 01.1997

Preschool Special Education Teacher

Chapel Forge Special Center
08.1987 - 06.1991

B.S. - Special Education

University of Maryland

M.Ed. - Early Childhood Special Education

University of Maryland

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