Heather Mccluskey
Norwich,CT
Summary
Compassionate Special Education Teacher with over 24 years of experience teaching mentally disabled students in contained classroom. Employs variety of instructional techniques and strategies aligned with instructional objectives to meet needs of all students. Enforces classroom rules to encourage positive behavior.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Lebanon Board of Education
Lebanon, CT
09.2018 - Current
- Encouraged curiosity, exploration and problem-solving with tailored recreation programs.
- Special Education Department Team Leader
- Delivered tutoring sessions to help students grasp complex concepts in one-on-one settings.
- Helped students learn to persevere with challenging tasks and build resilience for later educational efforts.
- Offered counseling to students and parents to increase personal growth, self-understanding and behavioral management.
- Adapted instructional techniques to appropriate ages and skill levels of supervised students.
- Collaborated with other educational personnel to provide inclusive activities or programs for children with disabilities.
- Solved student behavioral issues according to building expectations and codes of conduct.
- Utilized technology resources such as online programs and assistive devices.
- Developed individual educational plans designed to promote educational, physical and social development.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities.
- Implemented behavior management systems that promote positive behaviors.
- Created a safe environment conducive to learning for special education students.
- Enhanced lessons using Smart Board technology and computers.
- Maintained consistent and timely contact with parents about student behavior and upcoming events.
- Monitored the educational progress of each student according to established timelines.
- Served as an advocate for special education students within the school system.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
- Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs.
Special Education Teacher
East Lyme Board of Education
East Lyme, CT
08.2002 - 08.2018
- Taught language arts, mathematics, science, and social sciences in a self-contained (Therapeutic Program) ED and LD classroom
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with the master schedule
- Redirected poor behavior using the positive reinforcement method
- Gave one-on-one attention to students, while maintaining overall focus on the entire group
- Modified the general education curriculum for special-needs students based upon a variety of instructional techniques and technologies
- Instructed students with disabilities, including autism, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support
- Organized instruction material, including constructing bulletin boards and setting up work areas
- Created strategies to meet the needs of emotionally disabled students
- Communicated verbally and non-verbally with children to provide them with comfort, encouragement, and positive reinforcement
- Established a safe environment for the students to return to throughout the day
- Served as a adviser for core group of students each year
- Successfully improved student participation in the therapeutic program
- Collaborated with general educators, school administrators and external professionals in the development of Individualized Education Plans/Programs (IEPs)
- Assisted students with career and future-education planning
- Facilitated constructive and regular communications between educators and parents as the case manager.
Special Education Teacher
Natchaug Hospital
Mansfield, CT
09.2000 - 08.2002
- Taught language arts, mathematics, science, and social sciences at a self-contained clinical day school for grades 6-12
- Implemented a daily point system
- Instructed students in behavioral coping strategies.
Education
Certificate of Social And Emotional Learning -
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ05-2020
Master of Arts - Secondary Education
California University of Pennsylvania
01.2012
Masters of Education - Special Education
California University of Pennsylvania
01.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California University of Pennsylvania
01.1995
Skills
- Positive reinforcement
- Writing IEP goals and objectives
- Outstanding social skills
- Organizational skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Manage paraprofessionals
- Age-appropriate lesson planning
- Audio-visual aid implementation
- Student motivation
- Creative learning strategies
- Varied lesson plans
- Working with emotional disturbed students
- Computer proficient
- Differentiating instruction
- Positive learning environment
- Standardized testing
- Critical thinking
- Data collection
- Effective time management
- Parent communication
- Conflict Resolution Techniques
- Differentiated Instruction
- Social Skills Development
- Curriculum Adjustments
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Learning Style Assessments
- Crisis Prevention and Intervention
- Transition Planning
- Relationship Building
- Collaborative Teamwork
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Lebanon Board of Education
09.2018 - Current
Special Education Teacher
East Lyme Board of Education
08.2002 - 08.2018
Special Education Teacher
Natchaug Hospital
09.2000 - 08.2002
Certificate of Social And Emotional Learning -
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Master of Arts - Secondary Education
California University of Pennsylvania
Masters of Education - Special Education
California University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California University of Pennsylvania
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