Heidi Topley
San Jose,CA
Summary
Accomplished Special Education Teacher with a proven track record at San Jose Unified School District, enhancing academic success through differentiated instruction and effective classroom management. Expert in developing IEPs and utilizing qualitative research to foster inclusive learning environments. Demonstrated ability to mentor new teachers and increase parent involvement by over 30%.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
2
2
Credentials
3
3
Degrees
17
17
years of post-secondary education
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
San Jose Unified School District
2019.08 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Sunnyvale School District
2017.08 - 2019.06
Learning Specialist
Mulberry School
2016.08 - 2017.06
Ph.D. - Psychology
Grand Canyon University
2016.07 - 2024.06
Master of Arts - Education of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs
University of Southern California
2014.04 - 2015.12
Special Education Credential - Education
University of Southern California
2014.04 - 2015.12
Special Education Teacher
Gilroy Unified School District
2014.01 - 2016.06
Multiple Subject Credential - Education
San Jose State University
1989.08 - 1991.06
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Art
University of California, Berkeley
1981.09 - 1985.05
Multiple Subject Credential
Special Education Credential
Work History
Special Education Teacher
San Jose Unified School District
2019.08 - Current
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- 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.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Increased parent involvement through the organization of workshops, conferences, and informational sessions on topics relevant to special education services.
Special Education Teacher
Sunnyvale School District
2017.08 - 2019.06
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Utilized various teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring all students had equal opportunities to succeed.
Learning Specialist
Mulberry School
2016.08 - 2017.06
- Maintained inclusive learning environment to enable students to gain maximum benefit from lessons.
- Supported struggling students with targeted interventions, resulting in improved academic performance.
- Served as a liaison between school administration and faculty, facilitating open communication channels for addressing concerns or suggestions.
Special Education Teacher
Gilroy Unified School District
2014.01 - 2016.06
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Utilized various teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring all students had equal opportunities to succeed.
Skills
- Special Education
- Differentiated Instruction
- Classroom Management
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Small Group Instruction
- Qualitative Research
- Research design
- Subject matter expertise
- Interdisciplinary Knowledge
- Qualitative Analysis
- Academic Research
- Autism and Spectrum Disorders
- Cognitive Disabilities Knowledge
- Motivating Students
- Development of Social Skills
- Evidence-Based Assessment
- Self-Contained Classrooms
- IEP Development
- Positive Learning Environment
- Interactive Media
- Google Slides
- Classroom Practices
- Different Learning Styles
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Common Core Learning Standards
- Educational Settings
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Art
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 1981.09 - 1985.05
Multiple Subject Credential - Education
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA 1989.08 - 1991.06
Master of Arts - Education of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA 2014.04 - 2015.12
Special Education Credential - Education
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA 2014.04 - 2015.12
Ph.D. - Psychology
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ 2016.07 - 2024.06
Affiliations
- John Dewey Society
- Progressive Education Network
- California Teachers Association
Certification
Multiple Subject Credential
Special Education Credential
Quote
Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.
John Dewey
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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