JACELYN DESMARAIS
Channahon,IL
Summary
Dedicated special education teacher with nearly a decade of experience in diverse disability-specific, elementary, and early childhood classrooms. Skilled in inclusive instruction, culturally responsive teaching, and evidence-based supports for students with disabilities, including English Language Learners. Holds an M.S. in Teaching & Learning with a 4.0 GPA and ESL endorsement. Proficient in developing IEPs, leading professional development, mentoring staff, and integrating modern instructional technologies like AI and EmbraceIEP. Seeking to leverage expertise in higher education as an adjunct professor specializing in special education or inclusive education.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER – ABC PROGRAM
Sator Sanchez Elementary School – Joliet District 86
Joliet, IL
08.2019 - Current
- Teaches in the ABC Program for students with autism and related developmental disorders
- Provides intensive visual, sensory, and behavioral supports throughout the school day
- Implements the TEACCH methodology to promote independence and structure
- Skilled in both inclusive general education collaboration and instructional-level classroom teaching
- Develops comprehensive IEPs tailored to student strengths and needs
- Leads IEP writing using EmbraceIEP software (mastery level)
- Presents school-based PD on bilingual visuals, EmbraceIEP, and structured supports
- Designs and uses bilingual (English-Spanish) coreboards and communication visuals
- Integrates AI to create visuals, differentiated resources, and translated materials
- Models culturally responsive practices for paraprofessionals and student teachers
- Develops IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Promotes 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.
EARLY CHILDHOOD AUTISM CLASSROOM TEACHER
NB Galloway – District 17 through SOWIC
Channahon, IL
06.2018 - 05.2019
- Led a self-contained CAB (Communication, Autism, Behavior) classroom for eight students
- Created and maintained individualized data binders across multiple skill domains
- Mastered EasyIEP platform; developed strong, measurable goals and objectives
- Taught across cognition, reading, math, fine motor, speech, and learner skill domains
- Collaborated with therapists and staff to align programming and related services
EARLY CHILDHOOD AUTISM CLASSROOM TEACHER
Minooka Primary Center – District 201 via Grundy Co. Co-op
Minooka, IL
08.2017 - 05.2018
- Taught in a self-contained classroom serving young students with varying levels of autism
- Designed behavior intervention plans tailored to individual behavioral needs
- Led IEP meetings and partnered with service providers for personalized goal setting
- Maintained consistent communication with families and built strong home-school relationships
STUDENT TEACHER
Joliet Public Schools District 86
Joliet, IL
01.2017 - 05.2017
- Student-taught in 3rd-grade general education and 2nd-grade special education
- Applied trauma-informed practices and inclusive instructional strategies
- Worked with classroom teacher to learn about current standards and best practices.
- Facilitated small group activities and one-on-one instruction to meet individual student needs.
- Cultivated positive relationships with administration, teaching staff, and students.
Education
M.S. - Teaching & Learning – ESL Concentration
University of St. Francis
Joliet, IL05.2025
ESL Endorsement - undefined
University of St. Francis
Joliet, IL10.2024
B.S. - Elementary Education & Special Education (LBS1)
University of St. Francis
Joliet, IL05.2017
Skills
- EmbraceIEP – Mastery level
- EasyIEP – Proficient
- AI Tools (ChatGPT, image generation) – Instructional support and translation
- Canva – Visual design for classroom, PD, and family communication
- Google Suite – Docs, Slides, Forms, Sheets, Classroom
- Canvas / Schoology / Seesaw – LMS experience
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Data management
- Team collaboration
- Parent communication
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- De-escalation techniques
- Behavior intervention plans
- Trained in CPI
- Verbal and nonverbal communication
- Behavior modifications
Certification
- Professional Educator License – Illinois
- Learning Behavior Specialist I – PreK through Age 22 (Issued 2017-05-25 – IL, USF)
- Elementary Education (Self-Contained General Education) – K–9 (Issued 2017-05-25 – IL, USF)
- ESL Endorsement – PreK–12 (Issued 2024-10)
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER – ABC PROGRAM
Sator Sanchez Elementary School – Joliet District 86
08.2019 - Current
EARLY CHILDHOOD AUTISM CLASSROOM TEACHER
NB Galloway – District 17 through SOWIC
06.2018 - 05.2019
EARLY CHILDHOOD AUTISM CLASSROOM TEACHER
Minooka Primary Center – District 201 via Grundy Co. Co-op
08.2017 - 05.2018
STUDENT TEACHER
Joliet Public Schools District 86
01.2017 - 05.2017
ESL Endorsement - undefined
University of St. Francis
B.S. - Elementary Education & Special Education (LBS1)
University of St. Francis
M.S. - Teaching & Learning – ESL Concentration
University of St. Francis