Janelle Cook
Summary
Dynamic and dedicated Special Education and Physical Education Teacher with 24 years of experience fostering inclusive learning environments. Proven expertise in classroom management, curriculum development, and behavior intervention strategies. Strong collaborator with a track record of working alongside educators, administrators, and support staff to tailor educational approaches that address the unique needs of each student. Passionate about promoting critical thinking skills to enhance student engagement and academic success.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Middle School Physical Education Teacher
Bettendorf Middle School
08.2022 - 06.2025
- Taught students in grades 6-8
- Taught a self-contained behavior disorder PE class with 7 students
- Addressed behavioral issues promptly, implementing appropriate interventions to maintain a safe and respectful learning environment.
- Organized annual field days and sports tournaments, promoting physical activity and healthy competition among students.
- Established high expectations for all students, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone felt valued and supported.
- Maintained safety in girlś locker room
- Taught physical education classes covering exercise strategies, sports, and safety.
- Increased student participation by incorporating engaging activities and group projects into daily lesson plans.
- Communicated with parents and guardians regarding student progress and behavioral issues.
Special Education Strategist I Teacher
Sudlow Middle School
08.2020 - 06.2022
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- 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.
- Developed collaborative partnerships with general education teachers, working together to create inclusive classrooms that met the needs of all learners.
- Established strong relationships with parents, conducting regular communication to provide updates on student progress and address any concerns.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on their goal areas for improvement.
Special Education Strategist I Teacher
Bettendorf Middle School
07.2018 - 07.2020
- Co-taught sixth grade math, seventh grade science, seventh grade language arts and sixth grade resource math
- Coordinated with general education teachers to modify curriculum materials, ensuring accessibility for all learners in an inclusive setting.
- Member of districts Standards Based Math Team
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Modified tests and assignments to meet the needs of each student
- Documented daily behavior sheets for students
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing differentiated instruction tailored to individual needs.
- Developed strong relationships with students, fostering trust and creating a safe learning environment where they could thrive academically and emotionally.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
Special Education Teacher K-5
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
07.2015 - 07.2018
- Member of Bettendorf''s Challenging Behavior Team
- Eliminated learning gaps and effectively instructed students by developing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and utilizing a wide variety of teaching aids and motivational strategies.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Successfully transitioned sixth graders into the middle school setting and exiting two students from IEPs.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
Special Education Teacher Strat.II MD
Herbert Hoover Elementary School
01.2011 - 07.2015
- Participated in week-long intensive leadership training and provided training to colleagues on applied behavior analysis.
- Collaborated with physical therapist, occupational therapist, music therapist and speech therapist weekly in assessing student progress.
- Enhanced lessons using Smart Board technology and computers.
- Provided specialized classroom instruction to a broad range of students with developmental disorders, including autism.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Taught Sonoflex to three non-verbal students through the use of their personal I-Pads.
- Supervised and trained six teaching assistants and five nurses assigned to individual students with healthcare needs.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
Home School Instructor
Davenport Community Schools
10.2005 - 02.2010
- Collaborated with general education teachers in all subject areas.
- Assessed student performance regularly through quizzes, tests, and assignments, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well the student was learning.
- Completed student progress reports mid-term to notify students and parents of strengths and areas of improvement.
Special Education Strategist I Teacher K-8
Walcott School
08.2003 - 07.2010
- Co-taught third-fifth grade reading
- Worked with students of varying degrees of specialized need to accomplish tasks and build practical skills.
- Provided instruction to students in a pull-out setting to assist in the development of a variety of skills.
- Worked in collaboration with 15 conventional education instructors across multiple departments.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
Education
Mild/ Moderate K-8 - Special Education
Western Illinois University
Bachelor of Arts - Physical Education Teacher K-12
St. Ambrose University
Davenport, IA12-2001
Skills
- Challenging Behavior Team Member
- Attended two sessions of Dr Riffel's behavior conference
- Certified in Orton-Gillingham methodology
- Proficient in classroom organization
- Effective relationship management
- Classroom discipline strategies
- Extensive coaching background
- Enhancing student motivation
- Tailored instruction
- Implementing rules and standards
- Supportive learning atmosphere
- Multitasking and organization
- Positive reinforcement
- Performance tracking
Timeline
Middle School Physical Education Teacher
Bettendorf Middle School
08.2022 - 06.2025
Special Education Strategist I Teacher
Sudlow Middle School
08.2020 - 06.2022
Special Education Strategist I Teacher
Bettendorf Middle School
07.2018 - 07.2020
Special Education Teacher K-5
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
07.2015 - 07.2018
Special Education Teacher Strat.II MD
Herbert Hoover Elementary School
01.2011 - 07.2015
Home School Instructor
Davenport Community Schools
10.2005 - 02.2010
Special Education Strategist I Teacher K-8
Walcott School
08.2003 - 07.2010
Mild/ Moderate K-8 - Special Education
Western Illinois University
Bachelor of Arts - Physical Education Teacher K-12
St. Ambrose University
Similar Profiles
Kaitlin FeldermanKaitlin Felderman
Substitute Teacher at Bettendorf Middle SchoolSubstitute Teacher at Bettendorf Middle School
Janelle CookJanelle Cook
Physical Education Teacher at Bettendorf Middle SchoolPhysical Education Teacher at Bettendorf Middle School
Jill KullJill Kull
Teacher at Bettendorf Middle SchoolTeacher at Bettendorf Middle School
LA'DEREKA MCNEILLA'DEREKA MCNEIL
Middle School Physical Education Teacher at South Pike School DistrictMiddle School Physical Education Teacher at South Pike School District
HARPREET SAGGUHARPREET SAGGU
Middle School Physical Education Teacher at CIA FIRST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLMiddle School Physical Education Teacher at CIA FIRST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL