Jennifer Clark
Austin
Summary
Recent School Counseling Graduate with hands-on experience implementing the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs across secondary campus levels. Demonstrated success delivering Guidance Curriculum through school-wide college and career readiness initiatives and specialized stress management lessons. Experienced in Responsive Services, utilizing evidence-based crisis intervention and substance abuse prevention strategies to support a student body with diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Proficient at Individual Planning and System Support, actively collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams, Special Education (SPED) departments, and 504 committees to provide equitable academic advising and holistic student support.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Canyon Ridge Middle School
Austin, TX
08.2023 - Current
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance student outcomes and foster inclusive environments.
- Implemented evidence-based instructional strategies to promote academic growth for students with disabilities.
- Conducted ongoing assessments to monitor student progress and adjust interventions as necessary.
- Facilitated communication between parents, educators, and support staff to ensure comprehensive student support systems.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
- Integrated social skills training into curriculum, facilitating improved peer interactions and social integration.
- Created culturally responsive classroom environment, acknowledging and celebrating diversity among students.
- Guided students through transition planning processes, preparing them for post-secondary education and employment opportunities.
Special Education Teacher
Four Points Middle School
Austin, TX
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Designed adaptive learning materials tailored to various cognitive and physical abilities of students.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
- Collaborated with parents and other educators to develop comprehensive support plans, promoting student success.
- Guided students through transition planning processes, preparing them for post-secondary education and employment opportunities.
- Utilized data from student assessments to tailor instruction, resulting in more effective learning outcomes.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
- Integrated social skills training into curriculum, facilitating improved peer interactions and social integration.
Education
Master of Education - School Counseling
Angelo State University
05-2026
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Southern Mississippi
05-2007
Skills
- Student advocacy
- Regulatory compliance
- Individualized education programs
- Diverse groups presentations
- Career guidance
- Substance abuse prevention
- College preparation
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Crisis intervention
- Career planning
Certification
Alternative Certification Program (ACP) – The Texas Institute for Teacher Education (Alternate Teacher License; state-approved pathway an alternate classroom teaching)
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Canyon Ridge Middle School
08.2023 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Four Points Middle School
08.2021 - 05.2022
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Southern Mississippi
Master of Education - School Counseling
Angelo State University
INTERNSHIPS
Graduate Practicum Student | Angelo State University
Austin, TX | Jan 2026 – May 2026
- Guidance Curriculum: Designed and delivered school-wide college and career readiness and stress management lessons aligned with the Texas Model.
- Responsive Services: Assisted with immediate social-emotional guidance, substance abuse prevention strategies, and crisis intervention.
- Individual Planning: Provided academic advising, graduation planning, and post-secondary goal-setting for a diverse student body.
- System Support: Collaborated with all students, administration, and Special Education (SPED) departments to align counseling initiatives with campus goals and ensure comprehensive student support.
Congressional Intern | Office of Congressman Charles Pickering
Washington, D.C. | Jun 1997 – Aug 1997
- Constituent Services: Managed front-line public relations by addressing concerns and effectively communicating legislative information to citizens.
- Office Administration: Maintained organized records, coordinated daily office schedules, and supported fast-paced administrative workflows.
- Public Relations: Conducted guided tours of the U.S. Capitol, translating complex federal government operations for diverse visitor groups.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / VOLUNTEERING EXPERIENCE
- Contributed to community outreach and education programs for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to promote safe driving practices
- Coordinated food packing and distribution for Feed My Starving Children, providing meals to children in need globally
- Implemented activities and social-emotional programs for children affected by trauma and natural disasters at Camp Noah