Jennifer Gillespie
Chicago,Illinois
Summary
Versatile educator with a strong focus on meeting the individual needs of students in both academic and emotional development. Skilled in designing and implementing hands-on lessons that cater to diverse learning abilities. Utilizes constant communication, patience, and positive reinforcement to cultivate exceptional educational tools and promote academic achievement within team efforts. Motivated and enthusiastic about working with students of all backgrounds and skill levels. A friendly and collaborative team player with over 10 years of experience in the field.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Interventionist
Chicago Public Schools
08.2024 - Current
- Provided intensive, data-driven interventions for students from vulnerable populations at risk of academic failure.
- Led Tier 3 small group and one-on-one instruction, tailoring support to individual student needs using evidence-based strategies.
- Utilized Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to identify, monitor, and adjust interventions for struggling learners.
- Mentored colleagues on implementing Tier 2 interventions, guiding data collection, progress monitoring, and decision-making.
- Assisted in determining whether students should remain in MTSS, advance to Tier 3, or be referred for an IEP evaluation.
- Designed and implemented instructional plans aligned with curriculum objectives, fostering measurable student growth.
- Assessed and documented student progress, maintaining accurate records to inform data-driven decision-making.
- Established and enforced classroom management strategies to create a structured, supportive learning environment.
- Collaborated with parents, guardians, and multidisciplinary teams to develop intervention plans and support student success.
- Participated in professional development and staff meetings to enhance instructional effectiveness and intervention strategies.
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
02.2017 - 08.2024
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to a range of neurodiverse students
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities
- Modified general education curriculum for diverse learners 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
- Partnered with general education teachers and related service professionals from across academic departments
- Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation
Temporary Assigned Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
08.2015 - 02.2016
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices
- Worked with students with moderate to severe autism to increase life skills
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals
Day-to-Day Substitute Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
09.2014 - 08.2015
- Provided instruction for students in core subject areas
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies
- Kept accurate and current attendance records and assignment sheets to maintain file compliance
- Supervised lunchroom and recess activities
- Uphold classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance
Adult ESL Teacher
ELS Educational Services
06.2011 - 06.2014
- Provided supportive, nurturing learning environment to encourage student responsibility
- Maintained accurate and complete records of student progress and growth
- Taught classes daily with advanced, beginner and intermediate levels of students
- Offered one-on-one tutoring to improve student classroom performance
- Established clear objectives for lessons and units to hundreds of international students
- Instructed students in using visuals, games and textbooks to improve writing, speaking and reading skills
Education
Doctor of Education - Disability And Equity in Education
National Louis University
Chicago, IL06-2030
Master of Education - Specialized Endorsements
National Louis University
Chicago, IL12.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
National Louis University
Chicago, IL06.2011
Skills
- Student Data Organization
- Effective Conflict Management
- K-8 Education
- Customized Learning Approaches
- Coordination of Group and Individual Learning
- Reading Instruction Expertise
- Trauma-Informed Teaching
- Cross-Cultural Understanding
- Continuous professional development
- Progress monitoring
Certification
- Professional Educator License (K-9)
- Learning Behavior Specialist I (K-22)
- Social Science (5-8)
- English as a Second Language (PK-12)
- Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner, Level 1 Certified
Affiliations
- Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
Timeline
Interventionist
Chicago Public Schools
08.2024 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
02.2017 - 08.2024
Temporary Assigned Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
08.2015 - 02.2016
Day-to-Day Substitute Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
09.2014 - 08.2015
Adult ESL Teacher
ELS Educational Services
06.2011 - 06.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
National Louis University
Doctor of Education - Disability And Equity in Education
National Louis University
Master of Education - Specialized Endorsements
National Louis University
Similar Profiles
Eugene Shim IIEugene Shim II
After-School Program Instructor at City Of Chicago-Chicago Public SchoolsAfter-School Program Instructor at City Of Chicago-Chicago Public Schools
Jeanaya S. AdamsJeanaya S. Adams
CTE Team Lead at Chicago Public Schools/Chicago Military AcademyCTE Team Lead at Chicago Public Schools/Chicago Military Academy
Jessica E. HornsbyJessica E. Hornsby
Special Education Classroom Assistant at City of Chicago/Chicago Public SchoolsSpecial Education Classroom Assistant at City of Chicago/Chicago Public Schools