JENNIFER M. BERNAT
Homer Glen,Illinois
Summary
Educational leader with experience spanning early childhood, elementary, general education, and special education. Illinois Principal Endorsement holder with building-level leadership as Principal Designee, plus strengths in IEP case management, instructional leadership, school improvement, data analysis, PLC facilitation, family engagement, and inclusive programming.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Designee / Administrative Leadership
Palos Community Consolidated School District 118
Palos Heights, IL
01.2025 - Current
- Acted as Principal Designee during the 2026-2027 school year, supporting building operations and student safety.
- Completed principal preparation internship experiences spanning school improvement planning, instructional leadership, budgeting and resource allocation, hiring, teacher observation, data analysis, and special education leadership.
- Participated in Building Leadership Team to enhance schoolwide planning, communication, problem solving, and cross-grade collaboration.
- Analyzed school and subgroup data to identify instructional needs and develop recommendations related to Tier 1 instruction, mathematics, English learner supports, attendance, and family engagement.
- Facilitated early childhood PLC work using student data to identify learning needs, regroup students, plan targeted instruction, and monitor progress.
- Developed and presented an early childhood play-area proposal based on a needs assessment, safety and accessibility research, vendor planning, and cost considerations.
- Led planning for Taste of 118, a districtwide multicultural event that strengthened family-school connections and celebrated district diversity.
- Supported leadership tasks by coordinating staff professional learning, facilitating paraprofessional hiring, and prioritizing resources during transition planning.
Early Childhood Teacher & Case Manager
Palos West Elementary School, Palos CCSD 118
Palos Heights, IL
08.2025 - Current
- Delivered specialized early childhood instruction and case management for students with diverse developmental, communication, behavioral, and learning needs, enhancing individual growth.
- Developed and implemented IEPs; coordinated annual reviews, eligibility and transition processes; monitored progress; and collaborated with families, teachers, and related-service providers to ensure comprehensive support.
- Use Teaching Strategies GOLD, VB-MAPP, observations, screenings, and other data sources to guide instruction, goals, supports, and placement discussions.
- Established structured, developmentally appropriate learning environments with visual supports, differentiated instruction, and positive behavior interventions, fostering engagement and learning.
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Flossmoor Hills School
Flossmoor, IL
06.2022 - 06.2025
- Collaborated in IEP and kindergarten transition meetings, delivering differentiated instruction tailored to diverse disabilities and support needs.
- Designed and modified instruction based on IEP goals and student needs, creating measurable goals and objectives for students transitioning from Early Intervention.
- Implemented Preschool for All (PFA) program expectations and ECERS-3 practices to enhance early childhood environments and improve instructional planning and program quality.
Pre-K Classroom Teacher / Case Manager
Primary Learning Center
Markham, IL
09.2019 - 06.2022
- Planned Creative Curriculum instruction, documented student learning through Teaching Strategies GOLD, conducted screenings and play-based assessments, and case-managed students with IEPs to support individualized education.
- Developed goals and objectives for preschool students, partnering with families through Pre-K events and transition activities to enhance student preparedness.
- Planned lesson plans aligned with Primary Learning Center curriculum standards.
- Taught reading, math, science, and writing through direct classroom instruction.
- Managed classroom behavior using clear routines and positive guidance.
Special Education Classroom Teacher
Highlands Elementary School
Hazel Crest, IL
09.2017 - 06.2018
- Implemented differentiated instruction and behavior supports for students in grades 1-3, addressing cognitive and emotional needs to enhance learning engagement.
- Delivered differentiated instruction aligned with IEP goals at Highlands Elementary School.
- Implemented classroom accommodations and modifications for diverse student learning needs.
- Monitored student behavior and reinforced positive classroom expectations.
Pre-K Classroom Teacher
Markham Park School
Markham, IL
01.2017 - 06.2017
- Delivered early childhood instruction tailored to developmental needs, enhancing family engagement through effective screening and assessment support.
- Planned lesson activities for Markham Park School classrooms
- Instructed students using grade-level curriculum and classroom routines
- Managed student behavior with clear expectations and consistent guidance
Special Education Para-Professional
Summit Hill School
Frankfort, IL
08.2016 - 01.2017
- Facilitated learning for students with diverse special education needs in classroom, small-group, and special settings.
- Supported special education students during classroom instruction at Summit Hill School.
- Assisted teachers with lesson materials, accommodations, and individualized learning activities.
- Monitored student behavior and reinforced classroom rules with calm redirection.
Special Education Resource Teacher
Prairie Hills School District 144
Markham, IL
08.2006 - 01.2009
- Managed student cases, led learner-intervention and annual-review meetings, developed IEP goals, and collaborated with staff to implement accommodations and modifications for improved educational outcomes.
- Delivered IEP-mandated academic services across three elementary schools; conducted academic case studies and administered, scored, and interpreted formal and informal assessments to enhance student learning.
- Facilitated professional learning on RTI, curriculum modifications, and instructional adaptations to empower staff and enhance instructional strategies.
Special Education Classroom Teacher
Fieldcrest Elementary School
Oak Forest, IL
08.2005 - 06.2006
- Taught students in grades 1-3 with cognitive and emotional needs; differentiated instruction and implemented classroom-management strategies to support individualized learning.
- Adapted lessons for Highlands Elementary School special education classrooms.
- Implemented IEP accommodations and modifications for diverse learners.
- Monitored student progress through daily observations and assessments.
2nd/ 4th Grade Teacher
Highlands Elementary School
Hazel Crest, IL
08.2002 - 07.2005
- Planned and delivered differentiated instruction to meet diverse student needs, established effective classroom management systems, and participated in school committees to enhance educational initiatives.
- Planned lessons aligned with Highlands Elementary School curriculum standards.
- Instructed reading, writing, math, science, and social studies lessons.
- Differentiated instruction for varied student learning needs and abilities.
Daycare Teacher
Sandbox Preschool
Palos Heights, IL
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Planned engaging learning experiences for preschool-aged children, coordinating summer-camp activities and field trips to enhance social and cognitive development.
- Led play-based learning activities for Sandbox Preschool classroom routines
- Planned early childhood lessons aligned with Sandbox Preschool curriculum
- Supervised child safety during indoor and outdoor play
Education
M.A. - Instructional Leadership
Governors State University
08-2026
M.A. - Special Education
Saint Xavier University
01-2006
B.A. - Elementary Education
Mililin University
01-2002
Skills
- Instructional Leadership
- School Improvement Planning
- Data Analysis & Progress Monitoring
- Teacher Observation & Feedback
- Budget / Resource Awareness
- Special Education Leadership
- IEP Compliance & Case Management
- Transition Planning
- Preschool for All (PFA)
- Early Childhood Programming
- Staff Collaboration & Coaching
- PLC Facilitation
- Hiring & Interviewing
- Crisis management
- Family & Community Engagement
- Behavior and Student Support
- ECERS-3 / Program Quality
Personal Information
Title: EDUCATIONAL LEADER | EARLY CHILDHOOD & SPECIAL EDUCATION
Affiliations
- Illinois Education Association (IEA)
- National Education Association (NEA)
Timeline
Early Childhood Teacher & Case Manager
Palos West Elementary School, Palos CCSD 118
08.2025 - Current
Principal Designee / Administrative Leadership
Palos Community Consolidated School District 118
01.2025 - Current
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Flossmoor Hills School
06.2022 - 06.2025
Pre-K Classroom Teacher / Case Manager
Primary Learning Center
09.2019 - 06.2022
Special Education Classroom Teacher
Highlands Elementary School
09.2017 - 06.2018
Pre-K Classroom Teacher
Markham Park School
01.2017 - 06.2017
Special Education Para-Professional
Summit Hill School
08.2016 - 01.2017
Special Education Resource Teacher
Prairie Hills School District 144
08.2006 - 01.2009
Special Education Classroom Teacher
Fieldcrest Elementary School
08.2005 - 06.2006
2nd/ 4th Grade Teacher
Highlands Elementary School
08.2002 - 07.2005
Daycare Teacher
Sandbox Preschool
01.2000 - 01.2001
M.A. - Instructional Leadership
Governors State University
M.A. - Special Education
Saint Xavier University
B.A. - Elementary Education
Mililin University