Jennifer Smola
Tinley Park,IL
Summary
Highly tolerant special education and fourth grade teacher who is dedicated to supporting safe classroom environment. Energetic and motivated with extensive knowledge in various subjects. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Online Teacher
American School Of Education
07.2023 - Current
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
Multi-Needs Teacher
CCSD 146
08.2022 - Current
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Provided life skills programming for students with moderate to severe autism.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students'' understanding of real-world applications for their skills.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
Teacher Mentor
CCSD 146
08.2015 - Current
- Supported student teachers by mentoring on classroom management, lesson planning, and activity organization.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
- Served as a role model for professionalism, integrity, and dedication within the mentorship program environment.
- Enhanced mentee performance by providing personalized guidance and support.
- Served as role model for mentees by demonstrating strong values and ethical standards.
- Guided mentees in overcoming challenges by sharing personal experiences and offering practical advice.
- Assisted mentees in developing self-confidence and positive self-image.
- Offered constructive feedback on mentee progress, enabling them to refine their skills and enhance their potential.
- Monitored mentee performance consistently, identifying areas of improvement and adjusting mentorship approaches accordingly.
- Promoted positive relationships between mentees and other peers and adults to encourage social resilience and connection.
- Assisted mentees in setting and achieving educational and career goals to encourage independence.
- Promoted a growth mindset among mentees, encouraging them to view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth.
Safe and Civil Schools Trainer For New Teachers
CCSD 146
06.2012 - Current
- Mentored new hires, resulting in stronger staff development and increased productivity.
- Provided one-on-one mentoring to help individuals reach their full potential within the organization.
- Coached employees on best practices, providing constructive feedback to support their professional growth.
- Monitored and reported trainee progress, introducing new learning tools to address individual needs.
- Analyzed team performance and identified opportunities for additional training.
- Collaborated with subject matter experts to create accurate and up-to-date content for training sessions.
- Enhanced trainee engagement through interactive workshops and hands-on activities.
- Delivered dynamic presentations to facilitate learning and retention among diverse audiences.
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning within the organization by advocating for ongoing professional development opportunities.
SIP Team
CCSD 146
06.2012 - Current
- Achieved consistent results by following established guidelines for fabric selection, preparation, and seaming techniques.
- Supported team objectives by consistently meeting or exceeding individual productivity goals.
- Met strict deadlines under pressure without compromising quality or accuracy in completed projects.
- Participated proactively in ongoing professional development opportunities aimed at staying current with industry trends and best practices.
- Played a key role in the successful completion of special projects, effectively collaborating with team members to meet unique client needs.
- Collaborated with team members for effective communication and coordination during high-volume periods.
Fourth Grade Teacher
CCSD
02.1998 - Current
- Tracked student progress using formative and summative assessments, informing future instruction and support strategies.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Established and enforced rules of behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions.
- Implemented differentiated instruction methods to meet the diverse needs of each learner, ensuring academic growth across all ability levels.
- Encouraged cooperative group work among students, developing collaborative skills necessary for future success in school and beyond.
- Developed strong relationships with parents through regular communication, fostering a supportive learning community.
- Kept classroom clean, organized, and safe for students and visitors.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on trends in education and bringing innovative ideas back to the classroom.
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Organized field trips and guest speakers to enhance students'' educational experiences outside of the traditional classroom setting.
- Improved students'' reading comprehension by implementing guided reading groups and literacy centers.
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies, and social skills.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance data, communicating progress with both students and families regularly throughout the year.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units of study for enriched learning opportunities.
- Promoted positive behavior management techniques, creating a respectful and inclusive atmosphere for all learners.
- Assessed student learning progress and comprehension with routine tests and standardized examinations.
- Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings, and meet learning needs.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices and offering guidance to ensure their success in the classroom.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
St. Xavier University
Chicago, ILLBS Certificatiojn - Special Education
Lewis University
Romeoville, ILMaster of Arts - Leadership
St. Xavier University
Chicago, IL05.2005
Skills
- Effective Time Management
- In-depth Subject Knowledge
- Collaborative learning
- Data-driven decision-making
- Student Motivation Techniques
- Technological proficiency
- Flipped Classroom
- Engaging Lesson Planning
- Strong Presentation
- Problem-Solving
- Team Collaboration
- Classroom Management
- Positive Learning Environment
- Student Motivation and Engagement
- Positive Reinforcement
- Lesson Planning
- Parent Communication
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Documentation And Reporting
- Team Teaching and Collaboration
- Schedule Management
- Co-Teaching and Co-Planning
- Curriculum Development
- Online Teaching
- Classroom Technology Implementation
- Classroom Technology
- Special Needs Students
- Google Classroom
- Behavior Modification Techniques
- Special Education
- Assignment Grading
- Audio-Visual Aids
- Instructional Design
- Test Proctoring
- SMART Board
- Standardized Testing
- MAP Testing and Data
Timeline
Online Teacher
American School Of Education
07.2023 - Current
Multi-Needs Teacher
CCSD 146
08.2022 - Current
Teacher Mentor
CCSD 146
08.2015 - Current
Safe and Civil Schools Trainer For New Teachers
CCSD 146
06.2012 - Current
SIP Team
CCSD 146
06.2012 - Current
Fourth Grade Teacher
CCSD
02.1998 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
St. Xavier University
LBS Certificatiojn - Special Education
Lewis University
Master of Arts - Leadership
St. Xavier University