Jennifer Claire Kinsella
Edwardsville,IL
Summary
Dynamic Early Childhood Special Education Teacher with over 17 years of experience in developing individualized education, establishing caring classroom communities, and leading professional development workshops. Known for adaptability and creativity, driving positive educational outcomes for diverse learners through effective collaboration and emotional support.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Rockwood School District
Eureka, MO
06.2007 - 03.2025
- Developed individualized education plans to meet diverse student needs for both general and special education students in my integrated classroom.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and adapt instructional strategies accordingly.
- Implemented behavior management techniques to promote positive classroom environments.
- Implemented and adapted Social Thinking curriculum to support social emotional development of all students.
- Early Childhood representative to Rockwood Learning Council (district professional development committee)
- Chair of Rockwood Early Childhood Professional Development Committee.
- Led, developed curriculum for, and assessed professional development workshops focused on inclusive education practices, child brain development and behavior, and the Rockwood academic curriculum.
- Enhanced communication between families and school by providing regular updates on student progress including daily hall talks, weekly newsletters, and daily communication logs.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement including Baby Doll Circle Time Curriculum to support attunement and attachment between staff and students.
- Instructed students with a wide variety physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Advocated for resources and support services to improve accessibility for students with special needs.
- Fostered reasoning and problem solving skills through active exploration games and activities.
- Prepared, scheduled and led IEPs to provide right help to meet child's present needs.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Saint Louis Public Schools
St Louis, MO
08.2005 - 05.2007
- Developed individualized education plans to meet diverse student needs.
- Enhanced communication between families and school by providing regular updates on student progress.
- Assessed student progress regularly through formative and summative assessments, adapting instruction accordingly to meet individual needs.
- Coordinated with related service providers to ensure seamless delivery of supports for students requiring additional interventions or therapies.
- Increased parent involvement in the learning process by maintaining open communication and providing regular updates on student progress.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment by implementing effective behavior management strategies and promoting respect among students.
- Initiated partnerships with community organizations, connecting students with valuable resources and learning opportunities outside the classroom setting.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Developed and taught engaging and developmentally appropriate lesson plans to differentiate needs for learners.
- Prepared, scheduled and led IEPs to provide right help to meet child's present needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and adapt instructional strategies accordingly.
- Advocated for resources and support services to improve accessibility for students with special needs.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
Webster University
St. Louis, MO05-2018
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Webster University
St. Louis, MO05-2005
Skills
- Individualized education plans
- Culturally responsive instruction
- Child development expertise
- Team-oriented approach
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Child-centered, play based educational approach
- Creativity and innovation
- Cultivating strong partnerships
- Trained in CPI, Social Thinking, Baby Doll Circle Time
- De-escalation techniques
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Commitment to Professional Development
Certification
Certified in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education
Timeline
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Rockwood School District
06.2007 - 03.2025
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Saint Louis Public Schools
08.2005 - 05.2007
Master of Arts - Special Education
Webster University
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Webster University