Jessica (Jess) Rask
Special Education Teacher
Arden,MN
Summary
- Resilient Special Education Teacher familiar with challenges associated with teaching special needs children. Remains positive under times of stress or conflict. Works well with classroom teachers to develop accommodations and special techniques for mainstream classroom inclusion
- Experienced with implementing behavior management plans and supporting students with emotional challenges. Utilizes evidence-based practices to create positive and inclusive learning atmosphere. Knowledge of effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to achieve student success.
- Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
- Experienced with managing special education cases and developing tailored education plans for students. Utilizes effective communication and collaboration skills to work seamlessly with parents, educators, and specialists. Strong understanding of regulations and guidelines governing special education services.
- Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Disabilities Case Manager/Educator
Fullmind
Arden Hills, MN
10.2025 - Current
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- Created culturally responsive classroom environment, acknowledging and celebrating diversity among students.
Tutor/Independent Special Education Consultant
Self-employeed
Arden Hills, MN
06.2017 - Current
- Collaborated with students to complete homework assignments, identify lagging skills, and correct weaknesses.
- Provided one-on-one tutoring sessions, tailoring instruction to meet the specific needs of each student while promoting independent learning skills.
- Facilitated goal-setting meetings with students, families, and educators to establish meaningful objectives tailored to individual strengths and needs.
- Collaborated with parents to support student learning and address any academic or behavioral concerns.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators and parents to determine how best to support student success.
Trainer
Gravie
Minneapolis, MN
07.2023 - 02.2025
- Coached employees on best practices, providing constructive feedback to support their professional growth.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of training initiatives by tracking participant progress and gathering feedback for continuous improvement.
- Streamlined onboarding process, reducing new hire ramp-up time.
- Developed comprehensive evaluation system to measure training effectiveness and inform future improvements.
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning by advocating for professional development opportunities.
- Developed customized training materials for various industries, ensuring relevance to the target audience.
- Served as a role model for the team by demonstrating commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to company values at all times.
Advisor & Advisor Team Lead
Gravie
09.2021 - 07.2023
- Mentored junior advisors, fostering a supportive team environment focused on growth and learning.
- Developed strong relationships with clients through regular communication and excellent customer service.
- Worked with individuals to help understand and overcome personal, social or behavioral problems affecting educational or vocational situations.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry trends and regulations, ensuring accurate advice was provided to clients at all times.
- Strengthened community presence by representing the team at various local events like parades, festivals, and charity functions.
Enrollment Counselor
Bethel University
Saint Paul, MN
11.2019 - 08.2021
- Facilitated communication between prospective students and appropriate academic departments as needed during the enrollment process.
- Boosted application completion rates through consistent follow-up with prospective students.
- Enhanced student enrollment by conducting thorough and personalized counseling sessions.
- Conducted informative presentations at various events to showcase program offerings and increase public awareness.
- Developed strong relationships with potential students, resulting in increased referrals and enrollments.
Substitute Teacher
Mounds View School District #621 & Roseville School District #623
St. Paul, MN
09.2016 - 10.2019
- 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.
- Enhanced classroom management by implementing positive reinforcement strategies and maintaining clear expectations for behavior.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Provided support to special education students in inclusive classrooms, developing accommodations and modifications to meet their unique needs.
Special Education Teacher
Mounds View School District #621
St. Paul, MN
03.2015 - 06.2016
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- 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.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students'' understanding of real-world applications for their skills.
- Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.
- Collaborated with parents and other educators to develop comprehensive support plans, promoting student success.
Special Education Teaching Assistant (Paraprofessional)
Roseville Area School District #623
Roseville, MN
09.2006 - 07.2010
- Acted as a positive role model for students, demonstrating empathy, patience, and a solution-focused mindset.
- Participated in professional development workshops related to special education best practices, staying current on trends and research findings.
- Facilitated communication between general education teachers and special education staff to ensure consistency in instruction and accommodations.
- Contributed to the creation of a safe and supportive learning environment where all students felt valued and accepted.
- Reduced classroom disruptions by implementing proactive behavior management strategies.
- Supported students with disabilities in mainstream classrooms, promoting inclusion and fostering a positive learning environment.
Education
M.Ed. - Special Education
5 2011
B.A. - Sociology/Criminal Justice
6 2001
Skills
Patience and empathy
Verbal and written communication
Collaboration and teamwork
Lesson planning
Online teaching
Progress reporting
Individualized instruction
Parent-teacher communication
Assessment and evaluation
Student advocacy
Learning styles
Certification
- Educational Licenses: Minnesota - Emotional Behavioral Disorders (E/BD) and Specific Learning Disabilities (S/LD)
- Georgia - In Progress of gaining licensure through reciprocation
- South Carolina - In progress
- New York - In progress
Timeline
Disabilities Case Manager/Educator - Fullmind
10.2025 - Current
Trainer - Gravie
07.2023 - 02.2025
Advisor & Advisor Team Lead - Gravie
09.2021 - 07.2023
Enrollment Counselor - Bethel University
11.2019 - 08.2021
Tutor/Independent Special Education Consultant - Self-employeed
06.2017 - Current
Substitute Teacher - Mounds View School District #621 & Roseville School District #623
09.2016 - 10.2019
Special Education Teacher - Mounds View School District #621
03.2015 - 06.2016
Special Education Teaching Assistant (Paraprofessional) - Roseville Area School District #623
09.2006 - 07.2010
Bethel University - M.Ed., Special Education
Colorado State University - B.A., Sociology/Criminal Justice