Joe Leal
Grain Valley
Summary
Dedicated Special Education Teacher with expertise in differentiated instruction and classroom management. Proven ability to develop IEPs and foster strong relationships, enhancing student engagement and success.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Excelsior Springs School District
Excelsior Springs, MO
08.2025 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans to support diverse learning needs.
- Implemented classroom strategies promoting student engagement and participation.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to enhance student development and behavior management.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- 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.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Improved reading comprehension among students with learning disabilities by designing and delivering targeted literacy activities.
- Collaborated with parents and other educators to develop comprehensive support plans, promoting student success.
- Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
Social Worker
The Dream Works
Kansas City, MO
12.2002 - 06.2025
- Developed individualized care plans to address clients' emotional and social needs.
- Coordinated community resources and services to support client well-being and independence.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify client strengths and areas for improvement.
- Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Educated families on available community resources, connecting them with essential services such as housing assistance, financial aid, or healthcare providers.
- Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
- Maintained accurate case documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and facilitating informed decision-making by team members.
- Advocated for clients to assure respected rights and wishes.
- Maintained regular contact with clients by calling and visiting clients' homes.
- Conducted home visits to assess living environment and facilitate access to necessary resources.
- Monitored clients' progress and adapted treatment plans to meet changing needs.
- Assisted clients with navigating and accessing social services such as housing and medical care.
- Advocated for clients'' rights, navigating complex systems to secure necessary resources and benefits.
- Conducted home visits to assess family dynamics, providing guidance on effective communication strategies and conflict resolution techniques.
- Promoted a culture of self-care and professional development among colleagues, fostering a supportive work environment that encouraged ongoing growth and learning.
- Facilitated successful client transitions from residential facilities to independent living situations with appropriate supports in place.
- Enhanced community outreach efforts for better service accessibility and increased program enrollment.
- Coordinated external healthcare professionals to uphold high-quality, person-centred care.
- Built strong, trust-based relationships with clients, facilitating effective support and advocacy.
- Increased public awareness of social issues and resources available through effective community engagement initiatives.
- Guided clients through navigation of legal and healthcare systems, improving their access to necessary services.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Education
Graceland University
Lamoni, IA05-2025
Associate of Arts -
Metropolitan Community College
Kansas City, Missouri, MO12-2019
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Team collaboration
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans ieps
- Small group instruction
- Relationship building
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Excelsior Springs School District
08.2025 - Current
Social Worker
The Dream Works
12.2002 - 06.2025
Bachelor of Science - Education
Graceland University
Associate of Arts -
Metropolitan Community College