Resource Room Special Education Teacher
John Harmata
Freedom Classical Academy
Las Vegas,NV
1
Certification
7
years of professional experience
Compassionate Special Education Teacher with 4+ years of experience in developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with diverse needs. Skilled in individualized instruction, curriculum adaptation, and behavior management. Proven ability to foster strong relationships with students, parents, and educators to enhance learning outcomes. Dedicated to creating positive learning environments that promote academic independence and confidence.
Work History
Resource Room Special Education Teacher
1 Year 5 Months- Provided resource room instruction for third grade math and English, fourth grade math and English, and fifth grade math and English aligned with Freedom Classical Academy classical curriculum.
- Built and implemented individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Built individualized learning plans for students with varied learning needs.
- Applied IEP accommodations during reading, writing, and math instruction.
- Tracked student progress and maintained special education records to inform instruction and support student growth.
- Implemented behavior interventions to enhance focused learning and engagement in resource room.
- Managed behavior interventions to support focused learning in resource room.
- Developed positive behavior management strategies for classroom settings.
- Worked with general education teachers on classroom support strategies.
- Prepared instructional materials for small-group intervention and skill practice.
- Created safe learning environment supportive of educational needs for all students.
- Helped students build skills to improve academic performance and socialization.
- Adapted curriculum materials to match individual student needs using research-based strategies and materials.
- Held regular meetings with parents or guardians to collaboratively review educational progress and set goals.
- Shared updates with families about student goals and classroom expectations.
- Built positive relationships with families from diverse backgrounds through active listening and empathy.
Third Grade Teacher
1 Year 4 Months- Designed third grade classical lessons aligned with Freedom Classical Academy curriculum.
- Taught reading, writing, math, science, and social studies using direct instruction.
- Managed classroom routines and behavior expectations with consistent, respectful guidance.
- Evaluated student progress through quizzes, assignments, and informal checks to inform instruction.
- Differentiated instruction for varied learning needs in Freedom Classical Academy classrooms.
- Collaborated with grade-level teachers on lesson planning and academic standards.
- Maintained safe, clean, and organized classroom environment.
- Prepared classroom materials, centers, and instructional resources for daily lessons.
- Attended in-service training and professional development courses to stay on top of policy and education changes.
- Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
- Helped students learn to persevere with challenging tasks and build resilience for later educational efforts.
- Improved student engagement by implementing student-centered classroom management techniques to foster academic curiosity.
- Fostered communication and collaboration with parents to enhance student engagement in education. in student education by cultivating strong relationships.
- Administered and graded class tests to evaluate student progress and comprehension.
- Taught students skills for social development and character building.
- Explored foundational learning concepts with students through hands-on activities, videos, and class discussions.
- Oversaw class field trips to keep students safe and educate about related topics.
- Provided feedback on student progress through conferences, reports, assessments, or parent-teacher meetings.
- Promoted student responsibility for learning through individualized instruction and collaborative group activities.
- Established classroom rules and expectations with students to ensure a safe and productive learning environment.
- Implemented IEPs for special needs students ensuring they received appropriate accommodations in the classroom setting.
- Collaborated with colleagues on planning lessons that addressed state standards for third grade level education.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills by posing open-ended questions during class discussions.
Fifth Grade Elementary School Teacher
4 Years 11 Months- Taught fifth grade students using classical curriculum and structured classroom routines.
- Planned daily lessons aligned with academy standards and grade-level expectations.
- Delivered direct instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and history.
- Differentiated assignments to support varied learning needs within classroom.
- Assessed student progress through quizzes, observations, and classwork review.
- Communicated with parents about student learning, conduct, and classroom activities.
- Organized field trips that allowed students to explore real-world applications of their studies outside the classroom.
- Ensured that all classroom activities were aligned with Common Core State Standards for fifth grade students.
- Provided feedback on student progress through assessments, conferences, and parent-teacher meetings.
- Incorporated technology into lessons to enhance student engagement and understanding of course material.
- Created an environment conducive to learning through positive reinforcement strategies.
- Conducted individual and small group instruction to support struggling learners.
- Collaborated with other teachers to develop cross-curricular units that integrated multiple subject areas into one project or task.
- Participated in professional development opportunities related to new teaching methods or best practices.
- Utilized a variety of instructional techniques such as lectures, demonstrations, videos, and field trips to engage students in the learning process. Worked in classroom instruction, online instruction and hybrid classroom and online instruction.
- Planned and implemented daily lesson plans to meet the educational needs of fifth grade students.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills through class discussions and collaborative learning activities.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or sports teams for interested students.
- Managed classroom behavior by implementing proactive strategies for a safe learning environment.
- Encouraged creativity among my students by providing them with open-ended assignments that allowed them room for exploration and experimentation.
- Implemented multiple methods to improve student educational success.
- Created safe, nurturing environment of trust and respect.
- Involved parents in student education by cultivating strong relationships.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Inspired students to want to read by taking to the library and helping to choose books.
- Educated fifth grade students about male puberty and growth topics.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
J.D. - Law
- California Regulatory Law Reporter
Some College (No Degree) - Law
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science and Economics
- Phi Beta Kappa Honorary Society
- Cum Laude
Skills
IEP development
Special education
Individualized instruction
Math curriculum development
Science of Reading curriculum
Literacy strategies
Math interventions
Student assessment
Classroom management
Classroom organization
Special education law
Parent communication
Creativity in teaching
Case management
Patience and perseverance
Certification
- Nevada Substitute Teachers Licence
- Nevada Teachers License expected issuance spring 2027
Timeline
Resource Room Special Education Teacher
Freedom Classical Academy
01.2025 - 06.2026Read More
Third Grade Teacher
Freedom Classical Academy
08.2023 - 12.2024Read More
Fifth Grade Elementary School Teacher
Freedom Classical Academy
08.2019 - 07.2024Read More
Western Governors University
Master of Arts from Special Education
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University of San Diego
J.D. from Law
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University of Bristol
Some College (No Degree) from Law
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San Diego State University
Bachelor of Arts from Political Science and Economics
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