Kappa Delta Pi Education Honors Society
Special Olympics of Illinois
Joi L. Chapman
Oak Lawn,IL
Summary
Professional educator with significant experience in developing and implementing individualized learning plans. Expertise in creating inclusive and supportive classroom environments that foster academic and social growth. Strong focus on collaboration with colleagues and adaptability in meeting changing educational needs. Known for effective classroom management, curriculum development, and fostering positive relationships with students and parents.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Self Contained Teacher, Grades K-3
Chicago Public Schools, Stevenson Elementary School
Chicago, Illinois
08.2025 - 12.2025
- Drafted, wrote and overseen the implementation of student IEP’s and 504
- Provided special education services to students as needed
- Designed individual and small group instruction that parallels the general education curriculum
- Worked with case managers, counselors, and general education teachers to determine students instructional and social needs
- Performed regular testing and assessments
Diverse Learner Teacher, Grades 3-4
Chicago Public School, Stevenson Elementary School
Chicago, IL
01.2024 - 08.2024
- Collaborated with the general education teacher using various models to deliver instruction to all students in the room.
- Adapted grade-level lessons, materials, and assessments to meet specific Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals without sacrificing academic rigor
- Lead targeted intervention groups either within the general education classroom or in a separate resource setting to reinforce core concepts
- Tracked student progress meticulously and maintaining all required legal special education documentation
Diverse Learner Teacher, Grades K-2
Chicago Public Schools, Hearst Elementary School
Chicago, IL
08.2024 - 12.2024
- Daily collaboration with general education teacher, counselors, related service provider and families
- Implemented Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports(PBIS) and specific Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP)
- Regularly documented and reported on students progress on IEP goals, typically on a quarterly basis
Self-Contained Teacher, Grades Pre-K
Chicago Public Schools, Stevenson Elementary School
Chicago, IL
08.2023 - 06.2024
- Pioneered the school’s first Early Childhood Special Education program, designing the curriculum and classroom environment for students.
- Designed learning experiences that address developmental domains, including cognitive, communication, social-emotional, motor and adaptive skills
- Created structured classrooms with sensory-friendly spaces and materials that encourage imaginative play and motor-skills development
- Modified the general preschool curriculum (Teaching Strategies Gold) to ensure all students have equitable access to learning
- Used tools like Teaching Strategies Gold to monitor and document student progress toward developmental milestones.
Self-Contained Teacher, Grades K-3
Chicago Public Schools, Stevenson Elementary School
Chicago, IL
01.2023 - 06.2023
- Authorized and oversaw the implementation of comprehensive Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans ensuring 100% compliance with state and federal IDEA regulations
- Assisted parents, administrators, specialist to develop special education plan for students
- Conducted regular standardized testing and classroom assessments to monitor progress, utilizing data to pivot instructional strategies to meet annual goals
- Partnered with a multidisciplinary team of case managers counselors, and service providers to integrate instructional goals and social emotional learning(SEL) needs.
Special Education Classroom Assistant
Chicago Public Schools, Clissold Elementary School
01.2019 - 12.2023
- Followed homeroom teacher’s lesson plans and made accommodations or modifications as necessary
- Instructed students in understanding and completing assignments according to IEP goals
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching, Special Education
Saint Xavier University
Chicago, Illinois12.2023
Bachelor of Arts - History
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, Illinois12.2003
Skills
- Augmentative Alternative Devices
- Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports (PBIS)
- Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised (ABBLR)
- I-READY
- Teaching Strategies Goal
Accomplishments
Piloted the first Early Childhood Program at school
Affiliations
- Kappa Delta Pi Education Honors Society
- Special Olympics of Illinois
Certification
- Illinois Licensed Educator (PEL) with Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS 1)
- ESL-Bilingual Endorsement
- Early Childhood Special Education Approval (ECSE)
Interests
Timeline
Self Contained Teacher, Grades K-3
Chicago Public Schools, Stevenson Elementary School
08.2025 - 12.2025
Diverse Learner Teacher, Grades K-2
Chicago Public Schools, Hearst Elementary School
08.2024 - 12.2024
Diverse Learner Teacher, Grades 3-4
Chicago Public School, Stevenson Elementary School
01.2024 - 08.2024
Self-Contained Teacher, Grades Pre-K
Chicago Public Schools, Stevenson Elementary School
08.2023 - 06.2024
Self-Contained Teacher, Grades K-3
Chicago Public Schools, Stevenson Elementary School
01.2023 - 06.2023
Special Education Classroom Assistant
Chicago Public Schools, Clissold Elementary School
01.2019 - 12.2023
Bachelor of Arts - History
Southern Illinois University
Master of Arts - Teaching, Special Education
Saint Xavier University