Kara Burton
Wichita Falls,TX
Summary
Special education professional with proven track record of fostering inclusive learning environments and implementing effective instructional strategies. Strong emphasis on team collaboration and achieving positive educational outcomes, adaptable to changing classroom dynamics. Skilled in behavior management, curriculum development, and student advocacy, bringing reliability and flexibility to role.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Moore Public Schools
07.2024 - Current
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
Counselor
John G. Tower Elementary
01.2023 - 05.2024
- Support teachers when students have extreme behaviors
- Provide guidance lessons and SEL resources through
- Morning Meetings
- Provide access to food, clothing, and school supply resources
- Campus 504 Coordinator
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Counselor
Bowie High School
03.2022 - 06.2023
- Create student schedules
- Support CCMR credit
- Work with students at DAEP and the Accelerated High School Program
- Support students with individual counseling and guidance
- Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
Elementary Special Education Teacher
Southern Hills Elementary School
08.2020 - 01.2022
- Created and updated IEPs, BIPs, and supplemental special education documents
- Implement students BIPs in the BAC setting
- Work with general education teachers to monitor and adjust student’s accommodations
- Provide social skills lessons based on students’ needs
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Attended professional development workshops to stay current on best practices in special education teaching methodologies.
Special Education Teacher
Boggess Elementary School
08.2014 - 05.2020
- Instruct students grades K-5 in the mainstream, resources, and self-contained settings
- Established strong rapport with students, parents, and legal guardians
- Enhance student engagement by maintaining a fun, student centered learning environment
- Observe, plan, teach, and assess practice to inform, accommodate, and modify instruction for classes with varying levels of ability
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
Graduate Assistant
University Of North Texas
08.2012 - 05.2014
- Taught Introduction to Special Education face to face and online for six semesters with the flexibility of making the course my own
- Developed strong rapport with students through open communication channels, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
- Assisted professors in the development of course materials for improved student engagement and understanding.
- Checked assignments, proctored tests and provided grades according to university standards.
- Assisted in revision of curriculum to better meet accreditation standards, ensuring compliance and academic excellence.
Special Education Teacher
Orange Grove ISD
08.2009 - 06.2012
- Designed, planned and implemented math, reading, writing, and social skills lessons for small groups of varying skill levels based on IEP goals and TEKS
- Created individual behavior plans and a school wide token economy
- Developed IEPs and lead ARD meetings with parents and other professionals
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
Special Education Teacher
Pasadena ISD
08.2005 - 07.2008
- Designed, planned and implemented math, reading, and writing lessons for 6th -8th graders working at ad-5th grade level based on IEP goals and TEKS
- Used a classroom reward system to motivate students
- Developed IEPs with General Educator’s input
- Leadership: Peer Mediation Advisor, Special Education representative for the 8th grade District Curriculum team to revise the math scope and sequence for a new textbook adoption
Education
Doctor of Education -
Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, TX05-2026
MASTERS OF SCIENCE - COUNSELING
Texas A&M University
Corpus Christi, TX05.2011
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - INTEGRATED STUDIES: Elementary and Special Education
Texas A&M University
Commerce, TX05.2005
Associate of Arts - Education
Odessa College
Odessa, TX05-2002
Skills
- Individualized education plans
- Crisis intervention
- Behavior management
- Student assessment
- Emotional intelligence
- Team collaboration
- Small group instruction
- Co-teaching experience
- Inclusion strategies
- Parent communication
- Behavior intervention plans
Certification
- Generalist EC-4
- Special Education EC-12
- ESL Supplemental
- School Counselor EC-12
Affiliations
- Council for Exceptional Children, 2012 - Present
- Association of Texas Professional Educators, 2014 - Present
- American School Counselor Association, 2020 - Present
Personal Information
Title: Educator and Life Long Learner
Awards
Texas PTA Lifetime Membership, Boggess Elementary, 01/01/18
Training
- Building Strong Campus Cultures
- Trauma Sensitive Schools Training
- Dr. Ruby Payne Emotional Poverty 1
- Capturing Kids Hearts
- Peer Mediation
- Inclusive Schools- Paula Kluth
Professional References
- Sergio Manchaca, Superintendent, Bovina ISD, 432-638-4869, Sergio.menchaca@bovinaisd.net
- Susann Bailey, Assistant Principal, Tower Elementary, 940-733-7064, susann.bailey@burkburnettisd.org
- Gil Salazar, Principal, Orange Grove High School, 361.384.2330, Gil.salazar@ogisd.net
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Moore Public Schools
07.2024 - Current
Counselor
John G. Tower Elementary
01.2023 - 05.2024
Counselor
Bowie High School
03.2022 - 06.2023
Elementary Special Education Teacher
Southern Hills Elementary School
08.2020 - 01.2022
Special Education Teacher
Boggess Elementary School
08.2014 - 05.2020
Graduate Assistant
University Of North Texas
08.2012 - 05.2014
Special Education Teacher
Orange Grove ISD
08.2009 - 06.2012
Special Education Teacher
Pasadena ISD
08.2005 - 07.2008
Doctor of Education -
Midwestern State University
MASTERS OF SCIENCE - COUNSELING
Texas A&M University
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - INTEGRATED STUDIES: Elementary and Special Education
Texas A&M University
Associate of Arts - Education
Odessa College
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