Kara Youngs
Brooklyn,NY
Summary
Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
MS 447
09.2024 - Current
- Leda instructional activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Assists struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Modifies general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Creates and manages IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies and apply instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Delivers compelling and differentiated classroom instruction to a range of neurodiverse students.
- Cultivates connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement and record student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Collaborates with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
Social Studies and Special Education Model Teacher
M.S. 136
09.2019 - 08.2024
- Analyzed the impact of professional learning on student outcomes with the collaboration of colleagues and school leaders in a school of 550 students
- Led ongoing inquiry and analysis efforts around the instructional focus through patterns and trends of teaching practices and student learning
- Facilitated opportunities for colleagues to tackle a problem of practice and collaboratively test a theory of action
- Developed action plans with school leaders for teacher leadership initiatives, identifying opportunities in resources, trends, and learnings
- Facilitated ongoing reflective conversations with school leaders and colleagues to establish trust, promote buy-in, and optimize adult and student learning opportunities
- Met with students, parents, and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral and academic issues
Special Education Specialist
Indianapolis Public Schools
07.2018 - 07.2019
- Provided instructional coaching for special education teachers and their co-teachers
- Implemented professional development for all staff on special education strategies
- Maintained relationships with staff and students as a specialist at four middle schools
- Led all Interdisciplinary Team meetings
- Served as a resource to staff about the Special Education Standards Operating Procedures as well as the liaison with the central compliance monitors
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Applied proven strategies to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
7th Grade ELA Teacher
Indianapolis Public Schools
07.2017 - 07.2018
- Wrote rigorous and differentiated lesson plans to reach all students
- Analyzed formative and summative data to inform instruction
- Collaborated with special education and ESL teachers to meet the needs of all students
- Implemented behavior management plans consistently as part of the 7th-grade team
- Encouraged independent and critical thinking using various means of access
Special Education Teacher
MSD Warren Township
07.2015 - 07.2017
- Taught in math and language arts classrooms to support students with special needs,
- Collaborated with math and language arts teachers on lesson plans and assessments
- Taught students in personalized learning/differentiated groups
- Wrote and implemented Individual Education Plans, including transitions and behavior plans for a caseload of 30 students
- Collected data and communicated with parents on student's progress on IEP goals
Special Education Teacher
M.S. 136
08.2006 - 06.2015
- Taught students with learning and emotional disabilities in a small class setting
- Improved student growth every year on standardized tests
- Wrote and implemented Individual Education Plans
- Developed curricula with high standards that addressed various learning styles
- Differentiated instruction using knowledge of students’ strengths and weaknesses
- Collected and utilized data to inform and support instruction
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement
Education
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY02.2014
Master of Arts - Liberal Studies
Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY12.2009
Master of Science - Education
Long Island University
Brooklyn, NY09.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
Ball State University
Muncie, IN07.2003
Skills
- Special Education Law and Compliance
- IEP and BIP Writing and Implementation
- Collaborative Teaching and Lesson Planning
- Data Analysis, Collection, and Management
Certification
- School Building Leader, Initial Certificate
- English Language Arts, 7-12, Professional Certificate
- Students with Disabilities, English, 7-12, Professional Certificate
- Social Studies, Special Class, 7-12, Limited Extension
Committees And Teams
- Special Education Compliance Committee, 2023-present
- Staff Development Committee, 2023-present
- Instructional Leadership Team, 2019-2020, 2022-present
- UFT Chapter Leader, M.S. 136, 2009-2012, 2021-present
- School Leadership Team, M.S. 136, 2009-2014, 2021-present
- Building Safety Team, M.S. 136, 2021-present
- Leadership Team, Northwest Middle School, 07/01/18-07/01/19
- Student Council Sponsor, Raymond Park Middle School, 02/01/16-06/01/17
- Teacher Leadership Program, M.S. 136, 2014-2015
- School Implementation Team, M.S. 136, 2014-2015
- School Lighthouse Team, M.S. 136, 2013-2015
- RTI Team, M.S. 136, 2013-2015
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
MS 447
09.2024 - Current
Social Studies and Special Education Model Teacher
M.S. 136
09.2019 - 08.2024
Special Education Specialist
Indianapolis Public Schools
07.2018 - 07.2019
7th Grade ELA Teacher
Indianapolis Public Schools
07.2017 - 07.2018
Special Education Teacher
MSD Warren Township
07.2015 - 07.2017
Special Education Teacher
M.S. 136
08.2006 - 06.2015
Master of Arts - Liberal Studies
Brooklyn College
Master of Science - Education
Long Island University
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Brooklyn College
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
Ball State University
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