Karen Ackermann

Plainfield Central High School

Teacher, Fundamental Biology (grades 9-10)

Co-Teacher, Biology (grades 9-10)

Teacher, Critical Skills (grades 9-12)

Teacher, Fundamental English 2 (grades 10-11)

Co-Teacher English 1 (grades 9-10)

Teacher, Fundamental Guided Study Hall (grades 9-12)

• Utilized evidence-based instructional strategies tailored to individual strengths and weaknesses, resulting in increased student engagement and achievement.
• Provided ongoing progress monitoring and data collection, enabling timely adjustments to intervention strategies as needed.
• Established clear expectations for behavior and consistently enforced consequences when necessary, creating a structured learning environment conducive to success.
• Assisted students with disabilities in developing self-advocacy skills essential for their transition beyond high school.
• Modified curricular materials according to individual student needs, making academic content more accessible and engaging.
• Enhanced parent-teacher collaboration through regular communication and involvement in the IEP process, promoting consistency in addressing behavioral challenges across settings.

Plainfield Central High School

RISE Behavioral Program (regular ed curriculum) aide

English 1, 2, & 3, Biology, Social Skills, Guided Study

• Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
• Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
• Assisted in the implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in a more focused and positive classroom environment.
• Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
• Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.

Plainfield North High School

Classroom aide in STAR Plus multiple needs/behavior intensive program (grade 9-age 22)

Provided educational and behavioral support to students working on individual, developmental IEP goals including personal hygiene, functional skills, social interaction and community experience trips.

• Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
• Assisted in the organization of field trips and extracurricular events that offered valuable real-world experiences for special education students, fostering skill-building opportunities outside the classroom setting.
• Developed tailor-fit lesson plans to cater to individual needs of each student including social skills, personal hygiene, functional skills, independent living skills and sensory strategies.

• Differentiated curriculum and instruction for a multi-lingual, low income and high-needs population.
• Developed positive relationships with parents, communicating regularly about student progress and classroom happenings.
• Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
• Enhanced students' mathematical abilities through hands-on activities and real-world examples.
• Provided individualized support for struggling learners, fostering a growth mindset and boosting confidence in their abilities.
• Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.