Karen Day
Apopka
Summary
Experienced ESE Transition Teacher specializing in creating individualized plans and supporting student transitions. Known for strong communication and problem-solving skills, effectively collaborating with parents and staff to enhance student outcomes and promote successful integration into the community and life after grades K-12.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ESE Transition teacher
Orange County Public Schools - Magnolia School
Orlando
10.1996 - Current
- Worked with varying exceptionalities students from 6th-12th grade for 28 years in core academic subjects and transition skills.
- last 10 years have been focused on transition skills and training for students with significant disabilities aged 18-22 in the "Bridges" Transition Program at Magnolia School.
- Facilitated group activities to enhance social skills and peer interactions.
- Planned transition programs to ensure successful student progress to post-secondary education or employment.
- Advocated for needs of students with disabilities, ensuring appropriate resources were available.
- Provide direct instruction in self-advocacy, job readiness, and independent living skills.
- Assisted families in accessing appropriate services within their communities that may be beneficial during the transition process.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student abilities and inform instructional strategies.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted strategies as needed for success.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to support student transitions effectively.
- Designed individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs.
- Assisted students in developing resumes and cover letters for employment opportunities.
- Facilitated the development of individualized transition plans that align with student interests, strengths, needs, and preferences.
- Provided direct instruction in areas such as self-advocacy, job readiness skills, independent living skills, and social and emotional learning.
- Conducted career exploration activities to help students identify potential career pathways.
- Maintained records of student progress towards meeting their post-school goals.
- Collaborated with external partners to create meaningful work-based experiences for transitioning students.
- Took students off school campus 4 out of 5 days weekly to teach and participate in real life work skills (including Publix, Bravo, Burlington, Madison Nursing Home).
- Created and ran a retail "gift shop" on school campus where students created and packaged items for sale to school staff, students, parents, nearby businesses and locations districtwide throughout Orange County.
- Conducted group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Developed and maintained individualized skill-appropriate lesson plans to promote and build student confidence.
- Developed interesting and interactive learning methods tailored to help students with individual needs.
- Maintained consistent and timely contact with parents about student behavior and upcoming events.
- Incorporated interactive visual aids into student lesson plans to support learning objectives.
- Supported diverse student populations through equitable instructional design and programming.
- Enhanced lessons using Smart Board technology and computers.
- Evaluated student needs to provide helpful resources and support.
- Built relationships with students and guardians through active communication and positive feedback.
- Created and implemented compliant IEPs, progress reports and state-specific special education documentation.
- Demonstrated appropriate behaviors using behavior modeling and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Helped students learn to persevere with challenging tasks and build resilience for later educational efforts.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - ESE - Varying Exceptionalities
Kean University
Union, NJ05-1996
Skills
- Individualized education plans
- Transition program planning
- Career exploration activities
- Job readiness instruction
- Assessment strategies
- Collaboration with stakeholders
Certification
- Certification in Varying Exceptionalities Grades K-12
- Certification as an Educational Media Specialist Grades PK-12
Accomplishments
- Earned Teacher of the Year Award 2020-21
- 10+ years served as Team Leader throughout career
- Happily served as Mentor teacher to new teachers when needed
Affiliations
- reading/writing enthusiast
- painting, drawing, creating everyday to enhance student lessons and use these skills throughout entire workplace to enhance many events and activities
- participation in wheelchair sports
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
ESE Transition teacher
Orange County Public Schools - Magnolia School
10.1996 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - ESE - Varying Exceptionalities
Kean University
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