Karen Gonzalez
Port Saint Lucie,Florida
Summary
Dynamic ESE Teacher with a proven track record at St. Lucie Public Schools, skilled in IEP planning and fostering inclusive classrooms. Expert in data collection and progress monitoring, I effectively collaborated with parents and staff to enhance student engagement and support diverse learning needs, ensuring positive outcomes for all students.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
ESE Teacher
St. Lucie Public Schools
01.2017 - 06.2025
- Collaborated with other ESE teachers to develop and implement best practices for special education instruction.
- Provided one-on-one support for students struggling with specific academic or behavioral challenges.
- Conducted ongoing communication with support staff, including paraprofessionals and therapists, to ensure a cohesive approach to meeting each student''s needs.
- Coordinated transition planning for ESE students moving to different educational settings or preparing for postsecondary opportunities.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making processes to inform instructional planning and monitor student progress toward IEP goals.
- Promoted inclusivity by integrating ESE students into general education classrooms whenever possible while providing necessary supports for their success.
- Partnered with parents and guardians to discuss student progress, address concerns, and collaborate on strategies for success at home and in the classroom.
- Established a positive classroom environment that fostered mutual respect, trust, and open communication among students.
- Advocated for the needs of ESE students within the broader school community, raising awareness about inclusive practices and accommodations.
- Improved student understanding of ESE concepts by implementing differentiated instruction methods tailored to individual needs.
- Served as a mentor and role model for fellow teachers seeking guidance in working with ESE students.
- Enhanced student engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and real-life examples into lesson plans.
- Attended professional development workshops focused on special education best practices, staying current on new research and techniques in the field.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to maintain a productive and focused learning environment for all students.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
School Office Clerk
St. Lucie Public Schools
07.2015 - 12.2015
- Collaborated with other staff members on special projects or events that contributed positively to overall school morale.
- Aided in maintaining a safe campus by monitoring visitor access points and ensuring proper sign-in procedures were followed.
- Assisted in organizing yearly standardized testing logistics by preparing materials needed for successful test administration.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information pertaining to students'' academic records and personal matters.
- Assisted in maintaining a well-organized school environment, contributing to smooth daily operations.
- Expedited document processing times through proficient use of various office equipment such as copiers, scanners, and fax machines.
- Served as a liaison between the school office and various departments, ensuring timely completion of necessary tasks and clear communication.
- Facilitated collaboration among teachers through efficient coordination of meeting schedules and preparation of agendas.
- Maintained accurate attendance records for students, enabling prompt identification of trends or concerns regarding absenteeism.
- Regularly updated student contact information in the database system allowing for efficient communication with families.
- Increased parent involvement in school activities by creating informative newsletters and distributing them regularly.
- Provided exceptional customer service to visitors, answering inquiries professionally and directing them to appropriate personnel.
- Enhanced communication between staff and parents by effectively managing phone calls and emails.
- Contributed to student enrollment growth by accurately processing registration documents and verifying information.
- Managed financial transactions for school events, collecting fees, issuing receipts, and reconciling accounts.
- Promptly received and forwarded incoming communications, such as phone calls, emails, and letters, to appropriate staff.
- Supported staff on special assignments and ad hoc projects.
- Processed incoming and outgoing mail and packages according to established procedures.
- Kept office supplies well organized and sufficiently stocked, placing orders promptly to replenish materials before depleted.
- Answered and responded to student and parent inquiries regarding academics, field trips, afterschool activities and school events.
Paraprofessional
Nyc Doe in
05.2002 - 01.2015
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Improved classroom management by assisting teachers with behavioral interventions and monitoring student progress.
- Supervised students during non-instructional periods such as lunch, recess, or field trips, ensuring safety at all times.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing strong rapport with students, parents, and faculty members.
- Enhanced student support by delivering one-on-one and small group assistance in various subjects.
- Supported special education teachers in implementing accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Implemented behavior management techniques effectively to maintain a structured learning environment conducive to student success.
- Prepared instruction materials, constructed bulletin boards, and set up work areas.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop and implement individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Facilitated communication between general education and special education staff, promoting effective collaboration on behalf of students'' best interests.
- Reported on student progress, behavior, and social skills to parents.
- Assisted in the administration of standardized testing, ensuring accurate assessment of student performance levels.
- Contributed to development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), tailoring education to student needs.
- Supported bilingual students by providing language assistance, promoting language proficiency.
- Provided feedback to teachers on student progress, aiding in adjustment of teaching strategies.
- Facilitated small group tutoring sessions for students struggling in math and reading.
- Utilized technology in classroom to enhance learning experiences.
- Participated in professional development workshops, continuously improving teaching skills.
- Enforced rules and instructions to maintain discipline.
Education
Behavioral Science - Psychology
Mercy College
The Bronx, NY05.2012
Education
Indian River State College
Ft. Pierce, FLNursing
Indian River State College
Ft. Pierce, FLSkills
- Inclusion strategies
- Classroom organization
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Positive reinforcement
- Data collection
- Progress monitoring
- Emotional disabilities support
- Functional behavior assessments
- Autism spectrum
- IEP planning
- Team collaboration
- Classroom management
- Collaborative teamwork
- Social skills development
- Lesson planning
- Trained in CPI
- Parent communication
- Behavior intervention plans
- Differentiated instruction
- Crisis prevention and intervention
- Data management
- Special education
- Excellent classroom management
- MS office proficient
- Non-violent crisis intervention
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Bilingual fluency
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
ESE Teacher
St. Lucie Public Schools
01.2017 - 06.2025
School Office Clerk
St. Lucie Public Schools
07.2015 - 12.2015
Paraprofessional
Nyc Doe in
05.2002 - 01.2015
Behavioral Science - Psychology
Mercy College
Education
Indian River State College
Nursing
Indian River State College
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