Karen Kuriger-Cummings
East Moline,IL
Summary
Versatile Special Education Teacher with focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher Assistant
Pleasant Valley Community School District
08.2000 - Current
- Monitored student progress and adjusted instruction accordingly to maximize academic achievement.
- Maintained detailed records of student progress, attendance, behaviors, and IEP goals for effective communication with all stakeholders involved in the educational process.
- Improved student behavior and engagement in the classroom through consistent enforcement of rules and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Supported the development of social skills in students by implementing group work activities and facilitating peer interactions.
- Utilized assistive technology tools to help students access curriculum materials more effectively.
- Provided one-on-one support for students struggling with specific concepts or tasks, resulting in improved comprehension and performance.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices for special education instruction.
Special Education Lead Teacher
Pleasant Valley Community School District
08.2021 - 06.2023
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
- Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Met with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral and academic issues.
Adjunct Faculty Instructor
Black Hawk College
06.2013 - 07.2016
- Promoted academic integrity by implementing strict plagiarism policies and educating students on proper citation techniques.
- Fostered a supportive learning environment by addressing diverse student needs through accommodations or additional support services referrals when necessary.
- Fostered cultural understanding of various cultures within the classroom.
- Planned and implemented instruction to adult students in order to provide them with knowledge on speaking and writing the English language.
Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Scottsdale Unified School District
08.1999 - 06.2000
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
St. Ambrose University
Davenport, IA12.2003
Bachelor of Science - Deaf Studies, Teacher Education
MacMurray College
Jacksonville, IL05.1995
Skills
- Differentiated Instruction
- Classroom Management
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Small Group Instruction
- Relationship Building
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Parent Communication
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Crisis Prevention and Intervention
Certification
- Crisis Prevention Intervention Certification, 2016 to present
- Google For Education Certification Level 1, 2018
- Iowa Teaching Certification: Instructional Strategist 1: Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Learning Disabilities
Timeline
Special Education Lead Teacher
Pleasant Valley Community School District
08.2021 - 06.2023
Adjunct Faculty Instructor
Black Hawk College
06.2013 - 07.2016
Special Education Teacher Assistant
Pleasant Valley Community School District
08.2000 - Current
Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Scottsdale Unified School District
08.1999 - 06.2000
Master of Science - Special Education
St. Ambrose University
Bachelor of Science - Deaf Studies, Teacher Education
MacMurray College
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