Karen Leanne Smith
Buda
Summary
Dedicated educator contributing to the Austin Independent School District with a robust background in diverse classroom settings, including PPCD (now ECSE), Life Skills, Inclusion, Resource, and SBS. Previous experience includes student teaching and professional roles within the Corpus Christi Independent School District, fostering a strong foundation in special education. Holds a certification in Special Education EC-12, demonstrating a commitment to supporting students with unique learning needs. Passionate about creating inclusive and engaging learning environments that empower all students to thrive.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
3rd Grade Co-teacher/Inclusion/Resource
Clayton Elementary School
Austin, Texas
01.2024 - Current
- I currently support 2nd-5th grades for Reading, Writing and Math resource groups. I also teach the Reading by Design curriculum to a group of students for Dyslexia. I hold a Lunch Bunch for SEL students to learn behavioral skills/socialization and communication through a curriculum called Rethink. I am also inclusion writing support for a 4th grade class. I previously was a co-teacher for a 3rd grade class for Math and English Language Arts. I have a caseload of 20 which I am responsible for progress monitoring and insuring they receive their accommodations/supplemental aids. I am to schedule and lead my own ARD meetings throughout the year.
Inclusion Teacher
Paredes Middle School
Austin, Texas
01.2011 - 01.2024
- I primarily worked with 8th grade English Language Arts students. I co-teach with two different ELA teachers. I attend PLC meetings with my co-teachers and plan with them as also. Often times, I am pulling small groups for re-teaching a lesson or allowing students to complete assignments they were not able to during class time. I assist all students who needed extra help on lessons and assignments. At times, I take over the classroom duties when the teacher is absent. I substitute in numerous different classes and grade levels. I am flexible and love helping when and where I am needed. I also schedule and facilitate my ARD meetings. I have learned many programs over the years to assist myself with writing IEPs. I communicate with parents often and maintain a positive relationship with both parents and all students. I began my career at Paredes as a teacher assistant primarily working with 6th-8th graders in their general education setting as inclusion support.
Inclusion Teacher
Windsor Park Elementary
Corpus Christi, Texas
01.2010 - 01.2011
- The population of special needs students grew in this Gifted and Talented school. I was the only Special Education teacher on campus. I was best utilized as an Inclusion teacher focusing primarily on 4th grade. I provided administrators, faculty and staff with information regarding Special Education including any upcoming training or information regarding Inclusive settings. During staff meetings, I presented a new topic on Inclusion to faculty once every month. I visited classrooms frequently to assist those students who needed the extra time and support identified in their IEP. I used Special Education Manager to produce goals and objectives, along with progress reports, every reporting period.
Inclusion Teacher
Sanders Elementary
Corpus Christi, Texas
01.2009 - 01.2010
- I was hired on at this Title I School due to increased population of students who would require services. I was one of two Inclusion teachers on campus. I focused on 1st, 3rd and the 5th grade students in an Inclusion setting. My main priority was 5th graders and trying to help them succeed in passing the TAKS test. I also helped out in after school tutoring. I worked on Math with one student every Tuesday and Thursday. I also was a facilitator in clubs such as: Nature Club, Science Club, Spelling Bee and the Book Club. I was one of two members of the faculty in charge of Safety Patrol on this campus and part of the PDM Committee. I used Special Education Manager to create goals and objectives and updated progress reports every six weeks.
Paraprofessional/Educational Aide
Dawson Elementary
Corpus Christi, Texas
01.2009 - 01.2009
- The school had a Behavior Improvement classroom. I was the assistant to the teacher with duties including: lesson planning, teaching in a small group setting, grading, preparing daily work, taking student or students to regular education classrooms and making sure students were on-task and not being disruptive. The job required me to have a NCPI Certification. The students ranged in grade levels: 2nd through 5th grade.
Inclusion/Paraprofessional Substitute
Dawson Elementary
Corpus Christi, Texas
01.2008 - 01.2008
- I was asked by school principal to stay as a long-term paraprofessional substitute. My job consisted of being in an Inclusion setting in a 2nd grade classroom. Two students were labeled as having Asperger Syndrome. I followed their accommodations and modified assignments. Every day, I did 45 minutes of Assistive Physical Education.
Substitute Teacher
Corpus Christi Independent School District
Corpus Christi, Texas
01.2007 - 01.2007
- I took on the responsibilities of the classroom teacher. Jobs that appealed to me were any and all Special Education positions. I worked in PPCD, Life Skills and many Inclusion settings. I was also flexible in jobs and substituted for general education classes, EC-12, and worked as an assistant Physical Education teacher for a semester at Dawson Elementary.
Education
B.S. - Special Education
Texas A&M University
Corpus Christi, Texas08-2007
A.A. - Special Education
Del Mar College
Corpus Christi, Texas01-2005
H.S. Diploma -
Richard King High School
Corpus Christi, Texas05-1999
Skills
- 4 years of American Sign Language
- Communication and Collaboration- I am able to engage effectively with my students, parents and colleagues
- Differentiated Instruction- I am able to tailor my lessons to meet the diverse needs of all of my students
- Classroom Management- I am able to maintain a productive, safe and positive learning environment for my students
- Curriculum Development and Planning- I create effective lessons and align instruction with educational standards
- Technology- I utilize and incorporate technology daily in my lessons which include: Canva, Google Classroom and BrainPOP
Accomplishments
- Graduated Suma cum Laude- Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi 2007
- Dean’s List- Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi 2005-2006, 2006-2007
- Received Certificate of Deaf Studies- Del Mar College- Corpus Christi 2003
- Member of English Honor’s Society- Del Mar College 2002
- Member of Alpha Beta Society- King High School- Corpus Christi 1997-1998, 1998-1999
Certification
- Special Education (EC-12), Texas Teacher Certificate, Texas, 2009 to 2025
- Educational Aide II, Texas Teacher Certificate, Texas, 2008 to 2014
Timeline
3rd Grade Co-teacher/Inclusion/Resource
Clayton Elementary School
01.2024 - Current
Inclusion Teacher
Paredes Middle School
01.2011 - 01.2024
Inclusion Teacher
Windsor Park Elementary
01.2010 - 01.2011
Inclusion Teacher
Sanders Elementary
01.2009 - 01.2010
Paraprofessional/Educational Aide
Dawson Elementary
01.2009 - 01.2009
Inclusion/Paraprofessional Substitute
Dawson Elementary
01.2008 - 01.2008
Substitute Teacher
Corpus Christi Independent School District
01.2007 - 01.2007
B.S. - Special Education
Texas A&M University
A.A. - Special Education
Del Mar College
H.S. Diploma -
Richard King High School