Karen McCain
St Louis,MO
Summary
Accomplished educator with extensive experience in the St. Louis Public School District, specializing in special education and family engagement. Demonstrated success in enhancing student achievement through innovative lesson planning and effective small group instruction. Renowned for exceptional relationship-building and communication skills, contributing to significant improvements in classroom engagement and parental involvement.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Educational Instructional Assistant
St. Louis Public School District
10.2007 - 10.2021
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance and classroom activities.
- Provided one-on-one support to students with special needs, enabling them to achieve academic success.
- Delivered curriculum in both one-on-one lessons and group learning environments.
- Prepared instructional materials such as worksheets, visuals aids, or manipulatives according to teacher directives for effective lesson execution.
- Facilitated small group instruction sessions based on specific skill sets or subject matter, boosting overall student achievement levels.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and instructional support.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child's academic performance and any areas requiring additional support or intervention.
- Participated in parent-teacher conferences, offering insights and suggestions to support student success at home and school.
- Contributed to a positive and collaborative school culture by actively participating in staff meetings, committees, and professional learning communities.
- Monitored student behavior in classes, laboratories and on field trips for unsafe or rule-breaking concerns.
- Handled class records for attendance, assignment grades and course participation scores.
- Participated in workshops, in-service training and parent conferences.
- Attends specialized training as required to assist in implementation of student's IEP.
- Served as resource of information and assisted substitute teachers.
- Performed other duties related to Special Education, as assigned by teacher or administrator.
Family and Community Involvement Specialist
St. Louis Public School District
08.2005 - 06.2007
- Provided assistance to parents in understanding school, district, and Title I policies and procedures as related to student behavior, attendance, and student achievement
- Provided assistance to increase attendance rates.
- Conducted, and facilitate professional workshops and seminars for parents that will enhance student academic progress.
- Served as active member of Student Intervention Team working collaboratively with parents, families, and school staff to develop and implement intervention plans for identified students.
- Collaborated with administrators and school staff to develop, implement, and disseminate yearly calendar of parent involvement activities,
- Established close relationships with social worker to aid in obtaining needed services and resources.
- Conducted professional workshops, and activities for families.
- Communicated regularly with parents/families by way of district-wide approved means of communication (i.e. phone calls, home visits, written reports, email etc.)
- Ensured all Title 1 and SLPS Board parental involvement policies and mandates are met
- Provided timely submission of records and reports required for documentation of activities/events.
- Participated in district and community sponsored professional development activities.
- Performed other duties as assigned to ensure effective parental involvement.
Long Term Substitute Special Education Teacher
St. Louis Public School District
09.2001 - 06.2005
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administrator.
- Included real-world examples into lessons, making concepts more relatable and easier to understand for students.
- Developed lesson plans to align with grade-level standards and objectives.
- Collaborated with other educators to plan and review instruction.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Attended professional meetings, educational conferences or teacher training workshops to improve professional competence.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
Education
Associates of Business - Business Administration
Florissant Valley Community College
3400 Pershall Rd, St. Louis, Missouri 6313505.1983
High School Diploma -
Northwest High School, St. Louis, Missouri
5140 Riverview Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 6312006.1972
Skills
- Calm and Patient Demeanor
- Small Group Instruction
- Relationship Building
- Classroom support
- Teacher Collaboration
- Special Education Support
- Punctual and Dependable
- Motivating and Inspiring Students
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills
- Student Learning Support
- Lesson Planning
- Individual Student Assistance
enjoy crafting and encouraging students to explore their creativity.
During my tenure as a Parent and Family Specialist, I worked with the after school program. Students were given opportunities to learn crochet, create abstract painting, sewing, and take cooking lessons.
Additional Information
Outside of the education arena, I participate in community and organizational outreaches. Beam and Bloom is a non for profit organization that sponsors an annual community baby shower. For the past four years I have been the coordinator for one of the sites that is a co-sponsor of the baby shower. On a monthly basis I support a feed the hungry initiative; providing food and or care bags to the homeless. I also participate in special programs sponsored by the children's ministry at my church.
Timeline
Special Educational Instructional Assistant
St. Louis Public School District
10.2007 - 10.2021
Family and Community Involvement Specialist
St. Louis Public School District
08.2005 - 06.2007
Long Term Substitute Special Education Teacher
St. Louis Public School District
09.2001 - 06.2005
Associates of Business - Business Administration
Florissant Valley Community College
High School Diploma -
Northwest High School, St. Louis, Missouri
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