Karen Nolan
Medford
Summary
Dedicated Special Education Teacher with 26 years of experience in IEP development, differentiated instruction, and classroom inclusiveness. Proven track record in advocating for student success and fostering collaborative environments.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Medford Board of Education
Medford
09.2000 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to enhance student growth and development through targeted support.
- Assessed student progress through regular evaluations and tailored interventions.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
- Modified curriculum materials to align with individualized student needs.
- Collaborated with other educators and professionals to design instructional plans.
- Facilitated inclusive classroom environments promoting social interaction and cooperation.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Facilitated small group instruction tailored for individual student needs.
- Provided instruction in academic, communication, and social skills to special education students.
- Participated in professional development activities related to teaching strategies for special education students.
- Advocated for the needs of students with disabilities.
- Established positive relationships with students and their families.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
- Served as an advocate for special education students within the school system.
- Developed individualized skill-appropriate lesson plans that fostered student confidence and engagement.
- Developed interesting and interactive learning methods tailored to help students with individual needs.
- Identified learning needs of students with disabilities and implemented appropriate interventions.
- Attended parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress.
- Monitored the educational progress of each student according to established timelines.
- Developed IEPs to leverage developmental practices and educational theories to achieve educational objectives.
- Solved student behavioral issues according to building expectations and codes of conduct.
- Incorporated interactive visual aids into student lesson plans to support learning objectives.
- Created and implemented compliant IEPs and progress reports, ensuring alignment with state-specific special education requirements.
- Designed and delivered personalized learning for each student and advocated for student inclusion and success in general education environments.
- Built relationships with students and guardians through active communication and positive feedback.
- Cultivated classroom environment focused on inclusion and growth, fostering both social and academic development.
- Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
- Formed deep relationships with parents and students by engaging groups through conferences, emails, texts, and phone calls.
- Demonstrated appropriate behaviors using behavior modeling and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Enhanced students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills through hands-on activities.
- Demonstrated appropriate behaviors using behavior modeling and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Enhanced students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills through hands-on activities.
General Education Teacher
Medford Board of Education
Medford
09.2000 - 06.2012
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with state educational standards.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies that addressed diverse learning needs and supported individual student growth.
- Assessed student performance using various evaluation methods and tools.
- Tracked individual student progress and adjusted teaching methods to improve understanding of material.
- Provided individualized instruction to students who required additional guidance or reinforcement of concepts.
- Facilitated classroom discussions that increased student participation and deepened understanding.
- Adapted teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles.
- Created positive classroom environment that fostered learning through effective management strategies.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills by providing stimulating activities that promoted creativity and problem-solving.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding student progress and behavior.
- Built relationships with students of all cultural, social and economic backgrounds.
- Evaluated textbooks, supplemental materials and other resources to determine their appropriateness for use in the classroom.
- Graded and provided feedback on student assignments, papers and examinations.
- Distributed academic resources and study materials to help students prepare for examinations.
- Attended faculty meetings, professional development workshops and educational conferences.
Education
Master of Arts - Applied Behavior Analysis
Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJ06-2017
Certification - Teacher of Students With Disabilities - Special Education
Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJ03-2014
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Holy Family College
Philadelphia, PA06-1994
Skills
- IEP development
- IEP implementation
- IEP and BIP
- Behavior intervention plans
- Behavior management
- Behavior modification
- Positive reinforcement
- Small group instructions
- Curriculum adaptation
- Differentiated instruction
- Instructional strategies
- Classroom management
- Classroom inclusiveness
- Inclusion strategies
- Collaborative teaching
- Co-teaching experience
- Parental communication
- Progress assessments
- Progress evaluations
- Autism spectrum
- Social skills training
- Special education compliance
- Trained in CPI
- Effective feedback
- Parental communication
- Communication skills
- Behavior modifications
- IEP and BIP
- Classroom management
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Medford Board of Education
09.2000 - Current
General Education Teacher
Medford Board of Education
09.2000 - 06.2012
Master of Arts - Applied Behavior Analysis
Rider University
Certification - Teacher of Students With Disabilities - Special Education
Rider University
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Holy Family College