Karen Parnell
COVE,AR
Summary
Energetic and dedicated Special Education Teacher with extensive experience at Mena Public Schools, adept at IEP development and fostering inclusive classrooms. Proven track record in enhancing student engagement and advocating for resources, empowering diverse learners to achieve their full potential through tailored instructional strategies and strong parent-teacher communication.
Active supporter for inclusive school environments and adapt teaching methods to support diverse learning needs. Expertise in developing individualized education plans and implementing evidence-based strategies. Effective team collaborator with focus on achieving positive student outcomes and adapting to changing educational demands.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Middle School Special Education Teacher
Mena Public Schools
08.2020 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans to support diverse learning needs.
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies to foster a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with teachers and staff to adapt instructional materials for students with disabilities.
- Monitored student progress through regular assessments and provided constructive feedback.
- Assisted in organizing inclusive activities that promote social integration among students.
- Participated in professional development workshops to continuously improve teaching strategies.
- Engaged with parents and guardians to discuss student progress and address concerns effectively.
- Coordinated with school counselors and other support staff to connect students with appropriate resources and services tailored to their unique needs.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of curricular offerings within the special education program regularly, recommending changes as needed to optimize student achievement outcomes while adhering to state guidelines for content standards.
- Developed collaborative partnerships with general education teachers, working together to create inclusive classrooms that met the needs of all learners.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Prepared classrooms for class activities and provided variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate and use throughout day.
- Developed transition plan to outline steps necessary to prepare student for move to high school.
High School Special Education Teacher
Mena Public Schools
08.2005 - 05.2020
- Developed individualized education plans to accommodate diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance student support services.
- Implemented behavioral interventions to promote positive classroom environments.
- Adapted curriculum materials for accessibility and engagement of students.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted instructional methods accordingly.
- Advocated for resources and support to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
- Increased parent engagement through regular communication, building strong relationships and fostering a supportive learning environment at home.
- Improved student comprehension by implementing differentiated instruction strategies tailored to individual learning needs.
- Empowered students with self-advocacy skills through targeted lessons on communication, problem-solving, and goal-setting techniques.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Set rules and guidelines to manage classroom and maintain discipline.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
Education
Master of Science - Educational Administration / Leadership
Texas A & M University, Texarkana, TX, US
Texarkana, TX12-2011
Master of Science - Edcation
Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, AR08-2004
Skills
- IEP development
- Inclusion strategies
- Classroom organization
- Parent-teacher communication
- Collaborative teaching
- Student engagement
- Curriculum adaptation
- Motivating students
- Group and individual instruction
- Instructional strategies
- Differentiated instruction
Timeline
Middle School Special Education Teacher
Mena Public Schools
08.2020 - Current
High School Special Education Teacher
Mena Public Schools
08.2005 - 05.2020
Master of Science - Educational Administration / Leadership
Texas A & M University, Texarkana, TX, US
Master of Science - Edcation
Henderson State University