Karen Popp
Syracuse,New York
Summary
Skilled educator with strong expertise in special education. Adept at developing tailored learning plans, employing effective instructional strategies, and fostering inclusive classroom environments. Known for collaboration, adaptability, and delivering measurable results. Proficient in behavior management, individualized education plans, and student assessments.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher @ Webster Elementary
Syracuse City School District
Syracuse, NY
09.2018 - 07.2024
- Developed and implemented IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum, materials and teaching strategies for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- Integrated social skills training into curriculum, facilitating improved peer interactions and social integration.
- 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.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Developed and executed behavioral intervention plans, leading to decrease in disruptive behaviors and increase in classroom participation.
- Enhanced communication skills in non-verbal students through integration of alternative and augmentative communication systems.
- Utilized data from student assessments to tailor instruction, resulting in more effective learning outcomes.
- Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
Special Education Teacher @ Roberts K-8
Syracuse City School District
Syracuse, NY
09.2000 - 06.2018
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Reduced feelings of isolation among students with special needs by implementing inclusive classroom practices..
- Improved reading comprehension among students with learning disabilities by designing and delivering targeted literacy activities.
- Boosted student engagement in mathematics by introducing problem-solving activities that connected concepts to real-world situations.
- Encouraged parent and guardian involvement in educational process, enhancing home-school connection and supporting student achievement.
- Conducted assessments to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement, informing instructional strategies.
- Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
Education
Master of Science - Moderate, Severe And Profound Disabilities
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA05-1998
Elementary And Special Education
SUNY Geneseo
Geneseo, NY05-1990
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans
- Small group instruction
- Co-teaching experience
- Inclusion strategies
- Collaborative teamwork
- Group and individual instruction
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Social skills development
- Behavior intervention plans
- Trained in CPI
- Verbal and nonverbal communication
- Literacy intervention
- Visual supports
- Behavior modifications
- Curriculum adjustments
- Life skills instruction
- Progress evaluations
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Assistive technology
- Functional behavior assessment
- Scheduling proficiency
- Mathematics intervention
- Assessment strategies
- Sensory integration
- Motor skills development
- Augmentative communication
- Data collection
- Autism spectrum
Timeline
Special Education Teacher @ Webster Elementary
Syracuse City School District
09.2018 - 07.2024
Special Education Teacher @ Roberts K-8
Syracuse City School District
09.2000 - 06.2018
Master of Science - Moderate, Severe And Profound Disabilities
Georgia State University
Elementary And Special Education
SUNY Geneseo