Karlene A. Strachan
Ocoee,FL
Summary
Dynamic ESE teacher with a proven track record at Palm Lake Elementary, specializing in individualized education plans and parent-teacher collaboration. Expertise in data analysis to enhance student outcomes and implement innovative teaching strategies. Committed to promoting engagement and success for diverse learners, with a strong focus on advocacy for students with special needs.
Overview
1
1
Certification
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
ESE Teacher
Palm Lake Elementary
Orlando, FL
08.2025 - Current
- Tailored lesson plans to meet individual student needs and abilities, fostering personalized learning experiences.
- Utilized assistive technology to enhance student engagement and participation.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Utilized positive reinforcement techniques to effectively motivate and engage students in the classroom.
- Incorporated technology into lessons whenever possible to engage students in learning.
- Participated in Individual Education Plan meetings to collaborate on student support.
- Facilitated regular meetings with parents to collaboratively discuss and enhance their child's academic progress.
- Assessed student progress through a variety of methods such as observations, tests, and portfolios.
ESE Resource Teacher
Prairie Lake Elementary
Orlando, FL
08.2019 - 05.2025
- Developed and implemented Individualized Education Programs for students with special needs.
- Created individualized education plans addressing diverse student needs to enhance learning outcomes.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and needs.
- Designed instructional materials tailored for different learning styles.
- Actively participated in IEP team meetings including writing goals and objectives based on identified need areas.
- Coordinated with speech language pathologists and occupational therapists to ensure comprehensive support for students with disabilities.
- Fostered an inclusive environment for students with disabilities by advocating for their educational requirements.
- Facilitated workshops for staff on special education strategies, promoting best practices in ESE instruction.
- Ensured compliance with district policies and procedures related to ESE services.
Teacher
Prairie Lake Elementary
Orlando, FL
08.2017 - 05.2019
- Developed and implemented lesson plans based on curriculum objectives.
- Implemented technology-based learning tools to enrich classroom instruction and engage students.
- Collaborated with colleagues to plan lessons that integrate various subject areas into a cohesive unit of study.
- Tested students' comprehension of subject matter through quizzes, tests and projects.
- Tutored students requiring extra help and gave additional practice work to help improve concept understanding.
- Overcame challenges of working with highly diverse student population to foster exceptional student achievement.
- Met with administrators and department team members to work on curriculum planning and assessment methods.
- Guided new teachers in best practices and classroom management techniques to support their professional development.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding student performance and behavior.
Teacher
Oak Hill Elementary School
Orlando, Florida
08.2015 - 05.2017
- Instructed students in academic subjects such as math, science, language arts, social studies, and history.
- Incorporated interactive whiteboards and online resources to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Applied behavior management strategies to foster a positive classroom environment and support student learning.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills and problem solving strategies among students.
- Collaborated with colleagues to plan lessons that integrate various subject areas into a cohesive unit of study.
- Conducted parent-teacher conferences to communicate student progress and strengthen home-school connections.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents, and teaching staff.
Instructional Coach
Pineloch Elementary School
Orlando, FL
08.2012 - 05.2015
- Facilitated professional development workshops for educators, enhancing best teaching practices and promoting student engagement.
- Conducted classroom observations to provide actionable feedback, improving teaching methods and classroom management strategies.
- Collaborated with teachers to design customized lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Developed resources and materials that empowered teachers to implement innovative teaching techniques effectively.
- Analyzed student assessment data to inform instructional decisions and interventions.
Teacher
Pineloch Elementary
Orlando, Florida
08.2011 - 05.2012
- Developed and implemented lesson plans based on curriculum objectives.
- Instructed students in academic subjects such as math, science, language arts, social studies, and history.
- Prepared and maintained classroom environments appropriate for student learning and physical, social and emotional development.
- Maintained a safe and orderly learning environment for all students.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents, and teaching staff.
- Collaborated with colleagues to plan lessons that integrate various subject areas into a cohesive unit of study.
- Utilized technology such as interactive whiteboards and online resources to enhance instruction.
- Engaged in professional development workshops to enhance teaching methods and adapt to curriculum changes.
Teacher
Eagle's Nest Elementary
Orlanod, FL
10.2010 - 05.2011
- Developed and implemented lesson plans aligned with curriculum objectives, ensuring effective delivery of educational content.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and tailored instruction accordingly.
- Implemented classroom management strategies, fostering a positive learning environment that encouraged student engagement.
- Integrated technology tools to support interactive learning experiences for students.
- Communicated regularly with parents to provide updates on student performance and enhance home-school collaboration.
Resource Teacher
Rio Grande Charter
Orlando, FL
08.2008 - 10.2010
- Assisted in developing individual education plans, ensuring personalized support for students with special needs.
- Collaborated with teachers to integrate support strategies, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Coordinated resources and materials, creating effective learning environments tailored to diverse student needs.
- Observed classrooms regularly to assess instruction quality and provide feedback to teachers regarding best practices in teaching students with disabilities.
- Teamed with general education teachers to plan and implement curriculum, state and district-wide assessments.
Teacher
Ocoee Elementary School
Ocoee, FL
08.2007 - 05.2008
- Developed and implemented lesson plans based on curriculum objectives.
- Implemented diverse teaching strategies to enhance student engagement and accommodate various learning styles.
- Supervised students throughout the day to ensure a safe and productive learning environment.
- Communicated regularly with parents to provide updates on student performance and address behavioral concerns.
- Participated in professional development workshops related to teaching methods or curriculum changes.
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Kelly Educational Services
Orlando, FL
08.2006 - 05.2007
- Managed classroom behavior, fostering a positive learning environment that supported student engagement.
- Enforced classroom routines, ensuring students remained on schedule and engaged in consistent learning activities.
- Monitored classrooms, ensuring that all students were safe and adhering to school rules.
- Provided actionable feedback to school staff on student performance and classroom dynamics, enhancing instructional strategies.
Education
Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction - Reading
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ04-2010
Educator Preparation Institute - Teaching
Valencia College
Orlando, FL04-2007
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
City University of New York - Hunter College
New York, NY05-2006
Associate of Science -
City College of New York, Borough of Manhattan Com
New York, NY05-1993
Associate of Arts - Business Administration And Management
Duff's Business Institute
Kingston, Jamaica06-1987
High School Diploma -
Ardenne Hight School
Kingston, Jamaica07-1985
Skills
- IEP development
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Assistive technology
- Compliance management
- Data analysis
- Problem solving
- Parent-teacher collaboration
Certification
- ESE (K-12)
- Elementary (K-6)
- Reading (K-12)
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (K-12)
Timeline
ESE Teacher
Palm Lake Elementary
08.2025 - Current
ESE Resource Teacher
Prairie Lake Elementary
08.2019 - 05.2025
Teacher
Prairie Lake Elementary
08.2017 - 05.2019
Teacher
Oak Hill Elementary School
08.2015 - 05.2017
Instructional Coach
Pineloch Elementary School
08.2012 - 05.2015
Teacher
Pineloch Elementary
08.2011 - 05.2012
Teacher
Eagle's Nest Elementary
10.2010 - 05.2011
Resource Teacher
Rio Grande Charter
08.2008 - 10.2010
Teacher
Ocoee Elementary School
08.2007 - 05.2008
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Kelly Educational Services
08.2006 - 05.2007
Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction - Reading
Grand Canyon University
Educator Preparation Institute - Teaching
Valencia College
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
City University of New York - Hunter College
Associate of Science -
City College of New York, Borough of Manhattan Com
Associate of Arts - Business Administration And Management
Duff's Business Institute
High School Diploma -
Ardenne Hight School