Karol Thompson
Surprise,AZ
Summary
Adaptable teaching professional focused on implementing differentiated instruction and positive reinforcement strategies. Committed to fostering a structured yet engaging classroom environment that promotes student success and effective learning.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Substitute Teacher, K-5
Dysart Unified School District
Surprise, AZ
08.2024 - 03.2025
- Managed classroom behavior using positive reinforcement strategies.
- Collaborated with paraprofessionals to support curriculum goals and student engagement.
- Implemented creative teaching methods that engaged students in the learning process while still adhering to curriculum requirements and state educational standards.
- Provided individualized support to students struggling academically, tailoring instruction to meet their unique needs.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate the various learning styles of students within the classroom setting.
- Supervised students during lunch and recess, ensuring safety and compliance.
- Managed daily classroom routines efficiently, promoting a structured environment conducive to learning.
- Established clear expectations for behavior and consistently enforced consequences in order to maintain an orderly classroom conducive to learning.
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Dysart Unified School District
Surprise, AZ
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Developed initial and transition evaluations (METs) for students by collaborating with educational psychologist, general education, and related services staff.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Engaged students with specialized play and educational activities to boost learning.
- Developed and taught engaging and developmentally appropriate lesson plans to differentiate needs for learners.
- Developed positive relationships with colleagues and students within classroom to implement full-inclusion model.
- Prepared, scheduled and led IEPs to provide right help to meet child's present needs.
- Established safe play environment for students.
- Collaborated with parents and communities to improve learning quality and develop individualized student programs.
- Implemented evidence-based instructional strategies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Facilitated inclusive classroom environments promoting social interaction and peer relationships among students.
- Monitored student behavior and implemented positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviors.
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding student progress, challenges, and necessary resources.
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay current on special education best practices and regulations.
- Adapted lesson plans based on ongoing assessments to meet varying educational needs of students.
- Assessed student progress regularly through formative and summative assessments, adapting instruction accordingly to meet individual needs.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance, using data analysis tools to inform ongoing instructional planning and decisionmaking.
- Coordinated with related service providers to ensure seamless delivery of supports for students requiring additional interventions or therapies.
- Increased parent involvement in the learning process by maintaining open communication and providing regular updates on student progress.
- Implemented data-driven instructional practices, resulting in improved student performance on assessments and increased mastery of key concepts.
- Enhanced student motivation by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world examples into lesson plans.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment by implementing effective behavior management strategies and promoting respect among students.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
Education
Master of Arts - Science Education/Geosciences
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT05-2018
Bachelor of Science - Special Education/History/Reading Minor
Methodist University
Fayetteville, NC06-1991
Skills
- Classroom management
- Adaptable
- Relationship building and management
- Student engagement
- Behavior management and modeling
- Group and individual instruction
- Lesson plan implementation
- Proficient in – e-IEPPRO, Zoom, Schoology, Google Meets, Word, and Excel
- Staff collaboration
- Documentation and reporting
- Differentiated instruction
- Health and safety
Certification
- Certified K-12 Special Education, Learning Disabilities/Endorsements in Early Childhood/SEI
Timeline
Substitute Teacher, K-5
Dysart Unified School District
08.2024 - 03.2025
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Dysart Unified School District
08.2023 - 05.2024
Master of Arts - Science Education/Geosciences
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Science - Special Education/History/Reading Minor
Methodist University