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
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
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