KATE HALKO
Educator
Madison,WI
Summary
Versatile and dedicated teacher with focus on individual needs of special education students. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons. Exceptional skills working with teachers, parents and specialists to meet educational needs of students.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Instructional Paraprofessional/Long-Term Special Education Substitute
MCPASD Middleton High School
01.2023 - Current
- Assumed special education teacher positions for Morgan Glasson and Britni Gruber, both over 8 weeks maternity leave
- Promoted self-advocacy skills among students by providing guidance and support during individual or group problem-solving exercises
- Assisted in collection of data to track student progress, using this information to adjust instructional strategies for optimal learning outcomes
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing visual aids and hands-on activities in lessons
- Promoted positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress
Elementary Teacher
Chicago Public Schools, JW Johnson School
Chicago, IL
06.2008 - 06.2012
- Provided primary daily instruction for diverse learners in urban AUSL turnaround school
- Acquired teacher performance rating of 'Excellent' each year for student growth, content delivery, professional demeanor, and decision-making
- Created specific content designed and differentiated to match student ability and achievement, connecting to Common Core Standards
- Increased 10% of students meeting state standards within first year of teaching
- Built exceptional reading growth: percent of students that met/exceeded state standards grew by 11% year over year
- Crafted exceptional math growth: percent of students that met/exceeded state standards grew by 19% year over year
Author, Freelance Writer
Self/Amazon
Madison, WI
01.2016 - 12.2021
- Wrote, formatted, and published children's book through Amazon's KDP services, reaching #262 in top sales on Amazon and #1 in category
- Wrote articles providing helpful parenting information and gained 200+ views per blog
- Conducted interviews with subject matter experts to generate topics
- Utilized exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills to produce engaging and error-free content
- Promoted published works through social media platforms, author website updates, email newsletters, and blog posts
Education
Certification - Special Education
American Board
Online 05.2001 -
Master of Science - Education
National Louis University
Chicago, IL 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Management
University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL 05.2001 -
Skills
Materials sourcing
Lesson Planning
Classroom Management
Visual supports
Autism Spectrum Knowledge
Relationship Building
Parent Communication
Behavior Modeling
Accomplishments
- Published Author
- Magna Cum Laude graduate - University of Illinois at Chicago
- Valedictorian - Midwest Central High School
Timeline
Instructional Paraprofessional/Long-Term Special Education Substitute
MCPASD Middleton High School
01.2023 - Current
Author, Freelance Writer
Self/Amazon
01.2016 - 12.2021
Elementary Teacher
Chicago Public Schools, JW Johnson School
06.2008 - 06.2012
Certification - Special Education
American Board
05.2001 -
Master of Science - Education
National Louis University
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
University of Illinois At Chicago
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Management
University of Illinois At Chicago
05.2001 -