Kate Leonard
Special Education Teacher
Little River,SC
Summary
Versatile Special Education Teacher with focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Special Education Resource Teacher
Waterway Elementary School
Little River, SC
08.2021 - Current
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
Elementary School Teacher's Assistant
Ocean Drive Elementary
North Myrtle Beach, SC
10.2015 - 01.2020
- Promoted positive environment for students learning.
- Provided instruction and support under supervision of teacher.
- Assisted in preparation of classroom and instruction materials.
- Set up classroom equipment and organized activities.
- Relieved classroom teacher during breaks and maintained order and structure in classroom.
- Prepared instruction materials, constructed bulletin boards, and set up work areas.
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
Director of Child Development
Risen Christ Lutheran School
North Myrtle Beach, SC
08.2010 - 09.2015
- Acted as point of contact for mandated reporting of suspected or actual cases of child abuse or neglect.
- Attended professional meetings and conferences to maintain and improve professional competence.
- Maintained high-quality child care standards based on developmentally appropriate practices.
- Developed and implemented programs for center-based childcare services.
5th Grade ELA Teacher
Riverland Elementary School
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
12.2004 - 06.2005
- Administered assessments and standardized tests to evaluate student progress.
- Evaluated academic skills of each student through verbal assessments, graded assignments and standardized tests.
- Taught age-appropriate spelling techniques, grammar rules and language skills.
- Worked with administrators on behavioral issues to support needs of students.
- Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
Education
Masters - MAT in Learning Disabilities K-12
Francis Marion University
Florence, SC 12.2019 - 12.2021
Elementary Education
Florida Atlantic University
Ft Lauderdale, FL 03.2005 - 06.2005
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
Barry University
Miami, FL 01.2000 - 01.2001
Business Administration And Management
Broward Community College
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 08.1988 - 05.1990
Business Administration And Management
Tallahassee Community College
Tallahassee, FL 08.1987 - 06.1988
Skills
Group and individual instruction
Classroom management
Elementary education
Differentiated instruction
Special education
Affiliations
Member of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education - 2020
Timeline
Special Education Resource Teacher
Waterway Elementary School
08.2021 - Current
Masters - MAT in Learning Disabilities K-12
Francis Marion University
12.2019 - 12.2021
Elementary School Teacher's Assistant
Ocean Drive Elementary
10.2015 - 01.2020
Director of Child Development
Risen Christ Lutheran School
08.2010 - 09.2015
Elementary Education
Florida Atlantic University
03.2005 - 06.2005
5th Grade ELA Teacher
Riverland Elementary School
12.2004 - 06.2005
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
Barry University
01.2000 - 01.2001
Business Administration And Management
Broward Community College
08.1988 - 05.1990
Business Administration And Management
Tallahassee Community College
08.1987 - 06.1988