Katelyn DeMars
Carrollton,TX
Summary
Experienced educator with proven track record of fostering inclusive learning environments and implementing effective instructional strategies. Strong emphasis on team collaboration and achieving positive educational outcomes, adaptable to changing classroom dynamics. Skilled in behavior management, curriculum development, and student advocacy, bringing reliability and flexibility to role.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
A.H Rainwater Elementary
Carrollton, TX
09.2025 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans to meet diverse student needs.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to enhance classroom environment.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support student progress and development.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Enhanced students' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Enhanced communication skills in non-verbal students through integration of alternative and augmentative communication systems.
- Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
- Conducted assessments to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement, informing instructional strategies.
- Encouraged parent and guardian involvement in educational process, enhancing home-school connection and supporting student achievement.
- Integrated social skills training into curriculum, facilitating improved peer interactions and social integration.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Kindergarten-4th grade
Teacher
Carrollton Farmers Branch School District
Carrollton, TX
08.2018 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans that fostered creativity and critical thinking in students.
- Created a positive classroom environment that promoted social skills and emotional development.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to support student achievement and behavioral growth.
- Assessed student progress regularly, adjusting teaching methods to improve outcomes effectively.
- Developed strong, positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
- Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
- Promoted learning through play with engaging activities, games and lessons.
- Delivered differentiated instruction, implemented school curriculum and used data to create, monitor, and establish personalized learning plan for each student.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
- Promoted digital literacy by integrating technology into curriculum.
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
- Acted as grade level chair/team lead for one year.
- Experience writing curriculum for the district.
- Pre-K-1st grade, with the most experience in Kindergarten.
Teacher
B.H. Freeman Elementary
Garland, Texas
08.2017 - 05.2018
- Plan and implement lessons for all subjects and intervention
- Conducted small group, whole group and individual student activities based on student data
- Differentiated guided reading groups daily
- Tutor small group with emphasis on Math and Reading weekly
- Create and maintain writing, reading, and math centers
- Maintain positive parent-teacher communication
- Analyze formative and summative assessment data to guide future instruction and reteach needs based on student performance
- Attend biweekly PLC meetings with administration and team
- Plan and implement lessons for math and science and intervention(math and reading)
- Utilized goal setting to promote a positive classroom environment
- Tutor small group with emphasis in Math and Reading weekly
- 1st Grade
- 3rd Grade- Math and Science
Student Teacher
Fredonia Elementary School
Nacogdoches, Texas
01.2017 - 05.2017
- Use of Promethean board and ActivInspire
- Collaborate with team when planning and implementing lessons
- Create and maintain developmental stations, writing centers, and math centers
- Lead small group instruction in math and reading daily
- Maintained positive parent-teacher communication
- Grade student work, organized materials, and created door decorations and bulletin boards
- Created an advocacy project in support of children in foster care
- 3rd Grade Language Arts and Bilingual Pre-Kindergarten
Caregiver
Nacogdoches, Texas
01.2017 - 05.2017
- Care for a 4-year-old child weekly in-house
- Ensure safety at all times
- Play; both with toys and by utilizing imagination, dance, and reading
- Worked on speech and problem solving
Caregiver
Stephen F. Austin University Charter School
Nacogdoches, Texas
05.2016 - 01.2017
- Assisted 4-year-old who had chronic seizures while at school and at home
- Worked to build social skills and strengthen gross motor skills
- Monitored behavior for warning signs of a seizure and acted when necessary
- Ensured safety at all times
Teacher Assistant
Stephen F. Austin University Charter School
Nacogdoches, Texas
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Maintained clean and safe environment
- Gave support to teachers and cared for children
- Adapted and organized centers
- Acted as a substitute when teacher was not present
- Read stories and assisted with art projects
- Fostered positive relationships with students, encouraging their social and emotional development.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas05-2017
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans
- Lesson planning
- Data management
- Group and individual instruction
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- De-escalation techniques
- Special education
- Trained in CPI
- Assistive technology
- Positive role model
Certification
- Core Subjects (EC-6) Expires 04/2029
- ESL Supplemental (EC-6) Expires 04/2029
- Special Education (EC-12) Expires 04/2029
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
A.H Rainwater Elementary
09.2025 - Current
Teacher
Carrollton Farmers Branch School District
08.2018 - Current
Teacher
B.H. Freeman Elementary
08.2017 - 05.2018
Student Teacher
Fredonia Elementary School
01.2017 - 05.2017
Caregiver
01.2017 - 05.2017
Caregiver
Stephen F. Austin University Charter School
05.2016 - 01.2017
Teacher Assistant
Stephen F. Austin University Charter School
01.2016 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Stephen F. Austin State University