Katherine Durst
Largo
Summary
Skilled educator with strong expertise in special education. Adept at developing tailored learning plans, employing effective instructional strategies, and fostering inclusive classroom environments. Known for collaboration, adaptability, and delivering measurable results. Proficient in behavior management, individualized education plans, and student assessments.
Experienced with developing and implementing individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs. Utilizes effective behavior management techniques to create positive and inclusive classroom environment. 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.
Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.
Thorough team contributor with strong organizational capabilities.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Pinellas County School Board
St. Petersburg, FL
07.2019 - 01.2026
- Designed and implemented individualized education plans to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Facilitated collaboration among colleagues to foster inclusive classroom environments.
- Developed and executed behavioral management strategies to foster student engagement.
- Evaluated student progress and tailored instructional methods to enhance learning outcomes.
- Implemented assistive technology solutions to enhance learning experiences for students with disabilities.
- Cultivated relationships with families to strengthen home-school partnerships.
- Engaged in professional development workshops to refine teaching methodologies.
- Oversaw maintenance of accurate records for student performance and behavior interventions.
- Designed and implemented individualized education programs (IEPs) to enhance student academic performance and personal development.
- Developed and administered Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to establish student learning objectives and educational strategies.
- Adapted general education curriculum for special-needs students through innovative instructional techniques and technologies.
- Cultivated strong relationships with parents and guardians to enhance student progress through open communication.
- Engaged in continuous professional development to enhance expertise in evidence-based special education teaching methodologies.
- Facilitated activities that fostered students' physical, emotional, and social development.
- Guided new teachers by sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Facilitated enhanced communication abilities in non-verbal students by implementing alternative and augmentative communication systems.
- Cultivated a culturally responsive classroom environment that acknowledges and celebrates student diversity.
Substitute Teacher
Pinellas County School Board
Pinellas County
01.2019 - 06.2019
- Implemented lesson plans to ensure student engagement and understanding of curriculum objectives.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Adapted instructional materials to meet diverse student needs and learning styles.
- Collaborated with full-time teachers to provide continuity in instructional delivery.
- Communicated regularly with students, parents, and staff regarding academic progress and behavioral issues.
- Assisted in the assessment of student performance through various evaluation methods.
- Fostered relationships with students to promote a supportive educational atmosphere.
- Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
Agent Service Coordinator/Executive Assistant
Keller Williams
Largo, FL
11.2017 - 09.2018
- Developed marketing materials, leveraging digital platforms to increase outreach and engagement with clients.
- Streamlined internal processes for improved efficiency and productivity within the agency.
- Spearheaded team training initiatives, equipping agents with essential skills to excel in their roles.
- Facilitated training sessions for new agents, elevating overall team performance.
- Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
- Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
- Educated staff on organizational mission and goals to help employees achieve success.
- Cultivated positive relationships with vendors to deliver timely and cost-effective supply of services and materials.
- Played a key role in the successful onboarding of new hires within the Service Coordinator role, offering mentorship and guidance as needed.
Teacher
Pinellas County School Board
Largo,FL
02.2012 - 06.2016
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate lesson plans fostering cognitive and social skills.
- Engaged children in hands-on activities promoting creativity and problem-solving abilities.
- Collaborated with parents to address children's developmental needs and progress updates.
- Maintained a safe, nurturing classroom environment encouraging positive behaviors and emotional growth.
- Assessed student performance through observational techniques, adapting instruction as necessary.
- Facilitated group activities enhancing teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills among students.
- Developed strong relationships with parents and caregivers, providing regular updates on their child''s progress and addressing any concerns proactively.
- Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.
- Maintained organized, fun and interactive classroom to help children feel safe.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Designed creative lesson plans that incorporated hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences to foster curiosity and engagement in young learners.
- Ensured a safe and nurturing environment for all students, adhering to health and safety guidelines in the classroom.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Boosted children''s social development by promoting positive interactions among peers through group activities and collaborative projects.
- Monitored students' academic, social, and emotional progress and recorded in individual files.
- Assisted in the assessment of each student''s abilities, tailoring instruction to meet individual needs and learning styles.
- Improved student behavior by implementing effective classroom management strategies and establishing clear expectations for conduct.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Furman Univeristy
Greenville06.1991
Skills
- Adaptable
- Relationship building and management
- Group and individual instruction
- Verbal and written communication
- Creativity in teaching
- Differentiated instruction
- Multi-subject instruction
- Records management
- Compliance
- Assessment administration
- Creative problem solving
- Organization and planning
Certification
Special Education
Elementary Education K-6
Autism Endorsement
Social Studies Endorsement
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Pinellas County School Board
07.2019 - 01.2026
Substitute Teacher
Pinellas County School Board
01.2019 - 06.2019
Agent Service Coordinator/Executive Assistant
Keller Williams
11.2017 - 09.2018
Teacher
Pinellas County School Board
02.2012 - 06.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Furman Univeristy