Special Education Teacher
Open To Work
Katherine L. Wagoner
Pearson
Park Ridge,IL
Work Preference
Desired Job Title
Assessment ScorerSpecial Education TeacherClassroom Connection FacilitatorPlay Partners Facilitator
Work Type
Full TimePart Time
Location Preference
Remote
Important To Me
Work from home optionHealthcare benefitsWork-life balanceFlexible work hours
10
Years of experience
1
Certification
Results-driven Teaching Professional experienced in curriculum development and enhancement. Delivered impactful strategies and instruction while managing multiple projects in fast-paced environments. Cultivated collaboration and adaptability to meet organizational goals, contributing to team success through effective communication and problem-solving.
Work History
Assessment Scorer
11 Months- Evaluated high volumes of open-ended student responses on the SAT and other standardized exams
- Applied established grading rubrics to maintain consistency in evaluation
- Maintained high accuracy and consistency in grading, supporting fair assessment
- Completed training, passed qualifying tests, and engaged in ongoing consensus scoring to uphold quality standards
Special Education Teacher
5 Years 10 Months- Managed full-time case load of 18+ students each year; Resource, Instructional Freshman English, Collaborative (co-taught) Freshman English, and Life and Career Exploration (IJOB)
- Collaborated with Student Services Division to establish social-emotional learning targets and IEP goals, enhancing student support
- Designed a social-emotional learning curriculum with comprehensive assessments for the Special Education Division
- Developed and implemented the IJOB/Life and Career Exploration Program curriculum and assessments
- Supported remodeling of Special Education Division Resource Program, improving accessibility and resources for students
- Met daily with mainstream teachers across all content areas as part of the Regular Education Initiative to consult on special education issues including adapting curriculum, accommodations/modifications, and behavior management
- Coordinated school-wide professional development seminars
- Authored grant proposals securing funds for renovation of building space, creating an improved learning environment for IJOB/LCE
- Awarded two district awards for curriculum development
Classroom Connection Facilitator
5 Years 5 Months- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to design and implement supplemental education programs that addressed diverse needs of children with special requirements
- Developed individualized goals and customized materials across eight domains: personal-social, self-help, fine motor, gross motor, auditory comprehension, expressive language, cognitive/academic, and cultural literacy to enhance learning outcomes
- Applied various educational approaches, including TEACCH, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, and Verbal Behavior, to support effective learning strategies
- Proficient in field related software including: Away We Go, Fast ForWord, Earobics, Intellitalk, Boardmaker/PECS
Play Partners Facilitator
4 Years- Developed and implemented therapeutic play strategies that supported emotional and behavioral growth in children.
- Provided social-emotional support in the home environment and in groups in the clinic
- Individualized goals to focus on achieving regulation and mutual engagement through a range of emotions
- Implemented a variety of philosophical approaches including: DIR-Floortime, Theraplay, RDI and Social Stories
- Fostered inclusive learning environment by addressing diverse needs and adapting facilitation techniques to promote engagement.
- Conducted assessments to identify individual needs, tailoring interventions for diverse backgrounds and challenges.
- Analyzed participant feedback to enhance program delivery and effectiveness.
- Demonstrated ability to acquire new skills rapidly in various environments.
Education
M.Ed. - Language, Literacy and Specialized Instruction
B.A. - Speech and Hearing Sciences
- Concentration in Speech Language Pathology
- Extracurricular Activities: Indiana University Redsteppers
- Extracurricular Activities: IU Judicial Board Chairperson 2002-2004
- Alpha Gamma Delta Member
Skills
Test Design
Data Analysis
Student Assessment
Score Reporting
Critical Assessment
Results Orientation
Precision Review
Collaborative Approach
Peer Feedback
Consistent Performance
Problem-solving
Critical Thinking
Adaptability
Excellent Communication
Goal-oriented mindset
Certification
- Illinois Certification: PEL (Type 03, Type 10)
- Endorsements: LBS 1, Elementary Education, French
- Highly Qualified Competencies: English as a Second Language, Journalism (Grades 9–12), Speech (Grades 9–12), Title 1 Remedial Reading, Art, Drama/Theater Arts, Elementary Self-Contained (K–5), Instrumental Music, Title 1, Remedial Math, Vocal Music, English (Grades 9–12), Language Arts (Grades 1–8), Reading, Algebra, Basic and/or General Math, Biological Sciences (Middle Grades), General Science, Geography (Middle Grades), History (Middle Grades) and Physical Science (Middle Grades)
Volunteer Work
- Field School Visual Arts, Committee Chairperson, Field PTO, Park Ridge, Illinois, 2020-08, Present, Organized numerous beautification projects throughout the school building and on school grounds, Designed, painted and installed multiple large-scale murals inside Field School, Designed and organized a locker system filled with new school supplies for students in needs, Designed and installed the Field School Learning Garden
- St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church Garden Committee, Committee Chairperson, Park Ridge, Illinois, 2022-05, Present, Designed, planted and continues to maintain five garden spaces on the St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church campus, Ongoing collaboration with a team to remove, re-design and replace the largest garden space on campus
- Junior Hawkette Night Committee, Committee Chairperson, Park Ridge, Illinois, 2025-08, Present, Planned and coordinated a fundraiser for the nationally ranked Maine South High School Hawkettes, Organized youth dancers for a three-day dance clinic, Assisted youth dancers participating at a football halftime show
- Junior Hawkette Holiday Show Committee, Committee Chairperson, Park Ridge, Illinois, 2025-08, Present, Planned and coordinated a fundraiser for the nationally ranked Maine South High School Hawkettes, Designed a new concept for the annual show, Designed all items sold for fundraising, Designed all signage and coordinating printed items, Designed the event staging/set-up
- St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church Catechist, Second Grade Catechist, Park Ridge, Illinois, 2022-08, 2023-05, Designed and adapted curriculum to incorporate a variety of teaching tools to suit different learning styles using smaller, focused lessons and specialized versions of resources, Modernized the teaching methods, shifting from purely lecture-based to interactive hands-on approach for engagement, Ensured content remained rooted in Scripture, Tradition and the Magisterium, Prepared students for their Sacraments
- Trained and mentored new volunteers on organizational policies and procedures.
- Collaborated with local organizations to strengthen partnerships and service delivery.
- Evaluated program outcomes to identify areas for improvement and drive efficiencies.
- Supported engaging, fun, and smooth-running events by helping with organization and planning.
- Used strong interpersonal communication skills to convey information to others. ● Mentored new volunteers, fostering a supportive and inclusive team environment.
Timeline
Assessment Scorer
Pearson
01.2019 - 12.2019Read More
Special Education Teacher
Adlai E. Stevenson High School
08.2006 - 06.2012Read More
Classroom Connection Facilitator
Clinical Connections
07.2000 - 12.2005Read More
Play Partners Facilitator
Clinical Connections
07.2000 - 07.2004Read More
DePaul University
M.Ed. from Language, Literacy and Specialized Instruction
Read More
Indiana University
B.A. from Speech and Hearing Sciences
Read More