Kathleen Downes
Winterset
Summary
Dynamic Special Education Teacher with a proven track record at Chicago Public School District, adept at developing individualized education plans (IEPs) and fostering strong relationships with students and families. Skilled in differentiated instruction and collaborative teamwork, successfully enhancing student engagement and academic growth through tailored support and innovative teaching strategies.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Abraham Lincoln High School
Des Moines, IA
08.2013 - 06.2025
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
Special Education Teacher
Interstate 35 Community School District
Truro, IA
08.2011 - 05.2013
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public School District
Chicago, IL
08.2005 - 06.2011
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
Education
Masters of Education - Secondary Education
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL05-2005
Bachelor of Arts - English, History
Loyola University of Chicago
Chicago, IL05-2003
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans ieps
- Small group instruction
- Relationship building
- Co-teaching experience
- Lesson planning
- Collaborative teamwork
- Data management
- Inclusion strategies
- Team collaboration
- Group and individual instruction
Certification
- Licensed Master Educator - Expires August 2027
- Certified Instructional Strategist I
- Certified Work Experience Coordinator
- Certified 5-12 English/Language Arts
- Certified 5-12 World History
- Certified 5-12 American History
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Abraham Lincoln High School
08.2013 - 06.2025
Special Education Teacher
Interstate 35 Community School District
08.2011 - 05.2013
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public School District
08.2005 - 06.2011
Masters of Education - Secondary Education
Loyola University Chicago
Bachelor of Arts - English, History
Loyola University of Chicago