Kathleen L. Smith
Normandy Park
Summary
Versatile Special Education Teacher with a focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in the 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
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
SPECIAL EDUCATION TRANSITION TEACHER
Muckleshoot Tribal School
08.2024 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans tailored to student needs and learning styles for over 30 students
- Collaborated with educators to create inclusive classroom environments for diverse learners
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Created and implemented lessons to increase functional academic skills for 10 students
- Created and implemented lessons for teaching daily living skills and increasing independence using transition apartment model
- Coordinated community resources to support student within the community and coordinated family support post graduation
- Implemented effective classroom management techniques to foster a positive and productive learning atmosphere.
- Enhanced learning for students with diverse needs through differentiated instruction and accommodations.
- Developed individualized transition plans to support student success in post-secondary environments.
- Collaborated with educators to enhance curriculum aligned with student needs and
- Evaluated student progress through ongoing formative assessments, adjusting instructional approaches as needed for optimal growth.
- Utilized data-driven instruction practices to identify areas of improvement and design targeted interventions for increased academic success.
PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Enumclaw School District
08.2015 - Current
- Developed and implemented program initiatives to enhance student learning experiences.
- Secondary Special Education Teacher for 15+ students
- Supported teachers district wide with students n the Autism Spectrum
- Social Skills classes with 10 student
- Advising Member of preschool team program and teacher mentor in Preschool Special Education program
- Lead facilitator in curriculum adoption and trainer
- Certified Consistency Index Scorer for IEPs
- Professional Learning Community Designer & Lead
- Teacher Mentor program leader and participant
- Designed support plan for students with autism and behavioral challenges
- Designed Data-driven educational and behavioral plans
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Enumclaw School District
08.2010 - 08.2015
- Developed individualized education plans tailored to diverse student needs for 15+ student with mild, moderate, and severe disabilities
- Implemented evidence-based instructional strategies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support student academic and social growth.
- Maintained regular communication with parents
- Supervised a large team of educational support staff
- Developed and conducted Professional Inservice Member of School Leadership Team
- Supported students with varying needs socially and emotionally to successfully integrate in the school setting
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Walla Walla School District
08.2002 - 08.2010
- Developed individualized education plans tailored to diverse student needs.
- Implemented evidence-based instructional strategies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support student academic and social growth.
- Designed and wrote IEPs, social skills lessons, and behavior support plans
- Developed alternative assessments that met state guidelines. Maintained regular communication with parents
- Supervised 6 para-education staff and Americorp volunteers
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) for diverse student needs.
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Education
Administration Certificate -
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT12-2019
Master of Arts - Curriculum And Development
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WABachelor of Arts - Special Education
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WASkills
- Strategic transition planning
- Teaching mentorship
- Team leadership
- Clear interpersonal communication
- Behavioral intervention planning
- IEP formulation expertise
- Educational program development
- Effective parent-teacher communication
- Social skills training
- Collaborative teamwork
- Life skills education
- Effective classroom management
- Compassionate support
Accomplishments
- Trained fellow teachers on the procedures for completing Individual Education Plans.
- Introduced and implemented district adoption of special education curriculum
- Certified in IEP development and evaluation
- Developed Transition program preparing students for adult life
- Created and coordinated schedules for multi-staff teams
Certification
- WA State School Administrator
- WA Special Education P-12
- WA General Education K-8
- Certified Consistency Index Scorer for Individual Education Plans
LANGUAGES
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
SPECIAL EDUCATION TRANSITION TEACHER
Muckleshoot Tribal School
08.2024 - Current
PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Enumclaw School District
08.2015 - Current
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Enumclaw School District
08.2010 - 08.2015
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Walla Walla School District
08.2002 - 08.2010
Administration Certificate -
Western Governors University
Master of Arts - Curriculum And Development
Eastern Washington University
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Central Washington University