Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Technology & Tools
Additional Experience
References
Timeline
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Kathryn Maki

Kathryn Maki

Surprise,AZ

Summary

Empathetic and results-driven education professional with over 10 years of experience in special education, team leadership, and student support. Adept at mentoring staff, designing individualized learning and development plans, and improving processes to drive student and team success. Seeking to leverage strong communication, training, and organizational skills in learning and development, team operations, or people-centered roles beyond the classroom.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Student Support Lead Teacher

Hickory Hill Academy
Madison, WI
06.2023 - Current
  • Led a team of educators by fostering a collaborative environment, aligning instructional strategies, and upholding high academic standards across classrooms.
  • Coordinated daily school operations, managed classroom schedules, and oversaw student support services to ensure smooth and effective learning experiences.
  • Mentored and coached educators through one-on-one feedback, instructional modeling, and ongoing professional development to enhance teaching effectiveness.
  • Facilitated open communication between staff and families, building trust, and ensuring alignment on student progress, classroom goals, and school initiatives.
  • Maintained organized classroom systems to ensure seamless execution of lessons, and consistent learning continuity for all students.
  • Reviewed and updated student support protocols, enhancing accuracy and responsiveness to better meet learner and teacher needs.
  • Led daily meetings with support staff to review service tickets, assess progress, and prioritize tasks for efficient resolution and workflow management.

Elementary Special Education Teacher

Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
Middleton, WI
08.2022 - 05.2023
  • Created and implemented IEPs in partnership with families and interdisciplinary teams, ensuring individualized student support and compliance with educational standards.
  • Designed and delivered specialized instruction and behavior intervention plans tailored to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.
  • Provided consistent academic feedback to students, fostering engagement, motivation, and measurable growth in learning outcomes.
  • Managed paraeducator schedules, facilitated team meetings, and coordinated training to ensure instructional alignment, and classroom support.

High School Special Education Teacher

River Valley School District
Spring Green, WI
08.2019 - 07.2022
  • Monitored academic progress for over 78 students, maintained comprehensive documentation, and led IEP development and review processes.
  • Delivered targeted instruction and intervention plans to support students with academic and behavioral challenges, improving performance and confidence.
  • Built strong student relationships to increase classroom engagement, participation, and overall achievement.
  • Collaborated with teaching teams to align curriculum, share best practices, and drive cohesive strategies for student success.

Elementary/Middle School Special Education Teacher

The Richardson School
Milwaukee and Madison, WI
08.2015 - 08.2019
  • Developed and delivered multisensory lesson plans customized to support diverse learning styles across multiple subjects.
  • Oversaw classroom operations, coordinated support staff, and implemented behavior intervention strategies to maintain a productive learning environment.
  • Conducted ongoing student assessments, and adjusted instructional approaches to meet evolving academic and behavioral needs.
  • Ensured full compliance with educational regulations and behavioral policy standards through consistent documentation and practice.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education

Clarke University
Dubuque, Iowa
12.2014

Skills

  • Training & Development
  • Program Coordination
  • Individualized Learning Plans (IEPs)
  • Team Leadership & Mentorship
  • Behavior Intervention & Support Strategies
  • Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Scheduling & Operations Management
  • Documentation & Compliance
  • Performance Improvement Plans
  • Collaboration & Relationship Building

Certification

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Teacher-Lifetime License

  • 1088- Elementary/Middle Level Education (Grades 1-8)
  • 1801- Cross-Categorical Special Education (KG-Grade 12)

Technology & Tools

  • Microsoft Office Suite • Google Workspace • IEP Softwares • Classroom Management Platforms • Scheduling Tools • Communication Platforms • EdTech Tools

Additional Experience

  • Middle School & High School Volleyball Coach
  • Middle School Basketball Coach
  • Club Volleyball Coach (Western Elite Volleyball)
  • Personal Assistant, Hills and Dales
  • Camp Supervisor, Camp Albrecht Acres
  • Assistant, Clarke University Philosophy Department

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Student Support Lead Teacher

Hickory Hill Academy
06.2023 - Current

Elementary Special Education Teacher

Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
08.2022 - 05.2023

High School Special Education Teacher

River Valley School District
08.2019 - 07.2022

Elementary/Middle School Special Education Teacher

The Richardson School
08.2015 - 08.2019

Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education

Clarke University