Kathryn O'Donnell
Somers
Summary
Dynamic interim Special Education Teacher and Paraprofessional at Ellington Public Schools, skilled in behavior management and special education advocacy. Successfully implemented individualized education plans, enhancing student progress and fostering a supportive learning environment. Known for effective parent communication and collaborative teaching, ensuring all students receive the emotional support they need to thrive.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
interim Special Education Teacher
Ellington Public Schools
Ellington
11.2025 - Current
- Collaborated with parents and staff to support student progress.
- Implemented behavior management strategies in classroom settings.
- Facilitated small group instruction to enhance learning outcomes.
- Coordinated with external services for additional student support.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
- Collaborated with other educators and professionals to design instructional plans.
- Created a safe environment conducive to learning for special education students.
- Collaborated closely with related services providers such as speech therapists.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
- Identified learning needs of students with disabilities and implemented appropriate interventions.
- Solved student behavioral issues according to building expectations and codes of conduct.
- Maintained student records in accordance with district standards.
- Analyzed student data and prescribed remediation and enrichment to meet learning needs.
Paraprofessional
Ellington Public Schools
Ellington
08.2022 - Current
- Supported teachers in classroom management and lesson implementation.
- Assisted students with special needs in daily academic activities.
- Collaborated with staff to develop individualized education plans.
- Monitored student progress and behavior during classroom activities.
- Organized learning materials and resources for instructional use.
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding student needs and progress.
- Facilitated small group sessions to enhance student understanding of concepts.
- Maintained a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
- Applied positive reinforcement to redirect negative behaviors.
- Created and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
- Ensured that all safety regulations were followed in the classroom environment.
- Assisted teachers with planning and preparing lessons for students.
- Attended professional development workshops related to job responsibilities.
- Maintained accurate records of student grades and academic progress reports.
- Contributed to a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.
Office Cleaner
Somers Day Spa
Somers
09.2018 - 01.2020
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of spa treatment rooms and common areas.
- Sanitized equipment and surfaces to uphold health and safety standards.
- Reported maintenance issues to management for timely resolution.
- Swept and mopped floors throughout the office building.
- Gathered and removed trash, placing in appropriate disposal area.
- Vacuumed carpets in all areas of the office.
- Maintained and sanitized break room and kitchen appliances.
- Dusted and wiped down all surfaces, including desks, shelves, computers, chairs, windowsills and baseboards.
- Cleaned bathrooms to ensure they were sanitary and stocked with supplies.
- Notified supervisor if additional supplies were needed for upcoming shifts.
Counter Service Pizza Maker
Randy's Wooster street pizza
Manchester
09.2016 - 01.2018
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations in a fast-paced environment.
- Assisted customers with menu selections and addressed inquiries promptly.
- Trained new staff on food preparation techniques and safety standards.
- Implemented best practices for food safety and sanitation compliance daily.
- Greeted customers in a friendly and courteous manner.
- Operated cash registers accurately to process customer payments.
- Removed finished pizzas from ovens with spatulas or trays.
Babysitter
Family
Ellington
08.2012 - 01.2017
- Supervised children during activities and playtime in a safe environment.
- Prepared healthy meals and snacks according to dietary preferences.
- Organized fun, age-appropriate games and educational activities for children.
- Developed trusting relationships with children, fostering a positive childcare experience.
- Responsibly watched children while parents were out.
- Greeting parents upon arrival home from work and providing updates on the day's events.
- Helped complete homework, school projects and chores.
- Read stories and played alphabet games to promote early literacy.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT05-2022
High School Diploma -
Ellington High School
Ellington, CT06-2018
Skills
- Behavior management
- Differentiated instruction
- Student assessment
- Special education advocacy
- Collaborative teaching
- Parent communication
- Conflict resolution
- Life skills instruction
- Personal hygiene support
- Social skills development
- Autism spectrum
- Assessment administration
- Student support
- Verbal and nonverbal communication
- Emotional support
- De-escalation techniques
- American sign language
- Behavior intervention
- Safety and crisis management
- Empathy and patience
- ABA techniques
Certification
Physical Management Training and Protective Holds
Timeline
interim Special Education Teacher
Ellington Public Schools
11.2025 - Current
Paraprofessional
Ellington Public Schools
08.2022 - Current
Office Cleaner
Somers Day Spa
09.2018 - 01.2020
Counter Service Pizza Maker
Randy's Wooster street pizza
09.2016 - 01.2018
Babysitter
Family
08.2012 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Connecticut
High School Diploma -
Ellington High School