Katie Abukhodair
Bixby,OK
Summary
Versatile Special Education Teacher with a focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in 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
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Tulsa Public Schools
12.2024 - Current
- Provided specialized instruction and support to students with diverse learning needs in a classroom setting
- Developed and implemented Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for each student, tailoring curriculum and strategies to their unique requirements
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to accommodate various learning styles and abilities within the classroom
- Collaborated with parents, guardians, and support staff to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment
- Utilized assistive technologies and adaptive resources to enhance the learning experience for students with disabilities
- Managed a caseload of 10 students, maintaining accurate records and progress reports for each individual
- Implemented behavior management strategies and interventions to promote a positive and productive classroom atmosphere
- Provided one-on-one or small-group instruction to address specific academic or behavioral needs
- Participated in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, communicating progress and goals to parents and support teams
- Developed and delivered differentiated lesson plans to meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring equitable access to education
- Evaluated student progress through ongoing assessments and adjusted teaching strategies accordingly
- Incorporated evidence-based practices and instructional methods to improve student outcomes
- Collaborated with other educators, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists to provide comprehensive support for students
- Created a supportive classroom environment that promoted respect and understanding among all students
- Maintained open communication with parents and guardians, addressing concerns and sharing updates on student performance
- Provided support for students during standardized testing, ensuring accommodations and modifications were implemented appropriately
- Collaborated with speech-language pathologists to improve communication skills for students with speech disorders
- Assisted students in developing life skills and independence to prepare for post-education transition
- Utilized data analysis to track and measure student progress, adjusting teaching methods to maximize results
- Implemented assistive technology tools and applications to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes
- Attended professional development workshops and training to stay current with best practices in special education
- Provided emotional support and guidance to students, fostering their self-esteem and confidence
- Facilitated social skills development and inclusion activities to promote peer interaction and integration
- Maintained a safe and inclusive classroom environment, adhering to all relevant special education laws and regulations
Play & Learn Staff
Daily Family of YMCA
07.2024 - 12.2024
- Under the direct supervision of the assigned supervisor, the Play & Learn Staff is responsible for working directly with children from ages 6 weeks to 12 years old
- Play & Learn Staff play an integral role in the development of building strong character values in youth
- Acknowledge and greet each member and child entering Play & Learn facility
- Interact with children through Play & Learn programmed crafts and activities
- Use positive behavior management techniques when disciplining children
- Ensure the safety of children while in Play & Learn
- Be punctual and dependable for shifts assigned on monthly schedule by supervisor
- Promote member incentive programs each branch offers, such as Parents' Night Out
- Perform all duties with Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility, YMCA's national core values
K-1 and SPED Teacher
USD 106 Western Plains
08.2021 - 05.2024
- Taught kindergarten and a first-grade, in an all-day classroom setting, serving wide range of learners including special education and English Language Learners
- Teaching Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and taking mental health training and teaching curriculums Eureka, Wonders 2023, and Reading Street
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Teamwork and collaboration among students, teachers, and parents/caregivers
- Data-driven and research-based instructions and curriculums
- Following the Science of Reading approach to reading
- Reading and math interventions using Fast Bridge data
- Using schoolwide data to improve the quality of teaching and education
- Google platforms for learning: Classroom, Docs, Slides, Gmail
- Volunteering for school activities and functions: Family Literacy Nights, school games, music concerts, etc
- Served as a liaison between special education services, general education teachers, and families to ensure ongoing collaboration and communication regarding student needs.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment, resulting in decreased classroom disruptions.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Provided specialized instruction in math, reading, and writing for students with diverse learning needs, leading to improved academic performance.
- Embracing critical and imaginative thinking
- In-class and virtual learning
- Increased student engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world examples in lesson plans.
- Partnered with parents and guardians to develop strategies for supporting their child's learning at home, enhancing overall student success.
Kindergarten and Special Education Student Teacher
Simpson Elementary School
01.2021 - 05.2021
- Student taught elementary and special education at Simpon Elementary School in Russell, KS
- My elementary education placement was in a kindergarten setting and my special education placement was in a pre-k through first-grade resource classroom
- Lesson Planning
- Classroom Management
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- PRAXIS/Teaching Licensure
- MTSS Support and Data
- 95% Percent Group, Wonders, Go Math
- Special Education/Differentiating Instruction
- Purposeful Play
Emergency Substitute Teacher
Hays Unified School USD 489
08.2020 - 12.2020
- Substituted for teachers in in-person and virtual settings
- Lesson plans
- Classroom instruction
- Classroom management
- Teamwork and collaboration skills
Internships/Clinicals
Fort Hays State University
08.2019 - 12.2020
- ELA and Socials Studies-Fall 2019, Wilson Elementary, Kindergarten
- Math and Science-Spring 2020, Roosevelt Elementary, 3rd Grade (In-Person and Virtual)
- Special Education-Fall 2020, Virtual, Pre-K-8th Grade
- Reading Intervention-Fall 2020, In Person and Virtual
Substitute Paraprofessional
Hays Unified School USD 489
08.2017 - 05.2020
- Substituted for other para educators while aiding teachers and assisting students from general and special education settings
Pre-Primary Student Teacher (Associate's Degree)
Quad Cities Montessori School
01.2013 - 05.2013
- Student teaching clinical for associates degree at Montessori Quad Cities School, in the pre-primary classroom of students aged 4 to 6
YouthFriend
Buhler Unified School USD 313
08.2008 - 05.2009
- Mentoring and supporting students with their academic progress as a senior in high school
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS05-2025
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education, Special Education
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS05.2021
Skills
- Tutoring
- Wonders ELA Curriculum
- Teaching
- Behavior management
- Special Education
- Developmental Disabilities Experience
- Lesson planning
- Autism Experience
- Classroom experience
- Classroom Management
- Experience with children
- Leadership
- Experience working with students
- Early childhood education
- First aid
- Toddler Care
- Special Needs
- Eureka Math Curriculum
Certification
- First Aid Certification, Indefinite
- CPR Certification, Indefinite
- Child Development Associate Certification, Indefinite
- Teaching Certification, 10/01/24 to 04/01/29, Oklahoma, 462878, Mild/Moderate Disabilities for PK-12
- Professional Educator License- Elementary and Special Education, 06/01/23 to 04/01/29, Kansas, 2789931399
Willing To Relocate
- Tulsa, OK
- Jenks, OK
- Broken Arrow, OK
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Tulsa Public Schools
12.2024 - Current
Play & Learn Staff
Daily Family of YMCA
07.2024 - 12.2024
K-1 and SPED Teacher
USD 106 Western Plains
08.2021 - 05.2024
Kindergarten and Special Education Student Teacher
Simpson Elementary School
01.2021 - 05.2021
Emergency Substitute Teacher
Hays Unified School USD 489
08.2020 - 12.2020
Internships/Clinicals
Fort Hays State University
08.2019 - 12.2020
Substitute Paraprofessional
Hays Unified School USD 489
08.2017 - 05.2020
Pre-Primary Student Teacher (Associate's Degree)
Quad Cities Montessori School
01.2013 - 05.2013
YouthFriend
Buhler Unified School USD 313
08.2008 - 05.2009
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education, Special Education
Fort Hays State University
Master of Science - Special Education
Fort Hays State University
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