With a proven track record at Ivy Tech Community College, I excel in leveraging collaborative teaching and cultural sensitivity to enhance student outcomes. Skilled in creating inclusive learning environments, my approach has significantly improved student engagement and success. Expert in special needs support and instructional practices, I drive educational excellence and innovation.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Adult Basic Education Instructor
Ivy Tech Community College
New Castle, IN
09.2022 - Current
Tracked individual student progress and adjusted teaching methods to improve understanding of material.
Provided individualized instruction to support the needs of each student in a classroom setting.
Maintained accurate records of student attendance, grades, assessments, and progress reports.
Assessed and evaluated students' progress in order to develop appropriate learning goals and objectives.
Participated in professional development activities aimed at improving instructional techniques for adult education instructors.
Advised students on educational options available after completing their GED or other certificate program.
Distributed academic resources and study materials to help students prepare for examinations.
Selected curriculum and developed lesson plans based on class needs.
Coordinated with local businesses to offer internships or apprenticeships for adult learners.
Mentored and tutored individual students struggling to understand lecture objectives.
Facilitated group activities designed to promote critical thinking skills and problem solving techniques.
Elementary Special Education Teacher
Blackford County Schools
Hartford City, IN
08.2015 - 05.2022
Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with special needs.
Served as a resource person for colleagues seeking information about teaching methods for special education students.
Advised staff members on implementation of modifications required by IEPs .
Maintained consistent and timely contact with parents about student behavior and upcoming events.
Attended IEP meetings where appropriate to provide updates on student progress.
Helped integrate students with special needs into mainstream classrooms by arranging placements and ongoing support.
Created and implemented compliant IEPs, progress reports and state-specific special education documentation.
Attended and conducted workshops and professional meetings, built professional knowledge and stayed abreast of current special education developments.
Special Education Teacher
Jay County Schools
Portland, IN
03.2007 - 05.2015
Utilized technology resources such as online programs and assistive devices.
Served as an advocate for special education students within the school system.
Instructed students in standardized subjects as well as general learning strategies and skills for social development and character.
Collaborated with other educators and professionals to design instructional plans.
Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
Adapted instructional techniques to appropriate ages and skill levels of supervised students.
Conducted assessments of student performance and provided feedback to parents.
Collaborated closely with related services providers such as speech therapists.
Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child's progress.
Cultivated classroom environment focused on inclusion and growth, fostering both social and academic development.
Attended parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress.
Special Education Teacher
Yorktown Schools
Yorktown, IN
05.1999 - 03.2007
Supported diverse student populations through equitable instructional design and programming.
Collaborated with other educators and professionals to design instructional plans.
Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
Facilitated student operation of augmented communication devices.
Adapted instructional techniques to appropriate ages and skill levels of supervised students.
Secondary/Vocational Special Education Supervisor
Adams Wells Special Services Cooperative
Bluffton, IN
05.1994 - 05.1999
Conducted training sessions to ensure staff understands IEPs, accommodations, and modifications.
Conferred with parents and staff to discuss educational activities and policies.
Implemented policies, procedures and programs to carry out educational standards and goals.
Maintained appropriate contacts with district, intermediate units and state special education leaders in continued compliance of special education programs.
Monitored special education teachers for compliance with teaching practices, curriculum and outcome measures.
Maintained records of progress reports, data collection systems, and other relevant documents related to program implementation.
Collaborated with outside agencies such as social services, community organizations, health care providers. to coordinate services for students with special needs.
Collaborated with program administrators to prepare budget and develop policy goals.
Recruited, trained and evaluated staff and recommended personnel actions for programs and services.
Actively participated in developing budgets related to staffing allocations and resource acquisition necessary for successful implementation of Special Education programs.
Acquired Basic Living Skills Coordinator
Adams Wells Special services Cooperative
Bluffton, IN
05.1989 - 05.1994
Recommended solutions related to staffing issues and proposed procedural changes to managers.
Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
Trained employees on best practices and protocols while managing teams to maintain optimal productivity.
Recruited, interviewed and selected employees to fill vacant roles.
Organized team events to promote a positive work environment.
Monitored project progress and provided updates to stakeholders.
Coordinated with other supervisors, combining group efforts to achieve goals.
Special Education Teacher
Wes-Del Community Schools
Gaston, IN
08.1985 - 05.1989
Supported diverse student populations through equitable instructional design and programming.
Instructed students in standardized subjects as well as general learning strategies and skills for social development and character.
Offered counseling to students and parents to increase personal growth, self-understanding and behavioral management.
Adapted instructional techniques to appropriate ages and skill levels of supervised students.
Created and implemented compliant IEPs, progress reports and state-specific special education documentation.
Designed and delivered personalized learning for each student and advocated for student inclusion and success in general education environments.
Cultivated classroom environment focused on inclusion and growth, fostering both social and academic development.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education Mild And Severe Intervention
Ball State University
Muncie, IN
05-1994
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Ball State University
Muncie, IN
08-1985
Skills
Teaching strategies
Cultural sensitivity
Collaborative teaching
Special needs support
Individualized support
Skills assessments
Proficient in creating and maintaining schedules
Instructional practices
Learning management system proficiency
Outcomes tracking
Class schedule management
Relationship building
Career counseling
One-on-one mentoring
Affiliations
Regional Area Coordinator (30 counties) for Samaritans Purse, Operation Christmas Child.
Education Committee board member for University Christian Church.
Deacon Board member for University Christian Church
Accomplishments
Written and received grant monies from Work Force development totaling $135,000.
Promoted from Area Coordinator to Regional Area Coordinator in 2023 by Samaritans Purse, Operation Christmas Child
Timeline
Adult Basic Education Instructor
Ivy Tech Community College
09.2022 - Current
Elementary Special Education Teacher
Blackford County Schools
08.2015 - 05.2022
Special Education Teacher
Jay County Schools
03.2007 - 05.2015
Special Education Teacher
Yorktown Schools
05.1999 - 03.2007
Secondary/Vocational Special Education Supervisor
Adams Wells Special Services Cooperative
05.1994 - 05.1999
Acquired Basic Living Skills Coordinator
Adams Wells Special services Cooperative
05.1989 - 05.1994
Special Education Teacher
Wes-Del Community Schools
08.1985 - 05.1989
Master of Arts - Special Education Mild And Severe Intervention
Ball State University
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Ball State University
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