Kelly Groff
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Versatile and dedicated Special Education Teacher with focus on individual needs of special education students. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons. Exceptional skills working with students, teachers, parents and specialists to meet educational needs of students.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Co. Department Chair
Paradise Valley Unified School District
Desert Shadows Middle School
08.2021 - Current
- Directed day-to-day operations of education program and supervised support staff to delegate assignments and evaluate performance.
- Developed curriculum and lesson plans to achieve objectives of each course.
- Planned and implemented staff development and in-service training programs to enhance knowledge and skills.
- Evaluated programs and monitored implementation and compliance with regulations to achieve objectives.
- Developed partnerships with parents, businesses and organizations to build awareness, increase support and share resources.
- Conferred and resolved education-related issues and problems with students, parents and school officials.
Special Education Teacher
Paradise Valley Unified School District
Desert Shadows Middle School
08.2017 - Current
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional and social growth.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Encouraged creative thinking and motivated students by addressing individual strengths and weaknesses based on standardized testing results.
- Held conferences with parents to address questions, discuss academic progress and encourage learning goals.
- Implemented creative ways to foster curiosity for complex principles through hands-on an virtual learning and planned activities.
Physical Fitness Trainer
Jeremy Scott Fitness
Scottsdale, AZ
05.2013 - 08.2017
- Motivated clients to achieve their personal fitness goals through developing and modifying routines.
- Instructed gym members about correct use of weight resistance and cardiovascular equipment.
- Informed clients about nutrition, lifestyle issues, and weight control.
- Monitored clients' progress and modified programs.
- Cultivated positive relationships with participants by interacting with group during fitness classes.
- Educated clients on effective ways to exercise while on business travel, at home and on vacation.
- Demonstrated how to carry out various routines and exercises.
- Designed and implemented variety of fitness instruction classes.
- Designed specific workout systems for individual clients based on performance ability.
- Developed, planned and led personal and group fitness sessions as well as well-known specialty fitness programs.
Home Instruction Educator
Paradise Valley Unified School District: Community Education
Phoenix, AZ
01.2017 - 05.2017
- Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Administered assessments to determine each student's specific educational and social needs.
- Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
Art Educator
Paradise Valley Unified School District
Aire Libre Elementary Schol
08.2010 - 05.2013
- Developed lesson plans surrounding various types of art, history and culture.
- Prepared and gathered materials for detailed lesson plans.
- Facilitated group sessions and provided one-on-one support.
- Planned and executed activities to promote skill and talent development.
- Maintained daily student records and evaluated student progress.
- Modeled interpersonal relationships with staff members, students and administrators and strived to enhance student learning and well being.
- Attended department meetings and collaborated with other fine arts teachers.
- Scheduled shows and performances in accordance with school calendar.
Education
Post Bacclacoriate - K-12 Art And SPED
Maricopa Community Colleges - Rio Salado Community College
Tempe, AZ05.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Art Education
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ12.2007
Skills
- Behavior Modification
- Positive Reinforcement Strategies
- Educational Strategies and techniques
- Special Education Curriculum
- Student and Parent Relations
- Intervention Strategies
- Staff Support
- Individualized Lesson Plans
- Student Discipline
- Student Engagement
- Individual Education Plan Expertise
- Positive Learning Environment
- Differentiated Instruction
- At-Risk Student Intervention
Accomplishments
- Recognized as the outstanding Special Education teacher of the year for Desert Shadows Middle School 2021-22
- Recognized as outstanding teacher by the United Parent Council 2019,2020, 2020-21, and 2021-22
- Recognized as Mac and Gaydos tribute to a teacher March 2017
Certification
- K-12 Special Education teaching certification
- K-12 Art Education teaching certification
Timeline
Special Education Co. Department Chair
Paradise Valley Unified School District
08.2021 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Paradise Valley Unified School District
08.2017 - Current
Home Instruction Educator
Paradise Valley Unified School District: Community Education
01.2017 - 05.2017
Physical Fitness Trainer
Jeremy Scott Fitness
05.2013 - 08.2017
Art Educator
Paradise Valley Unified School District
08.2010 - 05.2013
Post Bacclacoriate - K-12 Art And SPED
Maricopa Community Colleges - Rio Salado Community College
Bachelor of Arts - Art Education
Arizona State University