Kelly Hicks
Bristol,PA
Summary
Dynamic Special Education Teacher at MaST Community Charter School with expertise in tailored instruction methods and relationship building. Successfully developed individualized education plans (IEPs) that enhanced student engagement and academic growth. Proven ability to collaborate with parents and educators, ensuring effective support for diverse learners and fostering a positive classroom environment.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
MaST Community Charter School
08.2021 - Current
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
Permanent Building Substitute Teacher
School Lane CS
08.2018 - 06.2021
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, creating a positive and focused learning environment for all students.
- Maintained accurate records of attendance, grades, and progress reports while ensuring timely communication with parents regarding their child''s performance in class .
- Provided after-school tutoring and support for struggling students, helping them achieve grade-level expectations in various subjects.
- Designed creative project-based assignments that encouraged teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students.
Parent Educator
Family Service Association of Bucks County
09.2015 - 08.2018
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessment results, and service referrals to ensure continuity of care across providers.
- Established strong partnerships with community organizations such as schools, healthcare providers, social service agencies, and cultural institutions to enhance resources available for clients.
- Strengthened families by conducting home visits, addressing concerns, and connecting them with appropriate community resources.
- Educated clients on parents roles with focus on skill development and guiding children through nurturing parenting.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices, research findings, and emerging trends in the field of parent education.
- Conducted informative workshops on topics such as nutrition, child development milestones, stress management techniques for parents seeking additional support or knowledge in specific areas.
- Demonstrated strong knowledge of child development principles and suggested alternative parenting methods to suit individual family needs.
- Conducted home visits to assess family environment and provide resources to combat behavioral or environmental setbacks.
- Enhanced parent-child relationships by providing individualized support and resources tailored to each family''s needs.
- Assisted families in navigating complex systems related to healthcare access, special education services, financial assistance, and other supports to improve overall wellbeing.
- Facilitated social connections among participants by organizing events and opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and networking within the parent educator community.
- Provided crisis intervention support for families facing challenges such as domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental health issues.
- Engaged families in beneficial activities targeted at improving bonds and interactions.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through regular monitoring of progress indicators, adapting approaches as needed to maximize results.
- Collaborated with community members to provide helpful resources to suit family needs.
- Developed culturally sensitive outreach strategies to engage diverse populations within the community, fostering inclusivity in program participation.
- Improved parenting skills for clients through the delivery of evidence-based curricula in group workshops and one-on-one sessions.
- Empowered parents to advocate for their child''s educational needs by facilitating communication between families and school personnel.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by creating welcoming spaces for parents and children, encouraging open communication and promoting a strengths-based approach.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to identify potential developmental delays or disabilities, ensuring timely intervention services were provided.
- Supported parents in establishing routines, setting boundaries, and promoting positive discipline strategies for a harmonious family environment.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
- Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
- Facilitated family meetings to ensure communication and collaboration between family members.
- Conducted outreach to families and other community partners to identify ways to address social, emotional and behavioral needs.
- Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
Education
Master of Arts - Secondary Education-English
Holy Family University
Philadelphia, PABachelor of Arts - English Literature
Richard Stockton University
Pomona, NJNo Degree - Special Education Certificate K-12
Holy Family University
Philadelphia, PA06-2021
Skills
- Tailored instruction methods
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans ieps
- Small group instruction
- Relationship building
- Co-teaching experience
- Data management
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Literacy intervention
- Student records management
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
MaST Community Charter School
08.2021 - Current
Permanent Building Substitute Teacher
School Lane CS
08.2018 - 06.2021
Parent Educator
Family Service Association of Bucks County
09.2015 - 08.2018
Master of Arts - Secondary Education-English
Holy Family University
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
Richard Stockton University
No Degree - Special Education Certificate K-12
Holy Family University
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