KELLY KRISS M.Ed
Virginia Beach
Summary
Dedicated, student-centered educator with experience in ESL (English as a Second Language) and Special Education. Expertise in differentiating curriculum and fostering inclusive classroom environments that empower diverse learners to thrive. Strong collaborator committed to facilitating intellectual, social, emotional, and academic growth for all students while ensuring alignment with district curriculum and state standards. Passionate about creating engaging learning experiences that inspire students to reach their full potential.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Long Term Substitute Special Education Teacher/Case Manager
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Virginia Beach, Virginia
11.2025 - Current
- Delivered tailored instruction to diverse learners, including English speakers of other languages (ESL) and students with special needs, to foster academic growth.
- Designed and implemented schedules for special education personnel, facilitating tailored educational services for students with special needs.
- Modified instructional strategies and materials to foster inclusive learning environments for students with varying capabilities and language proficiencies.
- Established partnerships with general education inclusion teachers to foster an inclusive classroom atmosphere that supports holistic student development.
- Facilitated instruction in small groups, integrating English language learners, students with special needs, and general education students.
- Coordinated efforts with general education teachers, specialists, ESL staff, administration, and families to promote student success.
- Collaborated with educational teams to create and monitor Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs) for students with special needs and dually categorized students with special needs and ESL classifications.
- Analyzed student performance metrics by synthesizing input from special education and general education teachers alongside classroom work samples and assessments.
- Implemented strategies to ensure adherence to IEP behavior intervention plans while tracking student progress.
- Assisted in implementing classroom management techniques and positive behavior intervention strategies. Supported teaching of social emotional learning concepts. Aided in conflict resolution among peers.
Special Education Teacher/ Case Manager/ Special Education Committee Chairperson
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Virginia Beach, Virginia
08.2023 - 06.2024
- Participated as the Special Education Committee Chairperson: prepared documents for initial and re-evaluation special education processes and participated in team decisions pertaining to special education eligibility.
- Developed and executed lesson plans that addressed the unique learning requirements of ESL students and those with special needs, fostering an inclusive classroom environment.
- Developed comprehensive schedules for special education teacher and teaching assistant to optimize service delivery for students with special needs.
- Designed and adapted instructional materials to enhance learning experiences for students with varying needs and language capabilities.
- Facilitated a collaborative inclusion classroom environment with general education teachers to enhance intellectual, academic, social, and emotional development.
- Delivered targeted instruction to small groups, fostering collaboration among English speakers of other languages, students with special needs, and general education peers.
- Engaged with general education teachers, specialists, ESL teacher, administration, and families to drive initiatives supporting student achievement.
- Designed and executed individualized educational programs (IEPs) for students with special needs and those dually categorized as ESL and special needs.
- Analyzed student progress by synthesizing input from special education and general education teachers alongside classroom work samples and assessments.
- Ensured compliance with IEP’s, behavior intervention plans, and progress monitoring.
- Implemented effective classroom management and positive behavior intervention strategies to foster a conducive learning environment.
- Guided and supported new special education teachers to enhance instructional effectiveness and classroom management.
Special Education Department Chair/ Case Manager/Teacher
Norfolk Public Schools
Norfolk, Virginia
08.2018 - 06.2023
- Directed learning support team to achieve compliance with educational regulations and standards. Mentored and developed new special education teachers to foster professional growth. Championed initiatives to improve student outcomes and support services.
- Assisted learning support team in organizing and conducting transfer initial/re-evaluation and IEP meetings to enhance student support.
- Oversaw scheduled reviews and ensured adherence to IEPs for special education eligibility and progress monitoring.
- Participated on the Instructional Leadership Team, Positive Behavior Intervention, and Attendance Committee.
- Created and led professional development on technology platforms for faculty retreat.
- Participated on the Positive Behavior Intervention committee, attendance committee, and school improvement committee.
- Facilitated engaging learning experiences for diverse middle school students, adhering to district curriculum and state standards to support ESL and special needs populations.
- Designed and adapted instructional materials to enhance learning experiences for students with varying needs and language capabilities.
- Delivered targeted instruction to small groups, fostering collaboration among English speakers of other languages, students with special needs, and general education peers.
- Collaborated with general education teachers, specialists, the ESL teacher, administration, and families to support student achievement.
- Designed and executed individualized educational programs (IEPs) for students with special needs and those dually categorized as ESL and special needs.
- Monitored and evaluated student progress using special education teacher data collection, general education teacher input/data, classroom work samples, and data-driven assessments.
- Implemented effective classroom management and positive behavior intervention strategies to foster a conducive learning environment.
Special Education Teacher/Case Manager
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Virginia Beach, Virginia
08.2012 - 08.2017
- Wrote, organized, and presented Individual Education Program (IEP’s) as a case manager elementary and middle school students in the Adapted Academic Foundations self-contained classroom.
- Prepared and presented daily lesson plans to elementary and middle schools students and ensured compliance with ASOL standards.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities based on differentiated learning needs of each student.
- Supervised one to four teaching assistants.
- Embedded current technological classroom tools to enhance student participation and coursework.
- Employed current behavior management techniques to maintain classroom order.
Therapeutic Specialist, Staff Support
Family Behavioral Resources
Irwin, Pennsylvania
01.2011 - 08.2012
Special Education Practicum / Employment Specialist / Job Coach / Substitute Teacher
Westmoreland Intermediate Unit Schools
Greensburg, Pennsylvania
08.2009 - 06.2010
General Music Teacher / Choral Director
Prince William County Public Schools
Manassas, Virginia
08.2004 - 06.2009
General Music Teacher / Music Therapist
Fairfax County Public Schools
Fairfax, Virginia
08.2003 - 06.2004
Education
Master of Science - Music Therapy / Voice
SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Slippery Rock, PA05-2003
Bachelor of Science - Music Therapy / Voice
SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Slippery Rock, PA05-2003
Skills
- Leadership Skills
- Classroom management
- Organization skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Technology integration
- Differentiated instruction
Certification
Postgraduate Professional License in Virginia, 2022-06-01, 2032-06-01,
Endorsements:
English Speakers of Other Languages, 2026-04-01, pending addition to license, Special Education – General Curriculum K-12, Early/Primary Education PREK-3, Music: Instrumental PREK-12, Music: Vocal/Choral PREK-12
Timeline
Long Term Substitute Special Education Teacher/Case Manager
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
11.2025 - Current
Special Education Teacher/ Case Manager/ Special Education Committee Chairperson
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
08.2023 - 06.2024
Special Education Department Chair/ Case Manager/Teacher
Norfolk Public Schools
08.2018 - 06.2023
Special Education Teacher/Case Manager
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
08.2012 - 08.2017
Therapeutic Specialist, Staff Support
Family Behavioral Resources
01.2011 - 08.2012
Special Education Practicum / Employment Specialist / Job Coach / Substitute Teacher
Westmoreland Intermediate Unit Schools
08.2009 - 06.2010
General Music Teacher / Choral Director
Prince William County Public Schools
08.2004 - 06.2009
General Music Teacher / Music Therapist
Fairfax County Public Schools
08.2003 - 06.2004
Master of Science - Music Therapy / Voice
SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Bachelor of Science - Music Therapy / Voice
SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Professional Awards
2023- "You Make a Difference" award in special education: Virginia Beach City Public Schools
2022- Special Education Team Award: Norfolk City Public Schools
2003- Superintendents Medallion of Excellence in music education: Prince William County Public Schools