Kendall Homkes
Parker
Summary
Dedicated educator focused on fostering positive learning environments that promote academic and social skill development. Proven ability to engage students and inspire a love for learning through innovative teaching methods. Expertise in building strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues to support educational success. Committed to helping all students reach their full potential in both general and special education settings.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Moderate Needs Teacher Grades 4-6
Flagstone Elementary School
Castle Rock
09.2017 - Current
- Teach 4th, 5th, and 6th grade reading, writing, and math to special education students with learning disabilities, autism, and specific emotional disabilities.
- Create, review, and monitor IEP goals tailored to each student’s needs.
- Collaborate with general education teachers and specialists to implement accommodations and modifications.
- Provide direct instruction in small groups or one-on-one settings.
- Communicate regularly with parents/guardians about student progress.
- Work closely with classroom teachers and other specialists.
- Use positive behavior strategies to support student success.
- Track student growth toward IEP goals.
- Encourage student independence and self-advocacy.
- Promote acceptance and understanding among all students.
6th Grade Literacy Teacher
Sproul Junior High
Colorado Springs
09.2016 - 05.2017
- Developed and taught engaging lessons for 6th grade language arts that aligned with Common Core State Standards.
- Created a classroom climate that facilitated student growth and learning through passion, engagement, and involvement.
- Established strong, positive rapport with learners.
- Differentiated lessons to meet all academic levels and learning styles.
- Collaborated with colleagues to improve instruction.
- Provided focused, consistent, and meaningful feedback within lessons.
- Determined learners’ progress with formative checks.
- Adjusted instruction based on learners’ needs.
- Analyzed data to adjust instruction and pacing.
- Incorporated technology such as a Smartboard and iPads to enhance learning.
6th Grade Special Education Teacher
Sproul Junior High
Colorado Springs
09.2012 - 07.2016
- Taught 6th grade literacy, writing, and math to special education students with learning disabilities, autism, and specific emotional disabilities.
- Co-taught social studies and science with general education teachers.
- Developed lessons that met all needs of students.
- Incorporated technology to motivate struggling learners (iPads and Smartboard).
- Collaborated with general education teachers to coordinate instruction, accommodations, modifications, and services for students.
- Planned for and worked with educational assistants.
- Organized and managed special education documents.
- Facilitated IEP meetings.
- Ensured IEP paperwork met legal requirements and deadlines.
- Measured and monitored students’ progress and goals as determined by IEP.
- Assessed students for special education eligibility and services.
- Fostered collaboration between parents and school regarding services for students with an IEP.
- Created and instructed a social group for students with specific emotional disabilities and autism.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education-Learning Disabilities
Hope College
Holland, MI05.2012
Skills
- IEP development
- Classroom management
- Parent communication
- Team collaboration
- Differentiated instruction
- Instructional best practices
- Data analysis
Certification
- Colorado Teacher Certificate, Elementary Education (K-6), Special Education Generalist (K-12)
- Michigan Elementary Provisional Certificate, All subjects K-5 (K-8 Self Contained), Learning Disabilities (SM), grades K-12
Accomplishments
- Apple Award Winner 2020 - Flagstone Elementary
- New Teacher Mentor - Flagstone Elementary
Timeline
Moderate Needs Teacher Grades 4-6
Flagstone Elementary School
09.2017 - Current
6th Grade Literacy Teacher
Sproul Junior High
09.2016 - 05.2017
6th Grade Special Education Teacher
Sproul Junior High
09.2012 - 07.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education-Learning Disabilities
Hope College