Kim Sywassink
Muscatine,IA
Summary
Versatile Special Education Teacher with focus on individual student needs across academic and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Remains positive under times of stress or conflict. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Muscatine Community School District
08.1994 - Current
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Worked with students with moderate to severe autism to increase life skills.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Applied proven strategies to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Provided life skills programming for students with moderate to severe autism.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Education
Masters in Special Education - Education of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs
Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL05.1995
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA05.1992
Skills
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Excellent Communication
- Dependable and Responsible
- Life Skills Instruction
- Differentiated Instruction
- Motivating students
- Social Skills Training
- Parent communications
- Collaborative Teamwork
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Muscatine Community School District
08.1994 - Current
Masters in Special Education - Education of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs
Western Illinois University
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Iowa
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