Kimberly Szajna
Houston,TX
Summary
Dynamic Special Education-Behavior Specialist at Plummer Middle School, adept at implementing individualized education plans and crisis intervention strategies. Successfully enhanced student behavior and academic performance through positive reinforcement and data-driven practices. Committed to fostering inclusive learning environments and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to support diverse student needs.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education-Behavior Specialist (GAP)
Plummer Middle School- Aldine ISD
08.2021 - Current
- Created and implemented department support framework to address strategic goals.
- Consulted regular education classroom teachers to develop curriculum modifications and intervention strategies.
- Partnered with administrative leadership to improve discipline practices based on data findings.
- Planned and facilitated needs-based professional learning tools, resources and educational materials to enhance teaching skills.
- Informed parents of evaluation methods used to guide instruction and document progress.
- Utilized positive reinforcement to maximize desired behavior and educational outcomes.
- Maintained accurate and confidential records of assigned students.
- Supervised student behavior during daily academic routines to secure safety of students and staff.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Interpreted general objectives, laws, policies and procedures concerning Special Education program.
- Crafted Behavioral Intervention Plans for individual students.
- Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
Texas History Teacher- 7th Grade
Shotwell Middle School - Aldine ISD
08.2015 - 08.2021
- Employed appropriate teaching methods to cater to individual educational needs of each student.
- Delivered prepared lesson plans using instructional materials and tools.
- Communicated clear learning objectives to students on each unique chapter.-
- Prepared various classroom activities and assessment methods to promote retention of study materials.
- Communicated clear learning objectives to students on each unique chapter.
- Attended professional development seminars and workshops to maintain expertise in Middle School Social Studies and the International Baccalaureate Program.
- Encouraged students to take active role in learning and academic success.
- Proctored classroom exams and finals in secure environment to prevent plagiarism and cheating.
- Participated in school district meetings and parent-teacher conferences to give insight into student progress and curriculum plans.
- Utilized data to inform instructional decisions and personalize learning.
- Built variety of formative and summative assessments to measure student progress.
- Developed and implemented variety of instructional strategies to meet diverse needs of students.
- Promoted culture of inclusion, respect and collaboration in classroom.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to both students and parents.
- Supported students in development of skills and strategies to become independent and successful learners.
- Provided guidance and mentoring to students regarding academic, social and emotional issues.
- Produced engaging lesson plans and activities to help students master learning objectives.
- Provided advice and guidance to students needing morale-boosting and academic advising.
Social Studies Instructional Specialist (Interim)
Shotwell Middle School - Aldine ISD
12.2020 - 05.2021
- Utilized recorded data to implement actionable curriculum improvements.
- Assisted in development and adjustment of IEPs.
- Developed distance learning tools and curriculum and supported faculty with implementation.
- Collaborate with teachers to determine curriculum efficacy.
- Created curricula, research topics and conceptualized course format, subject matter and presentation.
- Developed assessments and user polls to evaluate course effectiveness, altering content and delivery to achieve student learning goals.
- Organized materials in classroom spaces based on lecture plans, activity stations or other requirements outlined by teachers.
- Mentored and tutored individual students needing additional help.
- Developed materials for classroom teachers to support instruction, lab work or in-class activities.
- Copied, organized and distributed classroom assignments or other paperwork.
- Contributed to development of comprehensive employee training courses.
- Designed course materials and supported implementation.
US History Teacher- 8th Grade
Shotwell Middle School - Aldine ISD
11.2013 - 08.2015
- Employed appropriate teaching methods to cater to individual educational needs of each student.
- Proctored classroom exams and finals in secure environment to prevent plagiarism and cheating.
- Communicated clear learning objectives to students on each unique chapter.
- Attended professional development seminars and workshops to maintain expertise in US History as well as the International Baccalaureate Program.
- Prepared various classroom activities and assessment methods to promote retention of study materials.
- Compiled, administered and graded examinations to assess student progress and provide feedback on learning objectives.
- Created lesson plans, course materials and homework assignments covering established coursework and textbook information.
- Worked with associates and department leaders to coordinate best instruction practices.
- Initiated, facilitated and moderated classroom discussions to keep students engaged and monitor group progress.
Education
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Phoenix
03-2028
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
The University of Texas At San Antonio
San Antonio, TX05-2011
Skills
- Behavioral Intervention Support
- Individualized education plans
- Nonviolent crisis intervention
- Interdisciplinary Faculty Collaboration
- Data Compilation
- Crisis intervention strategies
- Mood Disorder Management
- Behavior management
- Cross-Cultural Competence
- Student-Centered Learning Approach
- IEP and BIP implementation
- Group and individual instruction
Accomplishments
- Aldine ISD Top Ten Teachers- 7th Grade Texas History.
Certification
- TExES Special Education EC-12
- TExES Social Studies 4-8
- Praxis Special Education: Teaching Students with Behavioral Disorders and Emotional Disturbances (5372)
- Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge (5081)
- Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching Grades 7-12 (5624)
Timeline
Special Education-Behavior Specialist (GAP)
Plummer Middle School- Aldine ISD
08.2021 - Current
Social Studies Instructional Specialist (Interim)
Shotwell Middle School - Aldine ISD
12.2020 - 05.2021
Texas History Teacher- 7th Grade
Shotwell Middle School - Aldine ISD
08.2015 - 08.2021
US History Teacher- 8th Grade
Shotwell Middle School - Aldine ISD
11.2013 - 08.2015
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
The University of Texas At San Antonio
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