Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Intern
Kimberly Thornton

Kimberly Thornton

Colorado Springs,Co

Summary

I've been teaching for 21 years, both in public education and in day-treatment settings. My expertise, or gift, is in working with at-risk teens. I have mostly served students with emotional disabilities, but I love to serve all people. I believe a good employee is one who inspires others, has a positive outlook, and works well with teams to deliver exceptional service. I would like to work in an engaging setting that allows me to continue to utilize my skills in communication, problem solving, planning, and leadership. I pride myself on being reliable, accountable, and building meaningful relationships. I've recently been looking for opportunities to grow as a leader and/or to step completely out of my comfort zone, whether that's in the education field or in something entirely new. I enjoy traveling, being outdoors, and reading. It is my desire to always live in the moment, to serve others, and to make sure every human being feels valued when they are with me.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1

Certification

Work History

Special Education Teacher

Vista Ridge HS/Falcon HS
Colorado Springs/Falcon, CO
07.2010 - Current
  • Modified general education curriculum (for students with special needs) using various instructional techniques and technologies.
  • Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
  • Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
  • Created learning and content strategies to meet needs of mentally and physically disabled students.
  • Worked in self-contained and resource environments to teach students variety of skills.
  • Communicate and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams regarding progress and recommendations for students
  • Mentor new special education teachers as requested by administrators.

Behavior Specialist

Harrison School District 2
Colorado Springs, CO
07.2009 - 07.2010
  • Provided behavior/classroom management consultation and support to classroom teachers and teams
  • Taught social skills classes and provided one-on-one support and instruction to students identified with severe behavioral disabilities
  • Collected data, conducted Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA), and reported results in Special Education Eligibility meetings
  • Created Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) for students with an IEP or students in the RtI process
  • Provided district-wide site-based training for staff in the areas of classroom management, individual behavior interventions, and whole group strategies
  • Collaborated with various professional teams to support the needs of school staff.

Special Education Teacher

Harrison School District 2
Colorado Springs, CO
08.2006 - 07.2008
  • Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
  • Instructed students in core academic areas and specialized reading groups.
  • Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.

Special Education Teacher/Paraprofessional

Pikes Peak Boces
Colorado Springs, CO
08.1998 - 07.2006
  • Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
  • Taught reading, language arts and social sciences in self-contained ED and LD classroom.
  • Used intervention techniques to deescalate aggressive and hostile behavior of students.
  • Resolved conflicts by performing in-time crisis intervention and enforcing discipline and behavior metrics.

Education

Master of Arts - Special Education

University of Colorado At Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO
01.2001 - 12.2002

Bachelor of Science - Human Development and Family Studies

Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO
08.1991 - 06.1996

Criminal Justice

Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO
08.1991 - 06.1996

Skills

Group and individual instruction

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Accomplishments

  • Served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer in Colorado from 1994 to 1996.
  • Special Education Department Chairperson for 6 years.
  • Special Education Site Facilitator for 2 years
  • Mentored 3 student teachers and over 12 paraprofessionals
  • Recognized by colleagues 3 years in a row for exceptional work
  • Educated students during a global pandemic (synchronous learning) requiring immense flexibility, computer technology skills, and incredible patience
  • Trained fellow teachers on the procedures for completing Individual Education Plans and IDEA law (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).

Affiliations

  • Member of National Education Association
  • Member of Kiwanis International
  • Member of Muscular Dystrophy Association

Certification

Crisis Prevention Intervention Training

Timeline

Crisis Prevention Intervention Training

05-2020

Special Education Teacher

Vista Ridge HS/Falcon HS
07.2010 - Current

Behavior Specialist

Harrison School District 2
07.2009 - 07.2010

Special Education Teacher

Harrison School District 2
08.2006 - 07.2008

Master of Arts - Special Education

University of Colorado At Colorado Springs
01.2001 - 12.2002

Special Education Teacher/Paraprofessional

Pikes Peak Boces
08.1998 - 07.2006

Bachelor of Science - Human Development and Family Studies

Colorado State University
08.1991 - 06.1996

Criminal Justice

Colorado State University
08.1991 - 06.1996
Kimberly Thornton