Kristel Klessinger
Summary
Experienced Special Education Department Chair with robust background in special education leadership. Led initiatives to enhance educational programs, ensuring compliance and fostering inclusive learning environments. Demonstrated proficiency in team collaboration and conflict resolution to drive student success and program effectiveness. Brings positive attitude and commitment to learning and growing.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Department Chair
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
South River High School - Edgewater, MD
09.2000 - Current
- Collaborate daily with IEP Facilitator and School Psychologist to ensure appropriate special education qualifications and IEP compliance services.
- Support special education teachers with instructional strategies to ensure the general education curriculum is accessible to student needs.
- Strengthen departmental cohesion amongst special education teachers by fostering a collaborative and open communicative environment.
- Advocate for the needs of special education students during administrative discussions.
- Participate as an active team member of several leadership committees tasked to problem solve the supports needed for at risk students.
- Administer formal standardized academic testing to students qualifying for special educational services.
- Contribute to school-wide initiatives that supported a positive culture of learning for all students.
- Provide effective communication and collaboration with administration, counselors, and general education in regards to student behaviors and educational progress.
- Allocate resources effectively, prioritizing specialized materials and tools for students'' unique needs.
- Lead professional leadership within our building to spread awareness and strategies among staff members.
- Boost student confidence by providing consistent support and encouragement as an out of classroom support staff.
- Continuously refining instructional approaches, staying current with best practices in special education through ongoing professional development.
- Review assessment results regularly, adjusting instruction needs for teachers based up as needed based on data-driven insights.
- Collaborate closely with other department chairs to establish interdisciplinary connections and best practices of co-teaching teams.
- Develop meaningful relationships with students' families through continual communication and community support.
- Mentor new special education teachers, providing guidance on best practices and classroom management techniques.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Bloomsburg, PATeaching Certification - 6-12 Social Studies
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Millersville, PAMaster Equivalency - Special Education
East Carolina University
Greenville, NCSkills
- Collaborative leadership
- Parent-teacher communication
- Data-driven decision making
- Student advocacy
- Instructional leadership
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Excellent communication
- Relationship building
- Problem-solving abilities
Timeline
Special Education Department Chair
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
09.2000 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Teaching Certification - 6-12 Social Studies
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Master Equivalency - Special Education
East Carolina University