Kristen Hurd
Bandelier Elementary, Albuquerque Public Schools
ALBUQUERQUE,NM
Work Preference
Overview
Highly qualified and collaborative Special Education Teacher, resident-teacher mentor and team leader with 16 years of experience. Creative problem solver meeting the specific and individual needs of students. Demonstrated expertise in behavior management, Social and Emotional Learning and fostering inclusive classroom environments.
16+
Years of experience
03+
years of post-secondary education
Work History
08.2014 - Current12 Years 2 Months
Special Education Teacher
Bandelier Elementary, Albuquerque Public Schools | Albuquerque, NM
- Developed individualized education plans to meet diverse student needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery.
- Facilitated training sessions for staff on special education best practices.
- Advocated for students' rights and access to necessary resources.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Conducted assessments to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement, informing instructional strategies.
- Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.
- Created culturally responsive classroom environment, acknowledging and celebrating diversity among students.
08.2025 - 08.20261 Year
Head Special Education Teacher
Bandelier Elementary, Albuquerque Public Schools | Albuquerque, NM
- Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education.
- Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
- Served as Principal/Designee during IEP meetings.
- Coordinated IEP meeting schedule for Special Education and Gifted teams.
- Managed caseload assignments for Special Education/Gifted team members.
- Attended monthly Head Teacher meetings that supported IEP compliance, data-driven results based instruction, student assessment, policy/procedures for FBAs/BIPs.
- Worked in tandem with school based administration for all Special Education and Gifted concerns and compliance.
- Assisted in creating school master schedule to support compliance of IEP minutes.
01.2018 - 05.20246 Years 4 Months
Mentor Teacher
Albuquerque Public Schools | Albuquerque, NM
- Experienced mentor for beginning special education teachers, providing guidance on curriculum implementation, data driven instruction and instructional best practices.
- Supports beginning teachers in creating measurable IEP goals and IEP implementation, collecting data to inform FBA/BIPs and classroom management based on positive Social and Emotional Learning practices.
- Providing peer observations that foster a culture of reflective practice.
08.2018 - 05.20234 Years 9 Months
SETT Cooperating Teacher
Albuquerque Public Schools | Albuquerque, NM
- Cooperating Teacher for the Special Education Teacher Training (SETT) teacher-residency program formed in collaboration with Albuquerque Teachers' Federation, Albuquerque Public Schools and Central New Mexico Community College.
- Facilitated student teaching experiences to enhance pedagogical skills and classroom management techniques.
- Collaborated with mentor teachers to develop effective lesson plans and instructional strategies.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing resources and strategies for successful classroom engagement and behavior management.
- Developed a supportive environment for student teachers, encouraging open communication and peer collaboration.
08.2010 - 09.20144 Years 1 Month
Special Education Paraprofessional
Albuquerque Public Schools | Albuquerque, NM
- Supported classroom instruction by reinforcing lessons, clarifying directions, and guiding student participation
- Implemented IEP accommodations and behavior supports to maintain consistent learning access
- Monitored student progress and recorded observations for teachers and special education staff
- Assisted with small-group instruction to strengthen reading, math, and communication skills
- 1:1 Educational Assistant for student with medical/mobility needs.
Education
Bachelor of Arts | Cultural Anthropology
Western Washington University | Bellingham, WA | 01.1993 - 12.1995
Western Washington University - Bellingham, WA
01.1993 - 12.1995
Master of Arts | Pre-Colombian Art History
University of New Mexico | Albuquerque, NM
University of New Mexico - Albuquerque, NM
Completed all coursework/seminars for Master's Degree in Pre-Colombian Art History with a minor in Community Planning. Due to life circumstances, was unable to complete the degree.
No Degree | Special Education Teacher Course Work
Central New Mexico Community College | Albuquerque, NM | 12-2015
Central New Mexico Community College - Albuquerque, NM
12-2015
Skills
Timeline
Head Special Education Teacher
Bandelier Elementary, Albuquerque Public Schools
08.2025 - 08.2026Read more
SETT Cooperating Teacher
Albuquerque Public Schools
08.2018 - 05.2023Read more
Mentor Teacher
Albuquerque Public Schools
01.2018 - 05.2024Read more
Special Education Teacher
Bandelier Elementary, Albuquerque Public Schools
08.2014 - CurrentRead more
Special Education Paraprofessional
Albuquerque Public Schools
08.2010 - 09.2014Read more
Western Washington University - Bachelor of Arts, Cultural Anthropology
01.1993 - 12.1995Read more
University of New Mexico - Master of Arts, Pre-Colombian Art History
Read more
Central New Mexico Community College - No Degree, Special Education Teacher Course Work
Read more