Kristen Walker
Norman,OK
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with excellent communication, interpersonal, and creative thinking skills. Seeking to leverage abilities to successfully fill the vacancy at your agency. Demonstrated success in collaborative teamwork and effective management of assigned case load in special education and as a disability examiner. A hardworking, highly motivated professional eager to contribute combined knowledge and skills to enhance productivity in a position helping the community. Operates well in both individual and team capacities, leveraging a seasoned work ethic to adapt quickly to different processes and expectations.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Disability Examiner I
Disability Determination Services
09.2024 - Current
- Assigned a caseload of 80+ cases at a time.
- Review and analyze disability claim applications.
- Gather necessary medical evidence and information to make informed decisions. .
- Consult with medical professionals and specialists for expert opinion.
- Evaluate medical and psychological evidence to determine if the claimant meets disability criteria.
- Document decisions and provide written explanations for approvals or denials.
- Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards.
- Conduct in-depth interviews with claimants to assess their physical and mental condition.
- Keep up to date on latest legislation, regulations, and protocols related to disability claims.
Special Education Teacher
Norman Public School
11.2021 - 05.2024
- Work with students diagnosed with learning disabilities, mild to moderate cognitive impairments, and emotional and behavioral disorders.
- Design lessons and instruct students in kindergarten through 5th grade in math, reading, and writing in a small group setting.
- Collect and analyze data on student mastery of math skills, phonics skills, and reading comprehension and fluency.
- Develop and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for each student working with extremely confidential information, adapted plans as needed based on student performance.
- Currently develop and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for 29 students.
- I currently direct and implement supervision to one Special Education Paraprofessional in my resource classroom.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Norman Public School
08.2020 - 11.2021
- Assisted with instruction and activities for individuals or for groups as assigned by teacher.
- Supervised students in instructional settings, off-campus activities and during non-instructional activities such as recess, assemblies, emergency drills, lunch periods, etc.
- Supervised students in teacher's absence.
- Prepared, created, or adapted instructional materials as directed by teacher.
- Prepared bulletin boards and other teaching aids.
- Assisted students with assignments.
- Setup and operated equipment for instructional purposes.
- Assisted teacher with student behavior management strategies.
- Responded appropriately to out of control students when necessary.
- Assisted students with personal care (toiletry needs, which may include catheterization or diaper changes).
- Assisted students with boarding and exiting transportation or supervision prior to or after exiting transportation while on school grounds.
- Perform housekeeping duties.
- Must always maintain confidentiality.
Kindergarten Class TA
Norman Public School
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Assisted with instruction and activities for individuals or for groups as assigned by the teacher.
- Supervised students in instructional settings, off-campus activities and during non-instructional activities such as recess, assemblies, emergency drills, lunch periods, etc.
- Supervised students in teacher's absence.
- Prepared, created, or adapted instructional materials as directed by the teacher.
- Prepared bulletin boards and other teaching aids.
- Assisted students with assignments.
- Setup and operated equipment for instructional purposes.
- Assisted teachers with student behavior management strategies.
- Responded appropriately to out of control students when necessary.
- Operated photocopier, laminator, and duplicator.
- Assisted teacher in obtaining supplies necessary for scheduled activities: i.e., paints, brushes, construction paper, science supplies, etc.
- Assisted teachers with compiling student's work to send home weekly.
- Sent letters home to parents as required.
Pre-K TA
Norman Public School
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Assisted with instruction and activities for individuals or for groups as assigned by teacher.
- Supervised students in instructional settings, off-campus activities and during non-instructional activities such as recess, assemblies, emergency drills, lunch periods, etc.
- On occasion, supervised students in teacher's absence.
- Prepare, create, or adapt instructional materials as directed by teacher.
- Prepared bulletin boards and other teaching aids.
- Assisted students with assignments.
- Setup and operated equipment for instructional purposes.
- Served as chief source of information and assistance for substitute teachers.
- Assisted teacher with student behavior management strategies.
- Responded appropriately to out of control students when necessary.
- Assisted students with personal care needs.
- Assisted with minor first aid.
- Performed housekeeping duties with classroom to ensure it is neat and clean.
- Operated photocopier, laminator, and duplicator.
- Assisted teacher in obtaining supplies necessary for scheduled activities: i.e., paints, brushes, construction paper, science supplies, etc.
- Assisted teachers with compiling student's work to send home weekly in Thursday folders.
- Sent letters home to parents as required.
Substitute Teacher
Mountain Home Schools
08.2017 - 05.2018
- Completed and fulfilled tasks and assignments written and instructed by assigned classroom teacher.
- Instructed and directed students in classroom, following lesson plans created by classroom teacher.
- Assisted children with any needs and additional instruction or guidance in the classroom.
Parent Volunteer
RAF Lakenheath Elementary
09.2016 - 06.2017
- Volunteered in both Head Start Classrooms for my twin boys.
- Assisted head teacher and assistant teachers in the classroom with daily tasks and projects.
- Helped serve lunch and ate lunch with students in classroom.
- Helped clean-up after lunch and washed, dried, and put away dishes from lunch.
- Participated and interacted with students during free-play and structured play.
- Cleaned and disinfected toys/blocks and hard surfaces in the classroom.
Education
Master of Education - Special Education, Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavioral Analysis
The University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK09-2024
Bachelor of Science - Sociology with an emphasis in Social Work
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ02.2021
Skills
- Lesson Planning
- Team player
- Classroom Management
- Curriculum Development
- Elementary Education
- Differentiated Instruction
- Documentation proficiency
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Problem-solving abilities
- Claims processing
- Task prioritization
Activities
- Going for Walks
- Spending time with family
- Traveling
Timeline
Disability Examiner I
Disability Determination Services
09.2024 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Norman Public School
11.2021 - 05.2024
Special Education Paraprofessional
Norman Public School
08.2020 - 11.2021
Kindergarten Class TA
Norman Public School
08.2019 - 05.2020
Pre-K TA
Norman Public School
08.2019 - 05.2020
Substitute Teacher
Mountain Home Schools
08.2017 - 05.2018
Parent Volunteer
RAF Lakenheath Elementary
09.2016 - 06.2017
Master of Education - Special Education, Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavioral Analysis
The University of Oklahoma
Bachelor of Science - Sociology with an emphasis in Social Work
Grand Canyon University
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