Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Kristina Porras

Indio

Summary


Experienced with designing and implementing individualized education plans for learners. Utilizes behavior management and tailored instructional strategies to support student growth. Knowledge of special education regulations.


Experienced educator prepared for this role with strong background in academic research, curriculum development, and student mentorship. Focus on team collaboration and achieving results ensures adaptability to changing academic environments. Skilled in classroom instruction, scholarly writing, and fostering positive learning atmosphere. Known for reliability and ability to drive educational success through innovative teaching methods and collaborative projects.


Strong understanding of various technology strategies and online teaching methodologies that were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes familiarity with digital platforms for remote learning, effective communication tools for engaging students, and innovative approaches to curriculum delivery that address the challenges of distance education. Well-versed in adapting instructional practices to ensure accessibility and promote student success in an online environment.

Has conducted training sessions for parents, catering to both large and small groups. These sessions are designed to enhance parenting skills and provide valuable resources, addressing various topics such as child development, effective communication techniques, and strategies for fostering a supportive home environment. The training is tailored to meet the diverse needs of participants, ensuring that both intimate workshops and larger seminars offer an engaging and informative experience for all attendees.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Desert Sands Unified School District
08.2018 - Current
  • Assessed student progress regularly through formative and summative assessments, adapting instruction to meet individual needs.
  • Maintained accurate records of student performance, using data analysis tools to inform ongoing instructional planning and decision making.
  • Implemented data-driven instructional practices, resulting in improved student assessment performance and increased mastery of key concepts.
  • Coordinated with related service providers to ensure seamless delivery of support for students requiring additional interventions or therapies.
  • Increased parent involvement in the learning process by maintaining open communication and regularly updating student progress.
  • Supported inclusion efforts by differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of students with special needs.
  • Enhanced student motivation by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world examples into lesson plans.
  • Mentored new teachers, providing guidance and support to help them succeed as educators.
  • Fostered a positive classroom environment by implementing effective behavior management strategies and promoting student respect.
  • Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies and apply instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
  • Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement and record student progress to inform parents and school administration.
  • Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
  • Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to a range of neurodiverse students as well as students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
  • Prepared, scheduled, and led IEPs to provide the right help to meet children's present needs.
  • Assessed student achievement through data analysis and maintained appropriate documentation for school-based and individual reporting purposes.
  • Developed data-taking mechanisms and analysis to drive instruction and monitor student progress.
  • Strong background in developing and implementing technology strategies for online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. This experience includes adapting curricula for virtual platforms, utilizing various digital tools to enhance student engagement, and supporting both educators and learners in navigating the challenges of remote education. Valuable insights into effective online teaching practices and strategies for maintaining student participation and motivation in a virtual environment.

Paraprofessional

Desert Sands Unified School District
10.2015 - 06.2018
  • 1:1 Para-Educator to support a student with autism in the general education classroom
  • Served as a paraprofessional in a resource setting and push-in service for students in the general education classrooms to provide academic and behavior support.
  • Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
  • Improved classroom management by assisting teachers with behavioral interventions and monitoring student progress.
  • Supervised students during non-instructional periods such as lunch, recess, or field trips, ensuring safety at all times.
  • Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing strong rapport with students, parents, and faculty members.
  • Enhanced student support by delivering one-on-one and small group assistance in various subjects.
  • Supported special education teachers in implementing accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs.
  • Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
  • Implemented behavior management techniques effectively to maintain a structured learning environment conducive to student success.
  • Promoted a respectful classroom culture by modeling appropriate behavior and reinforcing positive interactions among peers.
  • Demonstrated specific skills and activities for students to improve understanding and take excess workload off teachers.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to improve student engagement.
  • Took part in professional development workshops to boost skills.

Education

Ph.D. - Special Education

Liberty University
01-2027

Master of Science - Special Education & Applied Behavior Analysis

Arizona State University
01-2021

Credential - Early Childhood Special Education

Brandman University
01-2019

Bachelor of Science - Special Education

Liberty University Online
01-2017

Skills

Curriculum development

Research analysis

Student engagement

Classroom management

Scholarly writing

Public speaking

Peer collaboration

Educational technology

Assessment

Knowledge dissemination

Academic integrity

Innovative teaching

Timeline

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Desert Sands Unified School District
08.2018 - Current

Paraprofessional

Desert Sands Unified School District
10.2015 - 06.2018

Credential - Early Childhood Special Education

Brandman University

Bachelor of Science - Special Education

Liberty University Online

Ph.D. - Special Education

Liberty University

Master of Science - Special Education & Applied Behavior Analysis

Arizona State University
Kristina Porras