Kristina Zich
Cross Categorical Teacher
Germantown,WI
Summary
Compassionate Teacher with extensive knowledge of learner differences and providing individualized education. Dedicated to promoting an environment conducive to learning by making lessons differentiated, relevant, and engaging for all students. Committed to providing students with the necessary tools to achieve academic goals and develop the social and emotional skills required to become healthy and happy individuals.
Work History
Special Education Teacher, Grades K-9
Adeline Montessori School District
08.2022 - 10.2023
- Managed all aspects of IEP caseload of 8-15 students of various classifications and needs including special education evaluations, curriculum development, specially designed instruction, and adaptations and modifications in general education classrooms.
- Used defined student learning objectives and IEP goals in order to develop differentiated lessons for students to simultaneously make progress on IEP goals and within general education curriculum.
- Facilitated IEP meetings by using family-centered, strength-based approach.
- Coordinated with outside state agencies to acquire services for students requiring transition services (e.g. pre-employment, self-advocacy, vocational rehabilitation, DVR)
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to a range of neurodiverse students with various needs (e.g. Learning Disabilities, Autism, Emotional/Behavioral, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Seizures Disorders, Intellectual Disability, Down Syndrome, Non-Speaking, AAC/ASL users)
- Used approaches such as Orton Gillingham reading intervention, multisensory strategies, Ziggurat behavioral plans, and visual accommodations to achieve dramatic results with students.
- Helped students with IEPs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve challenges.
- Applied proven strategies to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills resulting in decreased behavioral issues and increases in attention and participation within classroom.
- Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially acceptable options.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies
- Interpreted and analyzed academic data to maintain student development and retention.
- Implemented effective compliance policies and procedures to meet regulatory requirements.
- Delivered subject matter expertise for internal and external customers on compliance best practices and quality control.
- Devised and maintained compliance recordkeeping processes to support initiatives.
Student Teacher, Special Education
Woodside Elementary School
11.2021 - 02.2022
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to a range of neurodiverse students of various ages and unique needs. Was responsible for the learning needs of up to 10 students.
- Collaborated with teaching staff to implement coordinated educational strategies and student support networks including General Education Teachers, Paraprofessionals, Speech and Language Pathologists, and Occupational Therapists.
- Modified general education curriculum for students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Used progress monitoring strategies to observe student academic growth and to help develop IEP goals for IEP revisions.
- Utilized Board Maker to create a reading unit that allowed a non-speaking student to be fully independent and participate in group discussion.
Student Teacher, 4th Grade
Meadowbrook Elementary School
09.2021 - 12.2021
- Conferred with multiple qualified teachers to establish instructional targets and prepare lessons to cover source topics including Reading/Writing, Math, & SEL.
- Collaborated with teaching staff to implement coordinated educational strategies and student support networks.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Set up visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
- Facilitated the creation of a sensory area and modeled proper use of with 5 students.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Boosted individual perseverance and resilience by setting challenging goals and providing support.
- Stood in for teachers to supervise classes, deliver lessons and administer tests.
Math Summer Program Teacher
Whittier Elementary School
06.2020 - 07.2020
- Led group of 5th-grade students learning about decimals for the Summer Program at Whittier Elementary.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities as part of AVMR curriculum.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Worked with teaching assistants to support students with individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Utilized leadership-building skills to prepare students for Student Council.
Math and Reading Tutor
Our Next Generation LLC // Independently Employed
2015 - 2020
- Provided early intervention assistance to struggling students.
- Developed student confidence through attentive instruction in Math and Reading.
- Provided homework assistance using specific curriculum and materials.
- Worked with students in the classroom to provide educational support.
- Met with students and discussed educational goals and expectations.
- Maintained detailed files and created charts tracking students learning progress.
- Collaborated with parents to create tutoring sessions appropriate for students' age, learning preference, and learning style.
- Assessed students' progress throughout tutoring sessions and adjusted instructional methods and content focus.
- Planned lessons for the allotted time to strengthen weak subjects and build skills.
- Provided one-on-one and small group instruction to over 20 students falling behind in Reading and Math skills.
- Conducted assessments to determine comprehensive understanding of materials.
Service Manager
Empire Hospitality & Hotel Contracting Services
02.2018 - 05.2019
- Works collaboratively with MEPS and hotel personnel to resolve any issues that arise with applicant rooms, service, transportation, and applicant conduct.
- Briefs applicants upon arrival to the hotel. Informs them of policies and procedures involving their stay and arrival to MEPS for military processing.
- Updated Excel spreadsheets and inspection reports for daily, weekly, and monthly reporting.
- Monitors the applicant lounge to ensure it is secure and being used as intended.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Organized and edited training manuals, multimedia visual aids, and other educational materials.
- Assessed skill gaps for employees and developed training materials to meet identified needs.
- Conducted orientation sessions and organized on-the-job training for new hires.
- Anti-terrorism training completed February 2018 & CPR certified.
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching
12.2021
- Cross Categorical Education
- 3.8 GPA
- Pioneers with Autism Advisory Council (PAAC) Member
- Commencement Speech Student Speaker
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
01.2016
- Relevant Coursework: Spanish, Developmental Psychology, Research Methods in Psychology
- Research Papers: Effects of Letter Cues on Word Recall and TOT states & Effects of Orienting Tasks and Learning Types on Memory
- Research Experience: UWM-Anxiety Lab Lead Research Assistant
- Volunteer Experience: Our Next Generation Tutor & River Clean-Up Lead Volunteer
Skills
- Cross Categorical Education
- Orton Gillingham Multisensory Reading
- Student-Centered and Child Led Learning
- Differentiated Instruction
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Cultural Competency
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Arts Integration and SEL/Health Awareness
- Proficient in Blackboard, Board Maker, and Google Suite
- Strength based and affirming behavior intervention plans using Ziggurat model
Languages
Spanish
American Sign Language
German
Timeline
Special Education Teacher, Grades K-9 - Adeline Montessori School District
08.2022 - 10.2023
Student Teacher, Special Education - Woodside Elementary School
11.2021 - 02.2022
Student Teacher, 4th Grade - Meadowbrook Elementary School
09.2021 - 12.2021
Math Summer Program Teacher - Whittier Elementary School
06.2020 - 07.2020
Service Manager - Empire Hospitality & Hotel Contracting Services
02.2018 - 05.2019
Math and Reading Tutor - Our Next Generation LLC // Independently Employed
2015 - 2020
- DPI Licensed Teacher (T001) - Valid 07/2022-06/2025
- Elementary/Middle School General Education - Grades K-9 (2088)
- Cross-Categorical Special Education - Grades K-12 (2801)
- CPI Certified
- First Aid/CPR/AED Certified
- Inhaler/EPI/Diastat Certified
- Level B Authorization for assessment administration and interpretation for special education evaluations including academic, social, emotional/behavioral tests (Proficient with Pearson DALS, Q-global, Q-Interactive Interfaces)
- Certified in Ziggurat Behavioral Intervention Plans for Autism Spectrum (Global and Specific Plans)
- Orton Gillingham Intervention Trained
- Game to Grow Certification (RPG gaming to support social development for Autism Spectrum
- MAPs Growth Proctor and Dynamic Learning MAPs for students with significant developmental disabilities
Carroll University - Master of Arts, Teaching
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee - Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Certification
- DPI Licensed Teacher (T001) - Valid 07/2022-06/2025
- Elementary/Middle School General Education - Grades K-9 (2088)
- Cross-Categorical Special Education - Grades K-12 (2801)
- CPI Certified
- First Aid/CPR/AED Certified
- Inhaler/EPI/Diastat Certified
- Level B Authorization for assessment administration and interpretation for special education evaluations including academic, social, emotional/behavioral tests (Proficient with Pearson DALS, Q-global, Q-Interactive Interfaces)
- Certified in Ziggurat Behavioral Intervention Plans for Autism Spectrum (Global and Specific Plans)
- Orton Gillingham Intervention Trained
- Game to Grow Certification (RPG gaming to support social development for Autism Spectrum
- MAPs Growth Proctor and Dynamic Learning MAPs for students with significant developmental disabilities
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
10
10
Certificates
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