Kristy Rencher
Grand Rapids,MI
Summary
Teacher Consultant with 27 years of experience in special education, focusing on individualized education plans and transition programs. Expertise in collaborating with districts to create inclusive classroom environments that meet diverse learning needs. Strong analytical and communication skills enhance collaboration with educators and ensure compliance with regulations. Committed to professional development and improving team effectiveness through targeted training and intervention strategies.
Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Thorough team contributor with strong organizational capabilities. Experienced in handling numerous projects at once while ensuring accuracy. Effective at prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher Consultant
Kent Intermediate School District
08.2018 - Current
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students'' understanding of real-world applications for their skills.
- Collaborated with parents and other educators to develop comprehensive support plans, promoting student success.
- Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
Special Education Teacher Consultant
Grand Rapids Public Schools
08.2014 - 08.2018
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Organized extracurricular activities that complemented academic content, enhancing students'' understanding of related topics beyond the classroom setting.
- Promoted critical thinking skills among students through inquiry-based lessons and collaborative group projects.
- Utilized data-driven decision making to inform instructional practices, leading to improved student outcomes on standardized tests.
- Increased parent involvement in their child''s education by maintaining open lines of communication and hosting regular parent-teacher conferences.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and consistently enforcing classroom rules.
- Led professional development workshops on best teaching practices, contributing to the overall improvement of teaching quality within the school.
- Managed classroom resources effectively, ensuring that materials were well-organized and readily accessible for daily use.
- Actively participated in school-wide committees focused on curriculum development and assessment practices, helping shape future instructional policies.
- Collaborated with administrators to determine course objectives.
- Delivered top-quality training documentation, manuals, and tools addressing needs of specific specialist groups.
- Effectively implemented best training practices and adult learning principles in planning and creation of instructional materials.
- Worked closely with instructors to prepare online materials, content, and tools to facilitate training globally.
Special Education Teacher Consultant
Grand Rapids Public Schools
08.2013 - 01.2018
- Worked with Special Education Administrators to provide targeted professional development, PLCs, curriculum development, transitional guidelines, and MDE SPP-B13 compliance for special education
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive educational and emotional support for students.
- Guided students through transition planning processes, preparing them for post-secondary education and employment opportunities.
Special Education Teacher
Grand Rapids Public Schools
08.1998 - 08.2014
- Coordinated with general education teachers to modify curriculum materials, ensuring accessibility for all learners in an inclusive setting.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance, attendance, and IEP objectives to ensure compliance with federal regulations and school district policies.
- Taught students in self-contained and resource environments.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing differentiated instruction tailored to individual needs.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss students'' needs, share insights, and develop effective intervention plans aligned with their unique strengths and challenges.
- Developed strong relationships with students, fostering trust and creating a safe learning environment where they could thrive academically and emotionally.
- Utilized various assistive technology tools to augment the learning experience for students with diverse abilities while promoting independence in the classroom setting.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments, analyzed data, and monitored progress to inform instructional decisions and guide interventions.
- Provided ongoing communication with parents/guardians regarding students'' progress, goals, and achievements in a timely manner.
- Established a collaborative atmosphere by working closely with paraprofessionals who provided additional support during instruction time or one-on-one sessions as needed.
- Continually pursued professional growth opportunities through conferences, webinars, and coursework to remain current on trends in special education pedagogy and best practices.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Improved student behavior and social skills through implementation of positive reinforcement strategies and consistent classroom management techniques.
Education
Master of Arts - Education
Marygrove College
Detroit, Michigan04-2002
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education Learning Disabilities
Hope College
Holland, Michigan08-1998
Skills
- Classroom organization
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Positive reinforcement
- Collaborative teaching
- Visual supports
- Inclusion practices
- Sensory integration strategies
- Multisensory teaching
- Life skills instruction
- Functional behavior assessment
- Collaborative leadership
- Academic accommodations
- Data-driven decision making
- Inclusive practices
- Community partnerships
- Legal compliance
- Disability awareness
- Progress monitoring
- Instructional leadership
- IEP goal writing
- Transition planning
- Strong work ethic
- IEP implementation
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
Professional Colleagues
- Sandra Curran, Professional Colleague
- Laura Schipperly, Professional Colleague
Timeline
Special Education Teacher Consultant
Kent Intermediate School District
08.2018 - Current
Special Education Teacher Consultant
Grand Rapids Public Schools
08.2014 - 08.2018
Special Education Teacher Consultant
Grand Rapids Public Schools
08.2013 - 01.2018
Special Education Teacher
Grand Rapids Public Schools
08.1998 - 08.2014
Master of Arts - Education
Marygrove College
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education Learning Disabilities
Hope College
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