- Enjoying the art of baking and pastry-making, experimenting with recipes
- Growing herbs, vegetables, or fruits in home gardens
- Baking
- I enjoy cooking for friends and family gatherings
Lana Kopacsi
Special Education Teacher
North Providence,RI
Summary
Qualified Special Education Teacher with solid background in Special Education, providing tailored instructional strategies for diverse learning needs. Successfully implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) to enhance student engagement and progress. Demonstrated expertise in behavior management and fostering inclusive classroom environments.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
North Providence School Department
02.2023 - 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.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- 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.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
Special Education Teacher
Northern Rhode Island Collaborative
10.1988 - 02.2023
- 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.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- 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.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- 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.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet varied needs of students, enhancing educational accessibility.
- Developed and executed behavioral intervention plans, leading to decrease in disruptive behaviors and increase in classroom participation.
- Created culturally responsive classroom environment, acknowledging and celebrating diversity among students.
- Conducted assessments to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement, informing instructional strategies.
- Integrated social skills training into curriculum, facilitating improved peer interactions and social integration.
Education
Master of Science - Early Childhood
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ06-2004
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater, MA01-2001
Skills
- Differentiated Instruction
- Classroom Management
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Small Group Instruction
- Relationship Building
- Co-teaching Experience
- Parent Communication
- Autism Spectrum Knowledge
- Trained in CPI
- Visual supports
- Sensory Integration
Interests
Certification
Severe Intellectual Disabilities ages 3-21
Mild Moderate Disabilities grades K-middle school
Early Childhood Education (Masters Degree)
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
North Providence School Department
02.2023 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Northern Rhode Island Collaborative
10.1988 - 02.2023
Master of Science - Early Childhood
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Bridgewater State University
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