Laura Barrera
Denver,CO
Summary
Resilient Special Education Teacher familiar with challenges associated with teaching special needs children. Remains positive under times of stress or conflict. Works well with classroom teachers to develop accommodations and special techniques for mainstream classroom inclusion.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Reading & Math Interventionist - 4th Grade
Highline Academy K-8 Charter School
11.2022 - Current
- Collaborated with teachers to identify students in need of additional support and developed personalized plans for improvement.
- Developed and implemented small group instruction aimed at closing achievement gaps in mathematics.
- Fostered critical thinking skills through problem-solving activities that challenged students to apply mathematical concepts creatively.
- Boosted overall student performance by providing individualized instruction based on assessment data.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, using data-driven insights to inform ongoing adjustments to intervention plans as necessary.
Reading Interventionist - Middle School
Aurora Public Schools - AWCPA
11.2021 - 11.2022
- Interpreted student assessment data to identify gaps in learning and ascertain best intervention methods.
- Monitored and assessed student progress through data-driven analysis, adjusting instruction as necessary for optimal results.
- Delivered differentiated instruction based on individual learning profiles, addressing diverse needs within the classroom setting effectively.
- Collaborated with school leadership to develop and implement comprehensive reading intervention programs, continuously refining the curriculum for maximum effectiveness.
TEACHER: English Language Arts Teacher, Reading Intervention Teacher, Journalism (Yearbook) Teacher
Garland ISD: South Garland High School
08.2017 - 06.2021
- Yearbook Advisor/ Teacher: produced and published a student yearbook for a 5A campus
- Managed deadlines, book sales and complete final reviews; budget management and collection of funds (sales)
- Provided guidance with layout, picture/artwork selection, writing styles, etc
- Helps students with proofreading and editing functions; ensured that yearbook content is accurate and appropriate
- Senior English Teacher: ensured curriculum alignment with state standards
- Senior Graduation Committee: ensure students received appropriate credits for graduation
- Worked with seniors in an after school program to complete their senior projects in place of missing credits.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Advised and counseled students to help them develop skills and knowledge required to succeed.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students'' learning experiences outside the traditional classroom setting.
Special Education Teacher (Inclusion), Case Manager
Texans Can Academy: Carrollton (CFB)
08.2015 - 01.2017
- Collaborate with students, parents and staff to develop student IEP's through the ARD Committee process
- Implement instructional or skill development programs based on student's individual academic needs
- Assess, monitor and develop student's post-secondary goals.
Special Education (PPCD) Teacher, Case Manager
Round Rock ISD: Bluebonnet Elementary School
08.2012 - 08.2013
- Responsible for creating, managing and monitoring Individualized Education Programs (IEP) for the district
- Analyzed student performance and maintained written documentation for the special education process: data collection, IEP development, Medicaid insurance billing
- Experience with education software: SEAS, Encore, EXCEED.
9th Grade English & ESL Reading Intervention Teacher
Del Valle ISD: Opportunity Center
10.2009 - 07.2011
- Designed, planned and lead an organized curriculum targeted to increase mastery of state academic skills for students below grade level
- Implemented language acquisition methods to increase retention and comprehension for ELL students
- G.E.D
- Instructor - assisted adults taking the GED exam.
Elementary (K-6th), English (8-12th) & Journalism Teacher
Cedar Crest Re-Directional Treatment Center
12.2008 - 10.2009
- Core Elementary Teacher (K- 6th grades) - In a self-sustained classroom, I effectively developed scaffolding lessons and life-skills activities applicable in the four core subjects for students of mixed grade levels and ages living in a behavior treatment center
- Attended ARD meetings with Special Education specialists as a direct source of daily documentation of student behavior and education goals
- Acute Center Teacher (K-12) - I worked closely with practitioners for a maximum security facility to teach students
- 8th-12th English Teacher (Summer-Fall)
- I developed the 1st Journalism class by instilling confidence in my students through encouraging self-discovery to publish monthly newsletters.
Education
Bachelors of Arts in English -
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX05.2007
Skills
- Response to Intervention
- Progress Monitoring
- Real-World Applications
- Lesson Planning
- Differentiated Instruction
- Student Records Management
- Business/Project Management
- Journalism
- Special Education
- Case Management
- Data Collection
- Classroom experience
- Lesson planning
Certification
- Generalist EC-4 Teaching Certificate (Texas), 11/01/08, 03/01/23, TEXES 101
- English Language Arts & Reading 8-12 Teaching Certificate (TX), 06/01/10, 03/01/23, TEXES 131
- Special Education EC–12 Teaching Certificate (TX), 03/01/11, 03/01/23, TEXES 161
- ESL/ELL Supplemental Certificate (TX), 04/01/19, 03/01/23, TEXES 154
- Journalism 7–12 Teaching Certificate (TX), 08/01/20, 03/01/23, TEXES 256
- Colorado Professional Teaching Certificate, 02/01/22, 02/01/29, English Language Arts (7th-12th grades)
Timeline
Reading & Math Interventionist - 4th Grade
Highline Academy K-8 Charter School
11.2022 - Current
Reading Interventionist - Middle School
Aurora Public Schools - AWCPA
11.2021 - 11.2022
TEACHER: English Language Arts Teacher, Reading Intervention Teacher, Journalism (Yearbook) Teacher
Garland ISD: South Garland High School
08.2017 - 06.2021
Special Education Teacher (Inclusion), Case Manager
Texans Can Academy: Carrollton (CFB)
08.2015 - 01.2017
Special Education (PPCD) Teacher, Case Manager
Round Rock ISD: Bluebonnet Elementary School
08.2012 - 08.2013
9th Grade English & ESL Reading Intervention Teacher
Del Valle ISD: Opportunity Center
10.2009 - 07.2011
Elementary (K-6th), English (8-12th) & Journalism Teacher
Cedar Crest Re-Directional Treatment Center
12.2008 - 10.2009
Bachelors of Arts in English -
Texas A&M University
- Generalist EC-4 Teaching Certificate (Texas), 11/01/08, 03/01/23, TEXES 101
- English Language Arts & Reading 8-12 Teaching Certificate (TX), 06/01/10, 03/01/23, TEXES 131
- Special Education EC–12 Teaching Certificate (TX), 03/01/11, 03/01/23, TEXES 161
- ESL/ELL Supplemental Certificate (TX), 04/01/19, 03/01/23, TEXES 154
- Journalism 7–12 Teaching Certificate (TX), 08/01/20, 03/01/23, TEXES 256
- Colorado Professional Teaching Certificate, 02/01/22, 02/01/29, English Language Arts (7th-12th grades)
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