Laura Gallegos
Chicago,IL
Summary
Compassionate Special Education Paraprofessional experienced in working with students with disabilities to improve academic performance and understanding of course material.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Classroom Assistant
Chicago Academy Highschool
12.2021 - Current
- Improved student engagement by incorporating differentiated instruction and hands-on activities in lesson plans.
- Enhanced classroom management by implementing clear expectations, consistent routines, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by promoting inclusivity and collaboration among students.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess student needs, develop interventions, and evaluate outcomes.
- Assisted in the implementation of behavioral intervention plans to reduce challenging behaviors and promote self-regulation skills among students.
- Provided one-on-one support for students requiring additional assistance in academic or social-emotional areas.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to ensure appropriate accommodations were provided for all students during classroom activities.
- Developed strong relationships with students by demonstrating empathy, understanding, and genuine care for their wellbeing.
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
- Set up visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
Special Education Substitute Teacher
New Horizon Center
01.2019 - 12.2022
- Work collaboratively to ensure individual student's needs are met
- Assign work, instructions or lessons to teacher assistants
- Development and school improvement activities in order to maintain professional growth
- Plan and incorporate best practices or new strategies
- Compiled materials, set up visual aids, and organized supplies for day's planned lessons
- Communicated well with parents to involve each in educational processes and enhance student support.
- Enhanced student learning by implementing differentiated instruction techniques for special education students.
- Increased collaboration between general and special education teachers by organizing regular meetings and sharing resources.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent classroom routines and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Ensured a safe and inclusive learning environment by promoting respect, empathy, and understanding among all students
- Modify and adapt lessons and curriculum as needed to meet individual student's needs and IEP goals
- Modify, adapt and/or conduct assessments to evaluate strategies to ensure student success and growth
- Meet regularly with teachers, teacher assistants and specialists to discuss individual student's modifications or adaptations, ongoing learning issues, interventions or problems
Physical Therapy Aide/Physical Therapy Coordinator
AthletiCo Physical Therapy
08.2008 - 03.2020
- Prepares patients for physical therapy treatments, assist therapist during administration of treatments, and provides routine treatment
- Enhanced patient comfort and safety by setting up equipment, preparing treatment areas, and positioning patients as needed.
- Improved patient recovery by assisting in implementing individualized physical therapy treatment plans.
- Contributed to positive patient outcomes by closely monitoring progress and providing timely updates to supervising therapists.
- Increased patient engagement with therapeutic exercises through clear instruction, demonstration, and consistent encouragement.
- Assists patient to put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints and slings, before and after treatments
- Order inventory and requisition supplies and equipment
- Assists office coordinator with answering phones and scheduling appointments
- Assist office coordinator with keeping track of both non-medical and medical supplies for the clinic
- Collecting co-payments, self-pay and durable medical equipment payments
- Performing administrative duties/special projects assigned
- Obtaining pre-approval and scheduling Function Capacity Evaluations and verify insurance
Education
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - BIOLOGY -
University of Illinois-Chicago
Chicago, Illinois06.2010
Associate of Science -
City Colleges of Chicago - Wilbur Wright College
Chicago, IL05.2007
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE - ANATOMY -
Northwestern Business College
Chicago, Illinois06.2006
Skills
- Typing - 120 WPM
- Proficient in Reading, Writing, and Translating Spanish
- Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Teamwork
- Motivation
- Task prioritized
- Planning
- Public speaking
- Organization
- Problem-solving
- Friendly
- High Energy
- Positive Energy
- Training
- Multitasking
- Emotional Support
- Positive Reinforcement
- Classroom Organization
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Special Education Classroom Assistant
Chicago Academy Highschool
12.2021 - Current
Special Education Substitute Teacher
New Horizon Center
01.2019 - 12.2022
Physical Therapy Aide/Physical Therapy Coordinator
AthletiCo Physical Therapy
08.2008 - 03.2020
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - BIOLOGY -
University of Illinois-Chicago
Associate of Science -
City Colleges of Chicago - Wilbur Wright College
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE - ANATOMY -
Northwestern Business College
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