Work Preference
Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Laura Pratt
Open To Work

Laura Pratt

Special Education Teacher
Scottsburg,IN

Work Preference

Job Search Status

Open to work
Desired start date: Open to discussion

Desired Job Title

Special Education TeacherIVY Tech Dual Credit Instructor

Work Type

Full Time

Location Preference

On-Site
Location: Scottsburg, IN, USScottsburg, IN
Open to relocation: No

Salary Range

$55000/yr - $200000/yr

Important To Me

Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CulturePaid time offPaid sick leave

Summary

Dedicated special education professional with a strong focus on student support and multidisciplinary collaboration. Expertise in developing tailored educational strategies and fostering positive learning environments that promote engagement and academic growth. Experienced with developing and implementing individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Special Education Teacher

Austin High School
Austin, IN
07.2021 - Current
  • Developed individualized education plans tailored to meet diverse student needs
  • Implemented behavior management strategies to enhance classroom engagement
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support student learning objectives
  • Conducted assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instructional methods
  • Advocated for students' rights and needs within the educational framework
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
  • Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
  • 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.
  • Collaborated with parents and other educators to develop comprehensive support plans, promoting student success.
  • Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
  • Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
  • Guided students through transition planning processes, preparing them for post-secondary education and employment opportunities.
  • Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet varied needs of students, enhancing educational accessibility.
  • Fostered positive learning environment, reducing classroom disruptions through effective behavior management strategies.
  • Improved reading comprehension among students with learning disabilities by designing and delivering targeted literacy activities.
  • Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
  • Boosted student engagement in mathematics by introducing problem-solving activities that connected concepts to real-world situations.
  • Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.
  • Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
  • Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
  • Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
  • Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
  • Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
  • Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
  • Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.

IVY Tech Dual Credit Instructor

Austin High School
Austin, IN
08.2022 - Current
  • I teach the dual credit course Ivy Tech 106 Career Exploration
  • Completed all professional development requirements through Ivy Tech
  • Currently scheduled to take the Praxis for the Secondary English endorsement so that I can teach English
  • Accepted into Indiana Wesleyan University in the fall to obtain my 18-hour English certification to be able to teach dual credit English.

Algebra 1 Teacher

Austin High School
Austin, IN
08.2024 - 05.2025
  • Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student understanding of algebraic concepts.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to address diverse learning styles and needs.
  • Utilized formative assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instructional approaches accordingly.
  • Fostered a collaborative classroom environment that encouraged peer-to-peer learning and problem-solving.
  • Analyzed student performance data to identify areas for curriculum improvement and targeted interventions.
  • Increased student performance with timely feedback on assignments and assessments.
  • Tracked student progress through ongoing assessment and data analysis, adjusting instruction as needed for optimal growth.
  • Improved student understanding by incorporating real-world examples and connections in lesson plans.
  • Fostered a growth mindset among students by emphasizing effort and persistence over innate ability, leading them towards greater academic success.
  • Enhanced classroom engagement by implementing active learning strategies and group activities.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to meet the unique needs of each learner in the classroom.
  • Maintained a positive and inclusive classroom culture by addressing individual concerns and celebrating successes collectively.
  • Mentored students on individual basis to help develop math skills.
  • Encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving to help students develop mathematical reasoning.
  • Provided meaningful math instruction to improve math skills of children.
  • Kept classroom environments consistent and focused on learning by establishing and enforcing clear objectives.
  • Provided additional support for students with special needs and learning disabilities.
  • Assessed submitted class assignments, determined grades, and reviewed work with struggling students to boost success chance.
  • Supported students in development of skills and strategies to become independent and successful learners.
  • Established and maintained professional relationships with students, staff, parents, and community members.
  • Encouraged students to take an active role in learning and academic success.
  • Created and maintained a safe and orderly classroom environment conducive to learning.
  • Built a variety of formative and summative assessments to measure student progress.
  • Assessed and evaluated student performance through the use of standardized testing.
  • Provided guidance and mentoring to students regarding academic, social, and emotional issues.
  • Supported development of individualized education plans for students with special needs.

Special Education Paraprofessional

Scottsburg High School
Scottsburg, IN
08.2014 - 07.2021
  • Supported classroom management to maintain a positive and focused learning environment.
  • Monitored student behavior and guided to promote self-regulation and independence.
  • Developed and maintained supportive relationships with students to enhance their emotional well-being.
  • Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
  • Collaborated with teachers to create customized classroom environments integral to students' needs.
  • Monitored student classroom and outdoor activities to promote student safety.
  • Maintained a positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
  • Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
  • Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
  • Oversaw class of students in the absence of the instructor.
  • Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
  • Alerted instructor to student behavior or issues requiring intervention.
  • Understood and acclimated to the teacher's routine to provide classroom coverage.
  • Observed individuals or groups of students in a variety of settings to maintain a safe and positive learning environment.

Youth Care Worker

Lexington Academy
Lexington, IN
06.2012 - 09.2013
  • Supervised daily activities and behavior of youth in care, ensuring a safe environment.
  • Provided a safe and nurturing environment for at-risk youth through consistent supervision and positive reinforcement.
  • Conducted regular safety checks and maintained facility cleanliness, ensuring a secure and hygienic environment for all program participants.
  • Improved communication skills among youths by encouraging group discussions and collaborative projects.
  • Enhanced youth development by implementing structured activities and educational support.
  • Facilitated conflict resolution among program participants, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding within the group setting.
  • Delivered crisis intervention services when necessary, addressing urgent concerns promptly while maintaining safety for all involved parties.
  • Assisted with daily living skills training, supporting self-sufficiency among program participants.
  • Established clear expectations for behavior within the residential facility, reinforcing accountability among youths in our care.
  • Assisted youth with obtaining resources such as food, clothing and shelter.
  • Provided emotional support and guidance to promote positive self-esteem and resilience in challenging situations.
  • Built strong, trust-based relationships with youth, becoming a reliable and positive role model.
  • Encouraged healthy lifestyles through the organization of sports and wellness activities.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions to promote social skills and emotional regulation.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess progress and adapt strategies.
  • Implemented behavior management strategies, enhancing positive interactions among residents.

Education

Master of Science - Special Education Teaching

Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN
04-2025

No Degree - Transition To Teaching Certificate

Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN
04-2023

Bachelor of Science - English

Indiana University, Southeast
New Albany, IN
05-2000

Skills

  • Differentiated instruction
  • Classroom management
  • Individual education plans (IEPs)
  • Small group instruction
  • Data management
  • Relationship building
  • Inclusion strategies
  • Special education
  • Literacy intervention
  • Student support
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration
  • Instructional adaptation

Accomplishments

  • Trained fellow teachers on the procedures for completing Individual Education Plans.
  • Attended professional development opportunities to further strengthen skills related to inclusive teaching for students with mild to moderate disabilities.

Certification

  • Bureau of Education and Research: Special Educators: Accelerate Progress for Students with IEPs (Completed 10/30/25)
  • Ivy Tech K-14 Dual Credit Instructor Profession Development Part One and Two (2025-26 School Year)
  • State-Provided Test Day Staff Training for SAT (2025-26 School Year)

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Algebra 1 Teacher

Austin High School
08.2024 - 05.2025

IVY Tech Dual Credit Instructor

Austin High School
08.2022 - Current

Special Education Teacher

Austin High School
07.2021 - Current

Special Education Paraprofessional

Scottsburg High School
08.2014 - 07.2021

Youth Care Worker

Lexington Academy
06.2012 - 09.2013

Master of Science - Special Education Teaching

Indiana Wesleyan University

No Degree - Transition To Teaching Certificate

Indiana Wesleyan University

Bachelor of Science - English

Indiana University, Southeast

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