Laura Santiago
Chicago,IL
Summary
Compassionate Special Education Teacher with over 23 years of experience teaching students with special needs. Strong work ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills. Employs a variety of multi-modal instructional techniques and strategies aligned with objectives to meet needs of all students.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Edison Park Elementary
Chicago , IL
08.2009 - Current
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities.
- Provided instruction in academic, communication, and social skills to special education students.
- Identified learning needs of students with disabilities and implemented appropriate interventions.
- Collaborated with other educators and professionals to design instructional plans.
- Established positive relationships with students and their families.
- Assisted in the development of IEP goals based on data analysis.
- Attended parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress.
- Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs.
- Created a safe environment conducive to learning for special education students.
- Utilized technology resources such as online programs and assistive devices.
- Monitored the educational progress of each student according to established timelines.
- Implemented behavior management systems that promote positive behaviors.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
- Facilitated small group instruction tailored for individual student needs.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child's progress.
- Instructed special education classes using evidence-based practices.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
- Developed IEP to leverage developmental practices and educational theories to achieve educational objectives.
- Developed interesting and interactive learning methods tailored to help students with individual needs.
- Supported diverse student populations through equitable instructional design and programming.
- Cultivated classroom environment focused on inclusion and growth, fostering both social and academic development.
Adjunct Professor
Hanckock Univerity
08.2008 - 08.2013
- Developed and implemented course syllabi, lesson plans, and assessments.
- Utilized a variety of instructional strategies to meet diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with other faculty members in developing curricula for courses taught at multiple campuses.
- Monitored student progress throughout the semester utilizing attendance records, grade reports, and other data sources.
- Conducted office hours weekly to provide assistance with course material or address any questions or concerns from students.
- Implemented different teaching styles to meet needs of diverse student population.
- Completed recordings via video and audio media of classroom lessons, tests and special instructions for online courses and use by special needs students.
Education
Master of Science - Early Childhood Special Education
Northeaster Illinois University
Chicago, IL05-2022
Master of Education - Educational Leadership And Instruction
American College of Education
Online05-2011
Master of Jurisprudence - Child And Family Law
Loyola Univeristy
Chicago, IL 05-2008
Master of Science - Child Development And Family Studies
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN12-1998
Skills
- Social Skills Development
- Parent Communication
- Differentiated Instruction
- Learning Style Assessments
- Curriculum Adjustments
- Student Records Management
- Data Management
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Learning disabilities expertise
- Small Group Instruction
- Group and individual instruction
- Special Education
Certification
- Learning Behavior Specialist I
- Type 75
- Type 04
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Edison Park Elementary
08.2009 - Current
Adjunct Professor
Hanckock Univerity
08.2008 - 08.2013
Master of Science - Early Childhood Special Education
Northeaster Illinois University
Master of Education - Educational Leadership And Instruction
American College of Education
Master of Jurisprudence - Child And Family Law
Loyola Univeristy
Master of Science - Child Development And Family Studies
Purdue University