Laura Sommer
Buffalo,NY
Summary
Resilient Teacher familiar with challenges associated with teaching special needs children and general education students in an inclusive setting. Master of curriculum and delivery of instruction grades 1-6. Remains positive under times of stress or conflict. Works well with classroom teachers to develop meaningful instruction with accommodations and special techniques for mainstream classroom inclusion. 10 Year veteran expert in creation, analysis and implementation of NYS ELA assessments partnering with NYSED.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Education Assessment Developer
New York State Education Department
Albany, NY
08.2012 - 10.2022
- Collaborated annually with other educators from across NY State to determine and detail overall goals and requirements of NYSED state testing per grade level
- Troubleshot assessment questions for data flaws and errors and student interpretation issues.
- Interpreted and revised assessment questions to create fair and accurate assessment tools.
- Analyzed educational requirements per grade level standards and created functional assessments to assess New York state educational standards across curriculum.
Special Education Teacher
Amherst Central School District
Amherst, NY
09.2006 - 06.2022
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Instructed students in core academic areas and specialized reading groups.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
Education
Master of Science - Education of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs
Daemen College
Buffalo, NY09.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Canisius College
Buffalo, NY05.1989
Skills
- Instructional Strategies
- Motivating Students
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Classroom Management
- Data Management
- Lesson Planning
- Parent Communication
- Organization and Time Management
- Grade level assessment accessibility & alignment
- Design & Development of research-based, academic testing
Yoga, World Travel, Hiking & Kayaking, Dog Lover
I am a ten year yoga and mindfulness practitioner. I incorporate these ideals into my physical and mental health daily regimen. I enjoy worldwide travel and exploring new landscapes, cuisines and cultures. Hiking and kayaking have been an amazing addition to my goal of exploring the beautiful world around me. I adore my rescue pup Rosie!
Timeline
Education Assessment Developer
New York State Education Department
08.2012 - 10.2022
Special Education Teacher
Amherst Central School District
09.2006 - 06.2022
Master of Science - Education of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs
Daemen College
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Canisius College
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