Laura Strange
Farmington,NM
Summary
Dedicated Special Education Teacher with a strong foundation in creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Skilled in developing and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs), managing diverse behavioral needs, and adapting instruction to support student growth. Committed to fostering academic, social, and emotional development for all learners. I hold multiple endorsements, including Special Education, Bilingual Education, TESOL, and Modern, Classical & Native Languages.
Dedicated Special Education Teacher with a strong focus on differentiated instruction, IEP development, and classroom management. Committed to fostering inclusive environments that support diverse learning needs and promote student success.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Ladera Del Norte Elementary School
Farmington, NM
08.2023 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs.
- Implemented behavioral interventions to foster positive classroom environments.
- Designed engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards and student abilities.
- Trained staff on effective inclusion practices and special education regulations.
- Monitored and documented student performance to ensure compliance with IEP goals.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
Special Education Teacher/Site Specialist
Apache Elementary School
700 W. Apache St.
08.2018 - 05.2023
- Developed individualized education plans to address diverse student needs.
- Implemented adaptive teaching strategies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support student progress and well-being.
- Monitored and assessed student performance, adjusting instructional methods accordingly.
- Maintained records and logs of work performed and materials and equipment used.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Guided students through transition planning processes, preparing them for post-secondary education and employment opportunities.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
Regular Education Teacher
Apache Elementary School
700 W. Apache St.
08.2007 - 05.2018
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning needs and improve student performance.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design and assess educational programs, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Utilized assessment tools to monitor student progress and adjust teaching methods accordingly for optimal results.
- Led parent-teacher conferences to discuss student achievements and areas for improvement, enhancing family engagement in education.
- Analyzed data from assessments to identify trends and inform instructional planning, driving continuous improvement in teaching effectiveness.
- Assessed student progress regularly using formative and summative assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best teaching practices and educational trends.
- Implemented effective classroom management techniques, maintaining a focused and respectful atmosphere conducive to learning.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, NM05-2020
Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor of Arts in Bicultural Studies
Fort Lewis College
Durango, CO06-2007
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans IEP's
- Small group instruction
- Relationship building
- Lesson planning
- Collaborative teamwork
- Data management
- Inclusion strategies
- Team collaboration
- Group and individual instruction
- Parent communication
Accomplishments
- Trained fellow teachers on the procedures for completing Individual Education Plans.
Certification
Endorsements in Special Education, Bilingual Education, Modern, Classical & Native Languages and TESOL.
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Ladera Del Norte Elementary School
08.2023 - Current
Special Education Teacher/Site Specialist
Apache Elementary School
08.2018 - 05.2023
Regular Education Teacher
Apache Elementary School
08.2007 - 05.2018
Master of Arts - Special Education
New Mexico Highlands University
Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor of Arts in Bicultural Studies
Fort Lewis College