Laura Wagner
Pine City
Summary
Dynamic Special Education Teacher with a proven track record at ISD 2144 Chisago Lakes School District, skilled in developing individualized education plans and fostering strong relationships with students and families. Expertise in differentiated instruction and classroom management enhances student engagement and success, while promoting social skills development and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
ISD 2144 Chisago Lakes School District
08.2023 - Current
- 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 and apply instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Modified curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Improved student behavior by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students'' understanding of real-world applications for their skills.
- Integrated social skills training into curriculum, facilitating improved peer interactions and social integration.
- Encouraged parent and guardian involvement in educational process, enhancing home-school connection and supporting student achievement.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
Special Education Paraprofessional
ISD 2144 Chisago Lakes School District
05.2017 - 08.2023
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- Assisted in the implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in a more focused and positive classroom environment.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Set up visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
- Alerted instructor to student behavior or issues requiring intervention.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, enabling timely communication with parents and other stakeholders regarding individual achievements and areas needing improvement.
- Created positive and inclusive classroom environment by helping students develop social skills and relationships.
- Observed students' performance and recorded relevant data to assess progress.
- Provided individualized reading, writing and math instruction to support student development.
Supported Employment Specialist
State of Minnesota Human Services
06.2016 - 05.2017
- Established strong relationships with local employers to secure job opportunities for clients.
- Actively participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to remain current with industry trends and best practices.
- Assisted clients in refining job search techniques, resume writing, and interview preparation.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address client barriers to employment and develop effective solutions.
- Delivered customized vocational assessments to identify client strengths, interests, and career goals.
- Negotiated reasonable accommodations between employers and employees when needed to ensure a successful working relationship for both parties involved.
- Worked with individuals to help understand and overcome personal, social or behavioral problems affecting educational or vocational situations.
Education
Special Education - Masters of Special Education
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MN06-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MN08-2023
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans
- Small group instruction
- Relationship building
- Co-teaching experience
- Lesson planning
- Collaborative teamwork
- Data management
- Motivating students
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- De-escalation techniques
- Social skills development
- Trained in CPI
Certification
- Tier 2 Academic and Behavioral Strategist
- Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate - [St. Cloud State University, 2025].
ECMECC Inovation of Technology Award 2023
For creatively introducing and increasing engagement using technology in the classroom.
Languages
Sign Language
Professional Working
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
ISD 2144 Chisago Lakes School District
08.2023 - Current
Special Education Paraprofessional
ISD 2144 Chisago Lakes School District
05.2017 - 08.2023
Supported Employment Specialist
State of Minnesota Human Services
06.2016 - 05.2017
Special Education - Masters of Special Education
St. Cloud State University
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
St. Cloud State University
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