Laurie Walsh
O Fallon,Missouri
Summary
Highly adaptable military spouse of 26 years with a passion for teaching and supporting students of all abilities. Successful at helping students develop strong literacy, numeracy, and social skills by adapting educational materials as needed & maintaining an organized, predictable learning environment. Diligent and creative with meeting the needs of individual students, and collaborating with the multidisciplinary team to utilize the current evidence based practices to develop the whole student. Capable of communicating effectively with parents and caregivers to ensure continuity of education between home and school. Hard working and will maintain a positive attitude and work ethic to ensure the safety and education of all students.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Reading Interventionist
Orchard Farm School District
08.2023 - Current
- Supported the development of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension through targeted activities to develop reading in struggling learners.
- Administered & interpreted student screeners, diagnostic tools, & assessment data to ascertain best intervention methods.
- Conducted one-on-one and small group sessions to provide targeted support, fostering a positive learning environment and boosting confidence in reading abilities in grades K-5, including ELL learners.
- Delivered differentiated instruction based on individual learning profiles, addressing diverse needs within the classroom setting effectively.
- Actively participated in professional learning communities focused on literacy instruction, sharing best practices and staying current with evolving educational trends.
- Built strong relationships with parents, establishing open communication lines and sharing resources to reinforce at-home practice of learned skills.
- Increased student literacy rates by utilizing evidence-based instructional methods and materials.
- Implemented multi-sensory, Orton-Gillingham teaching techniques to engage various learning styles, increasing overall comprehension levels among students.
Homeschool Educator
Self-employed
08.2016 - 05.2021
- Designed and implemented 5th-9th grade homeschool program for daughter who is twice-exceptional (ADHD & Giftedness).
- Researched multiple curricula, methodologies and perspectives as part of educational homeschool planning.
- Advised and mentored new homeschool parents
- Supervised end-of-year IOWA testing.
Volunteer
School & Community Organizations
11.2005 - 05.2018
- 2006 Assisted with Special Olympics Bowling in Beaufort, SC
- 2008 Led VBS Spec. Ed. Class at Mt. Ararat Church Stafford, VA
- 2008-10 Volunteer at California Avenue Preschool Vista, CA
- 2010-11 Courthouse Christian Preschool Volunteer Virginia Beach, VA
- 2010-12 Grace Bible Church VBS Teacher Virginia Beach, VA
- 2010-13 VA Rush Soccer Team Mom Virginia Beach, VA
- 2011-13 Girl Scout Daisy Troop 426 Leader Virginia Beach, VA
- 2011-13 Christopher Farms Elementary Volunteer Virginia Beach, VA
- 2013 Toys for Tots Warehouse Volunteer Fredericksburg, VA
- 2013-14 Brownie Troop 5497 Co-Leader/ Cookie Mom Montclair, VA
- 2013-14 Henderson Elementary Volunteer Montclair, VA
- 2013-14 Sunday School Teacher Mt. Ararat Church Stafford, VA
- 2014-16 Heroes Elementary PTO Volunteer and VP Camp Lejeune, NC
- 2014-17 Officer Spouse Club Fundraising Volunteer Camp Lejeune, NC
- 2018-19 MWSS 274 Command Team Member Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station, NC
Special Education Resource Teacher
Beaufort County School District
08.2004 - 11.2005
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Provided after-school tutoring sessions for math
- Taught students in self-contained classroom and core general education classrooms through co-teaching.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Participated in Milken Educator Program.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals
Special Education Teacher, Moderate-Severe Needs
Vista Unified School District
03.2001 - 06.2004
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies.
- Collaborated to foster an inclusive environment by designing schoolwide Disability Awareness Day.
- Partnered with general education teachers from across academic departments to provide inclusive opportunities for my students.
- Cultivated strong student connections and parent communication
- Managed two para-professionals and 1:1 nurses.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse and physically impaired students.
- Taught multiple subjects as well as social and self care skills.
Long-Term Substitute for Autism Classroom
Stafford County Schools
08.2000 - 11.2000
- Subbed in special education classroom for 9 students with autism.
- Designed daily lesson plans and picture schedules customized to each individual student.
- Collaborated with administrators, general education teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents to quickly prepare classroom and build program after contracted teacher quit right before school started.
- Implemented IEP goals and tracked progress.
Special Education Teacher, Moderate Needs
Special School District Of St. Louis County
01.1996 - 03.2000
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Worked with students with moderate to severe autism to increase life skills.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Provided life skills programming for students with moderate to severe autism.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
Direct Support Specialist & Live-in Support
Emmaus Homes
01.1989 - 03.2000
- Assisted disabled clients to support independence and well-being.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Administered medication as directed by physician.
- Updated patient files with current vitals, behaviors, and other data relevant to treatment planning.
- Built and maintained rapport with clients and family members to facilitate trusting caregiver relationship.
- Transported clients to medical and dental appointments to provide support.
- Assisted with daily living activities, running errands, and household chores.
Education
LETRS Certification -
LETRS Volume 1 & 2
Ed Plus/ Orchard Farm School District01-2025
TEACCH Certified -
TEACCH Level 1 Core Training
Vista Unified School District, Vista, CA2003
Graduate Coursework - Special Education
University of Missouri - St Louis
St Louis, MO1999
Graduate Coursework - Special Education: Severe/ Profound
Webster University
St Louis, MO1998
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
University of Missouri - St Louis
St Louis, MO1996
Judevine 3 Week Training -
Judevine Center For Autism
St Louis, MO1992
Skills
- Parent- Teacher Communication
- Positive Student Engagement
- Cognitive and Physical Disability Knowledge
- Classroom Management
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Science of Reading Intervention Strategies
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Differentiated Instruction
- Individual Education Plans
- Positive Behavior Supports
- Strives to Understand the Complexity of Neurodivergent Learners
- Co-teaching experience
Certification
- Missouri Content Substitute License - 06/09/2023-06/09/2027
- Missouri Teacher Certificate PC II Special Education - Expired 2006
- Missouri Teacher Certificate PC II Elementary Education-Expired 2006
Timeline
Reading Interventionist
Orchard Farm School District
08.2023 - Current
Homeschool Educator
Self-employed
08.2016 - 05.2021
Volunteer
School & Community Organizations
11.2005 - 05.2018
Special Education Resource Teacher
Beaufort County School District
08.2004 - 11.2005
Special Education Teacher, Moderate-Severe Needs
Vista Unified School District
03.2001 - 06.2004
Long-Term Substitute for Autism Classroom
Stafford County Schools
08.2000 - 11.2000
Special Education Teacher, Moderate Needs
Special School District Of St. Louis County
01.1996 - 03.2000
Direct Support Specialist & Live-in Support
Emmaus Homes
01.1989 - 03.2000
LETRS Certification -
LETRS Volume 1 & 2
TEACCH Certified -
TEACCH Level 1 Core Training
Graduate Coursework - Special Education
University of Missouri - St Louis
Graduate Coursework - Special Education: Severe/ Profound
Webster University
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
University of Missouri - St Louis
Judevine 3 Week Training -
Judevine Center For Autism
Similar Profiles
Kylie MachensKylie Machens
Custodian at Orchard Farm School DistrictCustodian at Orchard Farm School District
Vowlinda JonesVowlinda Jones
Driver at Orchard Farm School DistrictDriver at Orchard Farm School District
Jackie GeiserJackie Geiser
Substitute Teacher, K-12 at Orchard Farm School DistrictSubstitute Teacher, K-12 at Orchard Farm School District