Leah Gunderson
Grand Forks,ND
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Grand Forks Public Schools
GRAND FORKS, ND
08.2022 - Current
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities.
- Provided instruction in academic, communication, and social skills to special education students.
- Conducted assessments of student performance and provided feedback to parents.
- Collaborated with other educators and professionals to design instructional plans.
- Identified learning needs of students with disabilities and implemented appropriate interventions.
- Assisted in the development of IEP goals based on data analysis.
- Established positive relationships with students and their families.
- Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs.
- Attended parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress.
- Created a safe environment conducive to learning for special education students.
- Participated in professional development activities related to teaching strategies for special education students.
- Monitored the educational progress of each student according to established timelines.
- Utilized technology resources such as online programs and assistive devices.
- Implemented behavior management systems that promote positive behaviors.
- Facilitated small group instruction tailored for individual student needs.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
- Instructed special education classes using evidence-based practices.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child's progress.
- Collaborated closely with related services providers such as speech therapists.
- Organized field trips or community experiences to enhance learning opportunities for special education students.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Developed IEP to leverage developmental practices and educational theories to achieve educational objectives.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
- Developed and maintained individualized skill-appropriate lesson plans to promote and build student confidence.
- Developed interesting and interactive learning methods tailored to help students with individual needs.
- Teamed with general education teachers to plan and implement curriculum, state and district-wide assessments.
- Established and maintained dynamic working relationships with students and parents to support classroom objectives.
- Maintained consistent and timely contact with parents about student behavior and upcoming events.
- Solved student behavioral issues according to building expectations and codes of conduct.
- Supported diverse student populations through equitable instructional design and programming.
- Enhanced lessons using Smart Board technology and computers.
- Encouraged student empathy of others to build confidence and improve self-image.
Paraprofessional
Grand Forks Public Schools
GRAND FORKS, ND
01.2019 - 04.2019
- Assisted teachers with planning and preparing lessons for students.
- Provided guidance to students in the classroom setting.
- Created and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
- Administered assessments to determine student's academic performance levels.
- Supervised small groups of students during instruction time.
- Helped implement behavior management strategies for individual students.
- Facilitated communication between educators, administrators, and parents regarding student progress.
- Assisted in the implementation of educational programs for special needs children.
- Instructed students using a variety of teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, audio-visual presentations.
- Conducted one-on-one tutoring sessions with struggling students when needed.
- Ensured that all safety regulations were followed in the classroom environment.
Redetermination Examiner
Noridian Healthcare Solutions
Grand Forks, ND
03.2007 - 06.2010
- Reviewed and analyzed claims to ensure accuracy of information, completeness of medical records, and compliance with policy terms.
- Conducted interviews with claimants, employers, physicians and other healthcare providers to obtain additional information relevant to the claim.
- Compiled evidence from various sources such as medical records, employment histories, and legal documents.
- Determined if claims were valid according to established rules and regulations.
- Evaluated eligibility for benefits based on analysis of case facts and application of applicable laws.
- Investigated inconsistencies in documentation or reports obtained from third parties.
- Identified potential fraud by analyzing data for any irregularities or discrepancies.
- Recommended appropriate actions based on review findings including denial or approval of benefits payments.
- Researched complex issues related to specific cases involving multiple parties or unusual circumstances.
- Resolved customer inquiries regarding claims status in a timely manner.
- Maintained accurate files containing all relevant documents pertaining to each claim.
- Ensured that all required notifications were sent out promptly following decisions on claims.
- Monitored progress throughout the life cycle of each claim ensuring timely resolution.
- Participated in training sessions designed to update staff on changes in laws governing insurance policies.
- Interacted professionally with customers providing clear explanations for decisions made regarding their claims.
- Adhered strictly to company standards when evaluating cases for payment authorization.
- Carefully analyzed and collected evidence to support contested claims in court.
Resident Manager
Fritz Building Company & Mikkelson Consolidation
GRAND FORKS, ND
06.1997 - 03.2007
- Provided customer service and responded to tenant inquiries regarding maintenance, rent payments, or other issues.
- Conducted regular property inspections and reported any necessary repairs or improvements.
- Developed and enforced policies to ensure the safety of tenants and compliance with local laws.
- Maintained accurate records of all rental agreements, leases, and tenant information.
- Coordinated with contractors for needed repairs or renovations on the property.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors for services such as landscaping or snow removal.
- Organized monthly resident events to foster community engagement among tenants.
- Advertised vacancies through various media outlets to attract potential renters.
- Screened prospective tenants by verifying references and conducting background checks.
- Ensured that all common areas were kept clean and in good repair at all times.
- Collected rent from tenants in a timely manner and tracked late payments accordingly.
- Prepared financial statements detailing income and expenses related to the property's operations.
- Facilitated communication between tenants and landlords to resolve conflicts peacefully.
- Identified cost-saving opportunities for owners while maintaining high standards of living for residents.
- Created marketing materials highlighting amenities offered by the property.
- Oversaw daily activities of staff members providing support services onsite.
- Communicated regularly with owners regarding progress reports on management objectives.
- Trained and coached staff to consistently meet residents' needs with caring, knowledgeable and safe support.
- Kept building up-to-date with current fire and health code standards.
- Maintained updated resident records and coordinate move-in and move-out logistics.
- Drafted and distributed maintenance notices concerning renovations, water shut-offs and alarm testing.
- Responded promptly to emergencies involving staff or residents and coordinated appropriate responses.
- Answered calls and responded to inquiries from various parties using strong active listening and open-ended questioning skills to resolve problems.
- Managed day-to-day activities involving tenants, subcontractors and property management.
- Recommended clarifications and changes in program policies to director of property management.
Education
Minor in Special Education
Mayville State University
Mayville, ND12-2021
Bachelor of Science - Education & Early Childhood Education
Mayville State University
Mayville, ND05-2021
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education
Northland Community Collage
East Grand Forks, MN05-2017
Skills
- Data Management
- Motivating students
- Progress Evaluations
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Competent in Smartboard technology
- Instructional Strategies
- Lesson Planning
- Learning Style Assessments
- Behavior Modifications
- Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
- Head Teacher Support
- Material Selection
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Skills Development
- Curriculum Adjustments
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Parent Communication
- Student Records Management
- Social Skills Development
- Cognitive and behavioral development
- Differentiated Instruction
- Group and individual instruction
- Positive Role Model
- Team Collaboration
- Data Collection
- Special Education
- Life Skills Instruction
- Behavior Modification
- Emotional Support
- Parent communications
- Transition planning
- Student Support
- National Education Association
- MS Office proficient
- Community Resource Referrals
- Child Development
- Collaborative Teamwork
- North Dakota Education Association
- Crisis Prevention and Intervention
- Basic clerical knowledge
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Grand Forks Public Schools
08.2022 - Current
Paraprofessional
Grand Forks Public Schools
01.2019 - 04.2019
Redetermination Examiner
Noridian Healthcare Solutions
03.2007 - 06.2010
Resident Manager
Fritz Building Company & Mikkelson Consolidation
06.1997 - 03.2007
Minor in Special Education
Mayville State University
Bachelor of Science - Education & Early Childhood Education
Mayville State University
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education
Northland Community Collage