Leslie Baker
Davenport
Summary
Multidisciplinary educator and instructional coach with an expert level background in Special Education, providing tailored instructional strategies for diverse learning needs. Successfully implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) to enhance student engagement and progress. Demonstrated expertise in behavior management and fostering inclusive classroom practices and environments. Flexible instructional strategies based on data-driven assessments and accelerated learning. Known for collaboration, adaptability, and delivering measurable results. Highly experienced teacher and coach in K-12 Special Education settings including literacy and mathematics interventions, physical and learning disabilities, Social-Emotional Behavioral Health support, and cognitive disabilities.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Instructional Induction Coach
Davenport Community School District
Davenport, IA
08.2022 - 09.2025
- Mentored new k-12 special education teachers through goal setting, co-teaching, and modeling effective early-intervention instructional strategies.
- Conducted teaching and learning inquiry cycles, utilizing data collection and student work analysis to improve foundational learning.
- Executed and ensured positive outcomes from IEP progress monitoring via targeted interventions tailored to diverse developmental levels.
- Provided instructional coaching and professional development utilizing the NIET rubric to enhance teaching methods.
- Fostered teamwork through strategic team-building activities.
- Implemented data-driven assessment tools to track students progress and development.
- Utilized diverse teaching strategies to accommodate various learning styles and abilities.
Building Instructional Coach
Davenport Community School District
Davenport, IA
08.2019 - 08.2022
- Delivered ongoing professional development initiatives centered on SEL, SEBH, Cassel, emphasizing the importance of viewing each student as a whole.
- Facilitated optimal learning environments and improved collaboration within co-taught elementary classrooms.
- Partnered with educators to implement research-based tools that elevate instructional strategies and classroom management techniques.
- Analyzed student performance data to identify areas for instructional improvement and academic growth.
- Developed and implemented instructional strategies to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with teachers to analyze student data and inform instructional practices.
- Facilitated professional development workshops to improve teaching methodologies across the district.
- Designed curriculum resources aligned with state standards, promoting consistency in classroom instruction.
- Provided coaching and feedback to educators, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Led initiatives for integrating technology into the classroom, enhancing interactive learning experiences.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques for diverse learner needs, ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities for all students.
Teacher of Students With LD/BD I and II
Davenport Community School District
Davenport, IA
08.2013 - 08.2019
- Enhanced general education and special education classes by integrating interactive STEM activities.
- Implemented PBIS core values and building-wide expectations to foster a positive school climate.
- Led the Boystown Classroom Management Model, modeling academic and behavioral instruction for dozens of educators throughout the district.
- Served as MTSS team leader, ensuring RTI sessions were highly relevant and students received necessary foundational supports.
- Developed individualized education plans to meet diverse learning needs of students.
- Implemented behavioral management strategies to enhance classroom environment and student engagement.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess student progress and adjust instructional methods.
- Designed and delivered specialized curriculum materials tailored to various learning abilities.
- Monitored student performance data to identify areas for improvement and implement targeted interventions.
- Facilitated communication between parents, educators, and support staff to ensure cohesive educational experiences.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
Reading Interventionist
St Paul The Apostle Catholic School
Davenport, IA
04.2010 - 06.2013
- Implemented targeted reading interventions to improve student literacy levels.
- Conducted assessments to identify students' reading challenges and tailored instructional strategies.
- Collaborated with teachers to integrate reading support into classroom activities and tier 1 instruction.
- Analyzed student performance data to monitor progress and adjust interventions accordingly.
- Facilitated conferences with parents to continue supporting children's reading development and progress at home.
Education
Special Education Strat 2 LD/BD -
Upper Iowa University
Fayette, IA03-2016
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education With Reading Endorsement
Upper Iowa University
Fayette, IA05-2010
Endorsement 5-12 143 - Mathematics
Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
Des Moines, IA04-2026
Skills
- Foundational Instruction: Reading Endorsement, Interactive STEM Activities, Differentiated Instruction (In large group, self-contained, and pull-out settings)
- Behavioral & Classroom Management: PBIS Core Values, Boystown Classroom Management Model (planned teaching, effective praise), CHAMPS
- Student Support Systems: MTSS/RTI Frameworks, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL, SEBH, Cassel), IEP Implementation
- Collaboration: Instructional Coaching, Co-Teaching, Building Leadership Team, and productive PLC’s
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans ieps
- Small group instruction
Timeline
Special Education Instructional Induction Coach
Davenport Community School District
08.2022 - 09.2025
Building Instructional Coach
Davenport Community School District
08.2019 - 08.2022
Teacher of Students With LD/BD I and II
Davenport Community School District
08.2013 - 08.2019
Reading Interventionist
St Paul The Apostle Catholic School
04.2010 - 06.2013
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education With Reading Endorsement
Upper Iowa University
Special Education Strat 2 LD/BD -
Upper Iowa University
Endorsement 5-12 143 - Mathematics
Iowa Board of Educational Examiners