Versatile Special Education Teacher with focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
4th Grade Teacher
Haslett Public Schools
08.2020 - Current
Collaborated with fellow teachers to design interdisciplinary lesson plans, reinforcing key concepts across subjects.
Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
Managed classroom behavior effectively, establishing clear expectations and consequences while fostering a respectful learning environment.
Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, addressing the unique needs of each student in the classroom.
Utilized assessment data to inform instructional decisions, tailoring lesson plans to target areas needing improvement.
Developed students'' critical thinking skills through engaging group projects and individual assignments.
Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
Assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and adjusting instructional approaches as needed.
Improved student comprehension by incorporating real-life examples and hands-on activities into lessons.
Contributed to the development of annual curriculum maps, ensuring alignment with state standards and grade-level objectives.
Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and innovative teaching techniques.
Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Haslett Public Schools
08.2019 - 08.2020
Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
Assessed student progress regularly through formative and summative assessments, adapting instruction accordingly to meet individual needs.
Maintained accurate records of student performance, using data analysis tools to inform ongoing instructional planning and decisionmaking.
Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
Implemented data-driven instructional practices, resulting in improved student performance on assessments and increased mastery of key concepts.
Coordinated with related service providers to ensure seamless delivery of supports for students requiring additional interventions or therapies.
Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
Increased parent involvement in the learning process by maintaining open communication and providing regular updates on student progress.
Supported inclusion efforts by differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of students with special needs.
Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units, enhancing student understanding of connections between subjects.
Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
Served as a member of the school improvement team, contributing ideas for program enhancement and increased student achievement.
Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
Provided life skills programming for students with moderate to severe autism.
Developmental Kindergarten Teacher
Haslett Public Schools
08.2018 - 08.2019
Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines.
Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of all students.
Promoted learning through play with engaging activities, games and lessons.
Promoted a positive learning environment with the use of collaborative group work and hands-on activities.
Improved student reading skills by implementing phonics-based instruction and guided reading activities.
Developed strong relationships with families to address any concerns or issues impacting student success.
Recognized children's physical, emotional and social needs for personalized support.
Utilized assessment data to modify instruction and target areas of weakness for individual students.
Increased parent involvement through regular communication, parent-teacher conferences, and workshops.
Monitored and evaluated student progress through regular assessments and observations.
Played games with students to increase understanding of subjects.
Exercised good classroom management focused on positive behavior support by clearly articulating fair and consistent expectations along with appropriate natural consequences.
Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
Maintained stimulating learning environments through original, interactive classroom layouts and displays.
Created child-centered learning environment characterized by consistent application of sound mental health and educational psychology practices.
Paraeducator, Special Education
Haslett Public Schools
08.2017 - 08.2018
Assisted teachers in adapting lesson plans and materials, ensuring accessibility for all students.
Promoted self-advocacy skills by teaching students how to express their needs effectively within the classroom setting.
Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
Maintained accurate records of student performance, attendance, and progress towards IEP goals.
Served as a liaison between regular classroom teachers and special education support staff, streamlining communication regarding student accommodations.
Implemented research-based interventions to address academic challenges faced by special education students.
Conducted assessments to monitor progress and adjust instructional strategies as needed.
Coordinated with related service providers to ensure comprehensive support for special education students, including occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and school psychologists.
Facilitated communication between parents, teachers, and school staff, fostering strong relationships to support student success.
Assisted classroom teacher in supervising snack time and indoor and outdoor play.
Cotaught lessons with general education teachers, integrating modifications for special education students seamlessly into the curriculum.
Encouraged peer collaboration through group assignments designed to foster teamwork and mutual understanding among classmates.
Provided training on disability awareness for other school personnel, promoting an inclusive educational environment throughout the school community.
Nonprofit Administrative Assistant
Allen Neighborhood Center
08.2008 - 08.2011
Assisted with grant proposals, conducting research, and compiling necessary documentation to increase funding opportunities.
Supported fundraising efforts by coordinating events, securing sponsorships, and preparing promotional materials.
Coordinated logistics for special events such as fundraisers or community outreach programs to ensure smooth execution.
Managed incoming correspondence including phone calls, emails, mailings while providing prompt responses or forwarding inquiries as needed.
Collaborated with program managers in monitoring project progress and ensuring timely completion of deliverables.
Managed volunteer coordination, effectively matching skills with program needs and providing appropriate training.
Contributed to the development of program materials, such as brochures or PowerPoint presentations, for both internal and external use.
Provided administrative support to executive staff, increasing their focus on strategic initiatives by handling day-to-day tasks.
Served as a key point of contact for external partners, fostering positive relationships through clear communication and timely responses to inquiries.
Education
Masters - Special Education
Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor, MI
06.2023
Bachelor Of Science And/with Education Degree - Elementary Education
Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor, MI
06.2007
Skills
Parent-Teacher Communication
Growth Mindset
Project-based learning
Collaborative learning
Teaching Mathematics
Student Engagement
Inclusive education
Assessment Strategies
Feedback Delivery
Organizational Skills
Differentiated Instruction
Relationship Building
Team Collaboration
Classroom Management
Technology Integration
Field Trip Organization
Special Education
Certification
Social Studies Endorsement
TESOl Certification
National Board Certification Completed-Pending Results
Timeline
4th Grade Teacher
Haslett Public Schools
08.2020 - Current
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Haslett Public Schools
08.2019 - 08.2020
Developmental Kindergarten Teacher
Haslett Public Schools
08.2018 - 08.2019
Paraeducator, Special Education
Haslett Public Schools
08.2017 - 08.2018
Nonprofit Administrative Assistant
Allen Neighborhood Center
08.2008 - 08.2011
Masters - Special Education
Spring Arbor University
Bachelor Of Science And/with Education Degree - Elementary Education