Lisa Gurley
Springville,AL
Summary
Accomplished Special Education Teacher with a proven track record at St. Clair County Schools, enhancing student success through IEP development and collaborative teaching. Expert in creating inclusive environments and fostering parent-teacher collaboration, significantly improving learning outcomes for diverse learners. Resilient Special Education Teacher familiar with challenges associated with teaching special needs children. Remains positive under times of stress or conflict. Works well with classroom teachers to develop accommodations and special techniques for mainstream classroom inclusion.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Inclusion Teacher
St. Clair County Schools
Springville, AL
08.2001 - 05.2021
- Reviewed state standards to ensure alignment with IEP goals, maintaining compliance with federal regulations such as IDEA and FAPE requirements.
- Assisted in developing transition plans for graduating special education students, paving the way for their success in post-secondary settings or employment opportunities.
- Conducted regular progress monitoring to identify areas of improvement and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
- Enhanced student learning by implementing differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Conducted ongoing professional development training sessions focused on inclusion best practices for educators at various levels throughout the district.
- Provided ongoing feedback and guidance to general education teachers on accommodating diverse learners in their classrooms, ensuring inclusive practices.
- Maintained open lines of communication with parents and other stakeholders, providing regular updates on student progress and achievements.
- Facilitated peer mentorship programs between general education and special education students, fostering empathy and collaboration within the school community.
- Evaluated instructional materials for appropriateness based on individual student needs, ensuring effective curriculum implementation.
- Collaborated with numerous departments and standard education teachers.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to modify lesson plans and assessments, ensuring accessibility for all students.
- Managed a caseload of students with varying disabilities, effectively balancing individual needs while maintaining high expectations for academic achievement.
- Advocated for appropriate accommodations and modifications during standardized testing, enabling accurate assessment of special education students'' abilities.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
Special Education Teacher
Pell City School System
Pell City, AL
08.1999 - 05.2001
- Coordinated with general education teachers to modify curriculum materials, ensuring accessibility for all learners in an inclusive setting.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance, attendance, and IEP objectives to ensure compliance with federal regulations and school district policies.
- Taught students in self-contained and resource environments.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing differentiated instruction tailored to individual needs.
- Developed strong relationships with students, fostering trust and creating a safe learning environment where they could thrive academically and emotionally.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments, analyzed data, and monitored progress to inform instructional decisions and guide interventions.
- Provided ongoing communication with parents/guardians regarding students'' progress, goals, and achievements in a timely manner.
Special Education Teacher
St. Clair County Schools
Ashville, AL
08.1997 - 05.1999
- Reviewed state standards to ensure alignment with IEP goals, maintaining compliance with federal regulations such as IDEA and FAPE requirements.
- Enhanced student learning by implementing differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Implemented behavior management techniques, promoting positive classroom culture and reducing disruptions in the learning process.
- Conducted ongoing professional development training sessions focused on inclusion best practices for educators at various levels throughout the district.
- Provided ongoing feedback and guidance to general education teachers on accommodating diverse learners in their classrooms, ensuring inclusive practices.
- Maintained open lines of communication with parents and other stakeholders, providing regular updates on student progress and achievements.
- Facilitated peer mentorship programs between general education and special education students, fostering empathy and collaboration within the school community.
- Evaluated instructional materials for appropriateness based on individual student needs, ensuring effective curriculum implementation.
Special Education Teacher
City Of Birmingham
Birmingham, AL
09.1993 - 05.1997
- 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, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
Skills
IEP development
Executive Functioning Support
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Emotional Regulation
Parent-teacher collaboration
Collaborative Teaching
Visual supports
Autism Spectrum Support
Cooperative Learning
Student Advocacy
Inclusive Classroom Strategies
Individual Education Plans IEPs
Motivating students
Relationship Building
Parent communications
Positive Role Model
Timeline
Special Education Inclusion Teacher
St. Clair County Schools
08.2001 - 05.2021
Special Education Teacher
Pell City School System
08.1999 - 05.2001
Special Education Teacher
St. Clair County Schools
08.1997 - 05.1999
Special Education Teacher
City Of Birmingham
09.1993 - 05.1997