James Cooper-El
Berwyn,IL
Summary
Organized special education teacher successful at providing classroom and emotional structure for special needs children required to flourish in academic setting. Certified and licensed in Illinois and recognized as highly qualified educator. Coordinates well with classroom teachers with supportive strategies for behavior management and lesson accommodations for students.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Resource Teacher (6th-8th)
Chicago Public Schools, Cather Elementary School
Chicago, IL
08.2022 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans to support diverse student needs
- Collaborated with teachers to implement effective classroom strategies
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and identify areas for improvement
- Mentored teaching assistants in classroom management techniques
- Analyzed student data to inform instructional adjustments and interventions
- Facilitated differentiated instruction by providing a variety of resources tailored to meet each student''s unique needs and abilities.
- Provided support for struggling students through targeted one-on-one instruction, improving overall class performance.
- Assessed student progress regularly using formative assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed for optimal learning outcomes.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Assisted in developing transition plans for students moving between grade levels or schools, ensuring continuity of support services.
Special Education Teacher
UCAN Academy
Chicago, IL
07.2016 - 08.2022
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Instructed students in core academic areas and specialized reading groups.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught reading, language arts and social sciences in self-contained ED and LD classroom.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
Dean of Students
UCAN Academy
08.2015 - 07.2016
- Implemented and enforced school wide Progressive Discipline policy.
- Backed up instructors in handling disruptive students and implemented fair protocols to resolve situations.
- Established and enforced clear school-wide disciplinary procedures to protect students and staff.
- Organized individualized behavior improvement plans for students struggling with compliance.
- Supervised and supported Behavior Intervention supervisor.
Behavior Intervention Supervisor
UCAN Academy
09.2009 - 08.2015
- Supervised Behavior Intervention team.
- Responsible for school safety and implementation of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) strategies to ensure school safety.
- Conducted meetings with staff and parents to create behavior intervention plans.
- Served as T.C.I trainer and taught verbal and physical de-escalation techniques.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND07-2019
Bachelor of Science - Justice Studies (Criminology)
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL05-2015
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Group and individual instruction
- Student counseling
- Special education
- Elementary education
- Secondary education
- Lesson Planning
Timeline
Resource Teacher (6th-8th)
Chicago Public Schools, Cather Elementary School
08.2022 - Current
Special Education Teacher
UCAN Academy
07.2016 - 08.2022
Dean of Students
UCAN Academy
08.2015 - 07.2016
Behavior Intervention Supervisor
UCAN Academy
09.2009 - 08.2015
Master of Science - Special Education
University of North Dakota
Bachelor of Science - Justice Studies (Criminology)
Northeastern Illinois University