Lyndon Ritchie
Rio Rancho
Summary
Special Education Teacher experienced in developing individualized education plans (IEPs) and implementing differentiated instruction. Achieved significant academic growth and improved behavioral outcomes through effective collaboration and engagement strategies. Focused on fostering inclusive classroom environments and supporting diverse learning needs.
Overview
1
1
Certification
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Santa Fe Public Schools
Santa Fe, NM
08.2023 - Current
- Implemented evidence-based instructional strategies to improve student engagement and learning.
- Developed individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to student needs and goals.
- Monitored and assessed student progress, adjusting interventions as needed for effectiveness.
- Monitored and assessed student progress, modifying interventions for improved effectiveness.
- 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.
Elementary School Teacher
Santa Fe Public Schools
Santa Fe, NM
08.2021 - 05.2023
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards.
- Assessed student progress regularly and adjusted teaching methods accordingly.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment through effective behavior management strategies.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance curriculum and instructional practices.
- Integrated technology into lessons to improve student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
- Evaluated and assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and adapting teaching methods accordingly.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Taught core subjects of math, science, technology, and history.
- Promoted a growth mindset in the classroom by encouraging students to set goals, embrace challenges, and persevere through obstacles.
- Implemented engaging hands-on activities to reinforce fundamental concepts, resulting in increased student motivation and participation.
- Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
Student Teacher
Santa Fe Public Schools
Santa Fe, NM
08.2020 - 12.2020
- Designed and implemented engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles.
- Facilitated classroom management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with experienced educators to enhance curriculum development and instructional methods.
- Assessed student performance through formative and summative evaluations, providing constructive feedback.
- Coordinated parent-teacher communication, fostering strong relationships between home and school environments.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs.
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
- Designed detailed learning plans for struggling students based on test, homework and assignment records.
- Created tailored curriculum during COVID-19 digital homebound instruction
Educational Assistant
Santa Fe Public Schools
Santa Fe, NM
11.2016 - 12.2020
- Facilitated individualized support for students, adapting resources to meet diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop and execute engaging learning activities aligned with curriculum standards.
- Monitored student progress and behavior, providing feedback to educators for targeted interventions.
- Supported classroom instruction by preparing educational materials and assisting with lesson implementation.
- Mentored new educational assistants, sharing best practices for supporting students effectively.
- Developed strong rapport with students, fostering trust and mutual respect to create a positive classroom atmosphere conducive to learning.
- Enhanced classroom management through the implementation of positive reinforcement techniques and clear expectations for behavior.
- Encouraged social-emotional growth among students by modeling appropriate behavior and guiding conversations around self-awareness, empathy, and responsible decision making.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Supported classroom teachers by monitoring behavior, taking attendance, and completing other administrative tasks as needed.
- Assisted classroom teacher in supervising snack time and indoor and outdoor play.
- Taught courses under guidance of senior instructors.
- Improved student comprehension by utilizing differentiated instructional strategies tailored to individual learning needs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, NM12-2020
Special Education Teacher Certification (PK-12) - Alternative License Education
Santa Fe Community College
Santa Fe12-2026
Associate of Arts - Teacher Education
Santa Fe Community College
Santa Fe, NM12-2018
Skills
- IEP development
- IEP implementation
- Individualized education plans
- Inclusion strategies
- Special education
- Instructional strategies
- Co-teaching experience
- One-on-one instruction
- Group instruction
- Classroom management
- Behavior modifications
- Verbal communication
- Crisis intervention
- De-escalation techniques
- Motor skills development
- Crisis intervention
- Fine motor coordination
- Autism spectrum
- Educational advocacy
- Elementary education
- National education association
- Paraprofessional oversight
- IEP management
Certification
- Licensed Special Education Teacher (PK-12) - 2023 -2027
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Santa Fe Public Schools
08.2023 - Current
Elementary School Teacher
Santa Fe Public Schools
08.2021 - 05.2023
Student Teacher
Santa Fe Public Schools
08.2020 - 12.2020
Educational Assistant
Santa Fe Public Schools
11.2016 - 12.2020
Special Education Teacher Certification (PK-12) - Alternative License Education
Santa Fe Community College
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
New Mexico Highlands University
Associate of Arts - Teacher Education
Santa Fe Community College