Margaret Dickenson

Canon City,CO

Summary

Driven by a passion for inclusive education, I leveraged my expertise in Autism Spectrum Knowledge and emotional support at Fremont Elementary School, enhancing communication for non-verbal students and integrating social skills into the curriculum, significantly improving peer interactions and social integration.

Skills

Autism Spectrum Knowledge
Social Skills Development
Trained in CPI
Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
Visual supports
Emotional Support

Sensory Integration
Elementary Education
Augmentative Communication
IEP development
Personal Hygiene Assistance

Work History

Special Education Teacher

Fremont Elementary School

08.2019 - 07.2024

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.
Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
Enhanced communication skills in non-verbal students through integration of alternative and augmentative communication systems.
Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
Integrated social skills training into curriculum, facilitating improved peer interactions and social integration.

Cooperating Teacher

Peyton Elementary School

01.2019 - 05.2019

Assessed student progress regularly using formative assessments and adjusted instruction accordingly to ensure continued growth in all areas of study.
Promoted a positive classroom culture by establishing clear expectations and consistently enforcing rules and procedures.
Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to foster an inclusive learning environment.
Implemented data-driven instruction to guide lesson planning and improve student performance.
Enhanced student understanding by utilizing differentiated instruction and varied teaching strategies.

Cooperative Education Student

Giberson Elementary School

08.2018 - 12.2018

Promoted a growth mindset among students by offering constructive feedback and encouraging perseverance in challenging tasks.
Contributed to a positive school culture by actively engaging in collaborative decision-making processes and supporting school-wide initiatives.
Evaluated student work using rubrics and other assessment tools, providing timely feedback that guided further improvement and mastery of skills.

Preschool Teacher's Assistant

Global Village Academy

01.2017 - 07.2018

Interacted with children one-on-one and in small groups to enhance and support learning activities.
Engaged and entertained children through recreational and educational activities.
Supported children's social and emotional development by encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Inclusive Education

University of Colorado At Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO

05.2019

Overview

years of professional experience

Certificate

Certification

Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist - PESI
Certified Alternative Communication Specialist - Communication for Education
Special Education Credential - Colorado Department of Education.
CPR/AED Certification