Margaret Lofaro
Madison,CT
Summary
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
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Madison Public Schools
07.2023 - Current
- Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
Special Education Teacher
Barrington Public Schools
04.2013 - 06.2023
- Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
Special Education Teacher
New London Public Schools
08.2008 - 04.2013
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CTBachelor of Science - General And Special Education
Salve Regina University
Newport, RISkills
- Parent Communication
- Progress Evaluations
- Differentiated Instruction
- Skills Development
- Student Records Management
- Social Skills Development
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Data Management
- Learning Style Assessments
- Student Support
- Scheduling Proficiency
- National Education Association
- Relationship Building
- Assessment Administration
- Student Counseling
- Community Resource Referrals
- Conflict Resolution
- Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Madison Public Schools
07.2023 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Barrington Public Schools
04.2013 - 06.2023
Special Education Teacher
New London Public Schools
08.2008 - 04.2013
Master of Science - Special Education
Southern Connecticut State University
Bachelor of Science - General And Special Education
Salve Regina University
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