Maria Canas Rodriguez
Katy,TX
Summary
Dynamic Special Education Teacher with a proven track record at Katy Independent School District, adept at developing individualized education plans and implementing effective behavior intervention strategies. Skilled in fostering relationships and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, I enhance student engagement and promote self-advocacy, ensuring academic success for diverse learners.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Special Education EC-12
1
1
Bilingual Supplement Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Katy Independent School District
08.2021 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans to meet diverse student needs.
- Implemented behavioral intervention strategies to enhance classroom engagement.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize student support services.
- Adapted instructional materials for varying learning styles and abilities.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted teaching methods accordingly.
- Trained and mentored new staff on effective special education practices.
- Facilitated parent-teacher conferences to discuss student development and goals.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student performance and inform instructional decisions.
- 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.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
- Enhanced students' understanding of complex topics by incorporating interactive technologies and hands-on learning experiences.
- Guided students through transition planning processes, preparing them for post-secondary education and employment opportunities.
- Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.
- Conducted assessments to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement, informing instructional strategies.
- Collaborated with parents and other educators to develop comprehensive support plans, promoting student success.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Reduced feelings of isolation among students with special needs by implementing inclusive classroom practices.
- Fostered positive learning environment, reducing classroom disruptions through effective behavior management strategies.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet varied needs of students, enhancing educational accessibility.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
Education
Alternate Teaching Certification - Special Education
Teachers of Tomorrow
Houston, TX11-2024
BBA - Business Administration
Universidad Minuto De Dios
Bogota, Colombia04-2020
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans ieps
- Small group instruction
- De-escalation techniques
- Instructional strategies
- Special education
- Social skills development
- Behavior intervention plans
- Trained in CPI
- Behavior modifications
- Visual supports
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Student records management
- Functional behavior assessment
- Motivating students
- Group and individual instruction
- Team collaboration
- Data management
- Inclusion strategies
- Lesson planning
- Relationship building
- Crisis prevention and intervention
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 3 staff members.
- Special Education Autism Department teacher at Cinco Ranch Junior High.
- Trained fellow teachers on the procedures for completing Individual Education Plans.
- Achieved implementation of IEP's by following accommodations and modifications with accuracy and efficiency.
Certification
- Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12, Texas Education Agency - 11/09/2024
- Bilingual Education Supplemental, Texas Education Agency - 07/20/2023
- Special Education EC-12 - Texas Education Agency - 11/04/2023
- Special Education Supplemental - Texas Education Agency - 08/12/2023
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Katy Independent School District
08.2021 - Current
Alternate Teaching Certification - Special Education
Teachers of Tomorrow
BBA - Business Administration
Universidad Minuto De Dios