MARIA E ORTEGA
Special Education Teacher
Alamogordo,NM
Summary
Caring and skilled special education teacher passionate about positively impacting the vision and mission of the facility and district. Adequate knowledge in special education practices and protocols and always looking for ways to gain the most up to date information. Well-organized and resourceful with detail-oriented and conscientious approach.
Overview
4
4
years of post-secondary education
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher, Virtual Life Skills K-5
Alamogordo Public Schools, Infinity Academy
Alamogordo, NM
08.2020 - Current
- Virtual, asynchronous classroom and instructional management.
- Created modified virtual lessons in all core subjects.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction.
- Created learning and content strategies to meet needs students with various needs.
- Worked with students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Tracked IEP Goals and progress made towards them.
- Noted and carried out accomodations with consideration to virtual limitations due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- Recorded and reported grades.
- Provided quarterly progress reports.
- Kept open communication with parents in regards to assignments, goals, attendance, IEP meetings, questions and concerns.
- Collaborated with other teachers and administrators in efforts to form and maintain instruction that produces best possible outcomes for students.
- Wrote IEP's.
- Lead IEP meetings.
Special Education Teacher, Life Skills 2nd Grade
Alamogordo Public Schools, North Elementary
Alamogordo, NM
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Instructional and classroom management for one severely low functioning student.
- Utilized and administered ABLLS methods, instruction, observation and documentation.
- Documented and assessed behavior escalations using scatter plot and ABC observation forms.
- Formed detailed lessons and instruction based on IEP goals.
- Provided quarterly grades and progress reports.
- Carried out guided activities that lead to success in student socialization with peers, which resulted in a 98% success rate of behavior escalation free interactions.
- Maintained close and open communication with parent, administrators and ancillary support in efforts of collaboration in regards to instructional and behavioral status and best practices utilized.
- Wrote IEP.
- Organized and lead Special Education department meetings.
- Assisted in school wide behavior escalations.
- Helped direct and lead student council meetings, functions and activities.
- Served on PBIS and hospitality teams.
5TH GRADE TEACHER
ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, Desert Star Elementary
ALAMOGORDO, NM
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Instructional and classroom management.
- Created lesson plans
- Graded assignments
- Quarterly grade reporting
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking and communication.
- Served on PBIS team.
Life Skills Educational Assistant/High School
ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AHS
ALAMOGORDO, NM
11.2014 - 05.2017
- Assisted in instructional and classroom management
- Accompanied students to general education classes
- Daily detailed documentation per student
- Assisted with and carried out student hygiene
- Assisted with behavior escalations
- Cleaned and sanitized classroom and surrounding area
HEALTH ASSISTANT
ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
ALAMOGORDO, NM
01.2013 - 10.2014
- Supported nursing staff with care of students
- Digitally charted student health office visits
- Cleaned and sanitized health office
- Stocked supplies
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
ALAMOGORDO, NM
08.2012 - 02.2013
- Instruction and classroom management.
- Graded papers.
SECOND GRADE TEACHER
LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
ALAMOGORDO, NM
08.2011 - 05.2012
- Instructional and classroom management.
- Created lesson plans
- Graded assignments
- Quarterly grade reporting
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking and communication.
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT
ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, Holloman Elementary
ALAMOGORDO, NM
08.2010 - 05.2011
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules and support teacher.
- Kept classrooms clean, neat and properly sanitized.
- Prepared instructional materials for group and one-on-one use.
- Graded assignments.
Substitute Teacher Middle/High School
DoDEA
AVIANO
10.2008 - 03.2010
- Instruction and classroom management.
- Graded papers.
Education
Master of Education - Educational Leadership
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ 07.2018 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ 06.2015 - 05.2018
Skills
Knowledge of and ability to perform tasks and protocols associated with the field of Special Education
IEP Creation and Meeting Protocol
Strong Organizational Skills
Knowledge of APS Instructional Platforms and Tools
Ability to Encourage and Support Colleagues
Ability to Organize and Lead Informative Meetings/Trainings
Timeline
Special Education Teacher, Virtual Life Skills K-5
Alamogordo Public Schools, Infinity Academy
08.2020 - Current
Special Education Teacher, Life Skills 2nd Grade
Alamogordo Public Schools, North Elementary
08.2019 - 05.2020
5TH GRADE TEACHER
ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, Desert Star Elementary
08.2018 - 05.2019
Master of Education - Educational Leadership
Grand Canyon University
07.2018 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Grand Canyon University
06.2015 - 05.2018
Life Skills Educational Assistant/High School
ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AHS
11.2014 - 05.2017
HEALTH ASSISTANT
ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
01.2013 - 10.2014
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
08.2012 - 02.2013
SECOND GRADE TEACHER
LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
08.2011 - 05.2012
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT
ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, Holloman Elementary
08.2010 - 05.2011
Substitute Teacher Middle/High School
DoDEA
10.2008 - 03.2010