MARIAH JOHNSTON
Lebanon
Summary
Special education professional with proven track record of fostering inclusive learning environments and implementing effective instructional strategies. Strong emphasis on team collaboration and achieving positive educational outcomes, adaptable to changing classroom dynamics. Skilled in behavior management, curriculum development, and student advocacy, bringing reliability and flexibility to role.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher/Program Coordinator
Jack Jackter Intermediate School
Colchester, CT
08.2020 - Current
- Conduct multi-sensory small group and individual instruction based on differentiated learning needs within a self-contained classroom for students with diagnoses of emotional disability, OHI-ADHD, and autism.
- Collaborate with related service providers, administration and parents to develop Individualized Education Programs and Behavior Intervention Plans to promote educational and social development.
- Assist in developing self-contained behavior program criteria across the elementary grades (entry/exit criteria, etc).
- Serve in a teacher leadership position in which I collaborate with teachers and administration and determine how to best advocate for and meet the needs of our special education department.
- Supervise a team of Registered Behavior Technicians and paraprofessionals, including scheduling, program oversight, and performance support
- Serve as an administrator designee during Planning Placement Team meetings in the absence of a building administrator.
Special Education Teacher
Dr. Thomas S O’Connell Elementary School
East Hartford, CT
08.2019 - 06.2020
- Conduct multi-sensory small group and individual instruction based on differentiated learning needs within a self-contained classroom for students with autism.
- Collaborate with related service providers, administration and parents to develop Individualized Education Programs and Behavior Intervention Plans to promote educational and social development.
- Monitor, evaluate and document each student’s progress utilizing appropriate measurements and assessments.
Student Teacher
Jack Jackter Intermediate School
Colchester, CT
10.2018 - 12.2018
- Created and implemented creative and engaging lessons for general education students as well as individuals with learning challenges and special needs within a mainstreamed, inclusive classroom.
- Provided differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all students while teaching to Common Core standards.
Student Teacher
STEM Magnet Middle School
New London, CT
09.2018 - 10.2018
- Individualized lessons according to students’ interests, strengths, and needs.
- Assisted in creating and implementing Behavior Intervention Plans.
Paraprofessional/Registered Behavior Technician
Jack Jackter Intermediate School
Colchester, CT
09.2015 - 06.2018
- Supported teacher in managing behavioral problems as well as maintaining records of educational and behavioral development as assigned by the teacher.
- Responsible for implementing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) based programs as directed by the behavior analyst.
- Recognized as the 2018 Jack Jackter Paraprofessional of the Year.
Education
Master of Science -
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, Connecticut05-2024
Master of Education - Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis
The Pennsylvania State University
State College, Pennsylvania12-2021
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education and Elementary Education
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah01-2019
Bachelor of Arts - Communication
University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut05-2014
Skills
- Staff supervision
- Special education compliance
- Data-driven decision-making
- Family engagement
Certification
- Connecticut Comprehensive Special Education, K-12
- Connecticut Elementary Education, 1-6
- Connecticut Intermediate Administrator
Timeline
Special Education Teacher/Program Coordinator
Jack Jackter Intermediate School
08.2020 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Dr. Thomas S O’Connell Elementary School
08.2019 - 06.2020
Student Teacher
Jack Jackter Intermediate School
10.2018 - 12.2018
Student Teacher
STEM Magnet Middle School
09.2018 - 10.2018
Paraprofessional/Registered Behavior Technician
Jack Jackter Intermediate School
09.2015 - 06.2018
Master of Education - Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis
The Pennsylvania State University
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education and Elementary Education
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Arts - Communication
University of Connecticut
Master of Science -
Sacred Heart University