Marisa Valenzuela
Lytle,TX
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Lytle Independent School District
Lytle, TX
08.2022 - Current
- Participate in team evaluation to evaluate ECI referrals
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Instructed students with cognitive disabilities.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- 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.
- Integrated social skills training into curriculum, facilitating improved peer interactions and social integration.
- Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
- Organized and led professional development sessions for colleagues on inclusive education strategies, improving school-wide support for students with disabilities.
First Grade Teacher
Edgewood ISD
San Antonio, TX
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Followed IEPs
- Participated in ARD meetings
- Created rigorous and engaging lesson plans
- Created a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students
- Participated in staff development activities to improve instructional practices
First Grade Teacher
Pearsall ISD
Pearsall, TX
08.2019 - 05.2021
- Prepared lesson plans that were appropriate for students and aligned with the TEKS
- Attended planning and professional development meetings
- Collaborated with Special Education teachers to better assist students with their IEP goals
- Administered benchmark exams using the TPRI assessment
- Adhere to student IEP and 504 documents when creating assignments or administering tests
- Conduct parent conferences to discuss student academic, behavioral, and social/emotional needs
Education
Bachelor of Science - Multidisciplinary Studies
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX08-2019
Associate of Arts - Teaching
Palo Alto College
San Antonio, TX05-2018
Skills
- IEP Development
- Behavior Management
- Curriculum Implementation
- Team Leadership
- Inclusive Teaching Strategies
- Parent Collaboration
- Progress Monitoring
Certification
- Special Education Grades (EC-12)
- Core Subjects Grades (EC-6)
- Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI)
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Lytle Independent School District
08.2022 - Current
First Grade Teacher
Edgewood ISD
08.2021 - 05.2022
First Grade Teacher
Pearsall ISD
08.2019 - 05.2021
Bachelor of Science - Multidisciplinary Studies
Texas Tech University
Associate of Arts - Teaching
Palo Alto College