Mark Berger
Leawood
Summary
Dynamic Special Education Teacher with a proven track record at Blue Valley Schools, adept at developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and fostering inclusive classroom environments. Skilled in differentiated instruction and relationships building, I empower students through tailored learning strategies, enhancing engagement and promoting self-advocacy for diverse learners.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Blue Valley School District
Overland Park, KS
08.1998 - 06.2024
- Designed and implemented customized Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to meet diverse student needs.
- Orchestrated collaboration among multidisciplinary teams to assess student progress and enhance learning strategies.
- Designed and implemented engaging lesson plans utilizing assistive technology and diverse instructional methods.
- Developed and delivered training sessions, guiding staff in the effective implementation of best practices for special education instruction.
- Tracked student development and refined instructional techniques to meet diverse learning needs.
- Engaged with cross-functional teams to design and execute innovative teaching approaches.
- Facilitated inclusive classroom environments promoting engagement and participation.
- Developed and delivered comprehensive training programs to enhance staff knowledge of special education standards and compliance.
- Conducted thorough analysis of assessment data to identify areas for instructional refinement and support student success.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with parents through regular updates, promoting a collaborative and supportive educational atmosphere.
- Supported social-emotional growth by incorporating SEL activities into daily routines, fostering a positive classroom and school climate conducive to learning.
- Adapted lesson plans to meet the needs of diverse learners, guaranteeing all students received equal opportunities for educational success.
- Orchestrated successful transitions for students entering Blue Valley Academy (BVA) through coordination of orientation programs and development of personalized transition plans.
- Fostered critical thinking skills among students through inquiry-based learning approaches that stimulated curiosity, discovery, and problem-solving abilities.
- Reduced behavior issues by implementing proactive intervention strategies program wide.
- Empowered students to actively participate in their education by presenting various learning opportunities, including work experiences through the District's Career Development Opportunities Program.
- Developed strong student rapport to promote an interactive learning environment while documenting progress for parental and administrative updates.
- Customized educational materials and strategies to enhance learning experiences for special-needs students.
- Managed scheduling processes for special education students and teacher assistants, ensuring seamless integration with master schedule.
- Contributed to IEP development and implementation, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to provide appropriate accommodations and modifications for students attending BVA.
- Mentored new teachers at BVA, sharing best practices and providing support
Interim Director of Special Education Compliance
Kansas City Public Schools
Kansas City, MO
09.1997 - 06.1998
- Identified key areas for program improvement and resource allocation in special education services through detailed data trend analysis.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to advocate for policy changes that support equitable distribution of educational resources among students.
- Engaged in district-level discussions to enhance support systems for students with individualized education plans.
- Streamlined coordination of special education services by maintaining frequent communication and collaboration with principals.
- Coordinated special education staff allocations and facilitated timely responses to requests for increased personnel throughout the school year.
- Provided ongoing support and mentorship to enhance the transition of newly hired special education staff into the school environment.
- Executed compliance strategies for federal and state mandates related to special education services by diligently managing documentation and tracking policy changes.
- Evaluated and directed budgetary allocations within special education department to maximize resources and foster student success.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships with community organizations to enhance resource availability and support for students with disabilities.
- Administered financial resources and budgetary planning to enhance educational program effectiveness.
- Oversaw school budget distribution and actively sought supplementary funding by developing compelling grant proposals.
- Developed and submitted comprehensive school budget to school board, including strategic recommendations for hiring, capital expenditures, and cost-saving initiatives.
- Oversaw the systematic retrieval and distribution of student records, ensuring compliance with institutional protocols and timelines.
Itinerant Teacher - Behavior Disorders
Kansas City Public Schools
07.1996 - 09.1997
- Collaborated with educators to integrate specialized teaching strategies into classrooms.
- Facilitated workshops for teachers on inclusive practices and adaptive technologies.
- Provided ongoing support and resources for families navigating educational challenges.
- Mentored new itinerant teachers, fostering professional growth and best practices.
- Mentored new teachers on best practices for instruction, assessment, and classroom management techniques.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
- Met with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral and academic issues.
- Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
Special Education Teacher
Kansas City Public Schools
Kansas City East High School
07.1995 - 06.1996
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students'' understanding of real-world applications for their skills.
- Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.
- Guided students through transition planning processes, preparing them for post-secondary education and employment opportunities.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
Special Education Teacher
Kansas City Public Schools
DeLaSalle
08.1993 - 06.1995
- Nurtured relationships with parents to build trust and support student learning initiatives.
- Engaged with stakeholders to assess needs and acquire resources that support educational advancement for students with disabilities.
- Leveraged educational expertise to design and oversee Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) aligned with specific learning objectives.
- Enhanced learning outcomes by utilizing differentiated instructional techniques and offering customized support to address individual student needs.
- Created and implemented clear routines and expectations to support effective student behavior management strategies.
- Analyzed student performance through various evaluation methods to enhance learning outcomes and tailor support services.
- Designed and executed behavior management frameworks that cultivated a supportive learning atmosphere and mitigated disruptions in the classroom.
- Identified and assessed student behavior trends, implementing targeted intervention plans to promote a more engaging classroom environment.
- Cultivated dialogue among parents, guardians, and educators to enhance home-school partnerships.
- Executed behavior modification techniques to enhance student social and academic performance.
- Created and deployed specialized instructional approaches and tools aimed at improving student engagement and comprehension.
- Engaged with educational professionals to create innovative instructional strategies tailored to diverse learning needs.
- Assessed student needs and implemented tailored behavior management plans to promote improved behavioral outcomes.
- Led initiatives to educate individuals on positive behavior adoption and socially-acceptable practices through strategic implementation.
- Fostered meaningful connections with students to promote engagement and maintained detailed records of progress to facilitate communication with parents and school administration.
- Delivered targeted education to students with disabilities, equipping them with vital self-management and decision-making skills to enhance self-advocacy and independence.
- Developed and executed customized lesson plans aimed at promoting engagement and inclusivity among students with varying capabilities.
Education
Master of Education - Special Education
University of Missouri
Columbia, MOBachelor of Arts - American History
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO1986
Master of Science - School Leadership - Building Level
Baker University
Baldwin City, KS2006
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans ieps
- Small group instruction
- Relationship building
- Collaborative teamwork
- Inclusion strategies
- Motivating students
- De-escalation techniques
- Crisis prevention and intervention
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Blue Valley School District
08.1998 - 06.2024
Interim Director of Special Education Compliance
Kansas City Public Schools
09.1997 - 06.1998
Itinerant Teacher - Behavior Disorders
Kansas City Public Schools
07.1996 - 09.1997
Special Education Teacher
Kansas City Public Schools
07.1995 - 06.1996
Special Education Teacher
Kansas City Public Schools
08.1993 - 06.1995
Master of Education - Special Education
University of Missouri
Bachelor of Arts - American History
University of Missouri
Master of Science - School Leadership - Building Level
Baker University