Maxine Hengen
Milwaukee
Summary
Special Education Teacher with over two decades of experience dedicated to helping students bridge the gap between the classroom and a meaningful adult life. I am focusing on creating "real world" readiness through vocational training, self-advocacy, and strong community roots. My approach is simple: identify a student's strengths and build a direct path to their independence.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Menomonee Falls High School
Menomonee Falls
11.2023 - Current
- 18–21 Transition Programming: Design and implement a learning environment focused on vocational and independent living skills; manage a specialized caseload to ensure students are prepared for a meaningful transition to adult life.
- Inclusive Support: Provide targeted instruction within regular education classrooms, modifying and accommodating curriculum in real-time to ensure students with IEPs successfully engage with the general education environment.
- Led IEP and evaluation meetings with families, school social workers, and therapists to align educational goals with post-secondary outcomes.
- Established relationships with parents, community partners, and adult service agencies, facilitating seamless transitions for students nearing graduation.
- Coordinated community-based work experiences, managing student job rotations and schedules at Menomonee Falls Public Library to provide real-world employability skills.
Program Support Teacher for Autism
Milwaukee Public Schools
Milwaukee
01.2014 - 11.2023
- Professional Development: Developed and facilitated district-wide training sessions on autism-related topics, equipping staff with strategies and knowledge to support students with autism.
- Inclusion Advocacy: Collaborated with staff to create inclusive classroom environments that address social and academic needs of students with autism.
- Instructional Coaching: Partnered with classroom teachers to enhance instructional quality and support improved student outcomes across the district.
Special Education Teacher
Rufus King International (MPS)
08.2006 - 12.2013
- Adaptive Instruction: Delivered specialized instruction to students aged 15–21, fostering academic growth and independence.
- Self-Advocacy Mentorship: Mentored students to identify learning styles and accommodations, fostering self-awareness and confidence in educational pursuits.
- Foundational Transition Planning: Developed functional and social skills in students transitioning to adulthood, preparing them for real-world challenges.
Education
Master of Education - Special Education
Cardinal Stritch University
01-2006
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
01-1998
Skills
- Transition Leadership
- Vocational Networking
- Agency Navigation
Certification
Cross-Categorical Special Education, Lifetime, Wisconsin DPI
References
- Lucetta Adams, Special Education Supervisor, MPS, 414-333-4682
- Samantha Bear, Executive Director/Co-Owner, Cedarburg Mercantile, 414-915-2273
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Menomonee Falls High School
11.2023 - Current
Program Support Teacher for Autism
Milwaukee Public Schools
01.2014 - 11.2023
Special Education Teacher
Rufus King International (MPS)
08.2006 - 12.2013
Master of Education - Special Education
Cardinal Stritch University
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee