Melody Russ
Chicago,IL
Summary
Well rounded and compassionate learning behavior specialist with extensive experience as both teacher and case manager, adept at developing individualized education plans and fostering bilingual communication. Proven track record in behavioral assessment and intervention, mentoring new educators, and enhancing student engagement through differentiated instruction. Committed to advocating for diverse student needs and driving academic success.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Willard Elementary / District 65
Evanston, IL
08.2023 - Current
- Delivered inclusive instruction to 4th and 5th grade bilingual and monolingual students with disabilities.
- Served as case manager and advocate for diverse student needs.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to improve student learning experiences.
- Adapted instructional materials to accommodate various abilities and learning styles.
- Coordinated with specialists to ensure provision of additional support services.
Principal Internship/ Case Manager
Seward Elementary
Chicago, IL
09.2020 - 06.2023
- Coordinated individualized education plans for students with diverse learning requirements.
- Facilitated communication among parents, teachers, and support staff to ensure student success.
- Provided crisis intervention and conflict resolution strategies to support students in need.
- Collaborated with educators to develop and implement effective curriculum initiatives.
- Conducted professional development workshops for teaching staff and administrators to enhance skills.
- Mentored new teachers entering the profession, fostering professional growth and adaptation.
- Reviewed student performance data regularly to inform instructional practices and interventions.
Case Manager
Yates Elementary
Chicago, IL
01.2017 - 06.2020
- Managed 131 Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 23 Section 504 plans effectively.
- Supervised five cluster classrooms, including resource and inclusion settings.
- Facilitated communication between families and school staff to enhance collaboration.
- Organized workshops for parents, promoting available resources and support services.
- Maintained accurate documentation of student services and case notes for compliance.
Special Education Teacher
Viroqua Elementary
Viroqua, WI
10.2015 - 06.2016
- Delivered inclusive instruction to K-4th grade EBD students and students with autism.
- Supported teachers in writing and implementing Functional Behavioral Assessments and Behavioral Intervention Plans.
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies to promote positive behavior.
Cross-Categorical Bilingual Special Education Teacher
Hayes Bilingual School
Milwaukee, WI
08.2012 - 08.2014
- Provided inclusive and resource instruction to 3rd – 8th grade students.
- Communicated daily with Spanish- and English-speaking families regarding their child’s progress.
- Served as school mentor and provided on-going support to new special education teachers.
- Developed individualized education plans for diverse student needs.
- Implemented bilingual instructional strategies in classroom activities.
- Trained staff on special education best practices and resources.
- Managed classroom behavior through positive reinforcement techniques.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to address student challenges.
Bilingual, Self-Contained Special Education Teacher
Forest Home Elementary School
Milwaukee, WI
01.2011 - 06.2012
- Instructed self-contained class of fifteen students with profound intellectual disabilities.
- Supervised multiple para-professionals and child assistants to optimize support services.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student performance and identify individual needs.
- Cultivated a positive classroom environment to facilitate effective learning.
Relief Counselor
Maternal Infant program
Madison, WI
03.2009 - 08.2009
- Company Overview: The Maternal Infant Program was a group home consisting of 12 criminally convicted mothers with histories of domestic violence and substance abuse.
- My job was to provide emotional and physical security as well as a professional environment for the women and their children.
- Facilitated group discussions to enhance maternal bonding and community building.
Autism Line Therapist
Family resource and support center
10.2005 - 08.2009
- Provided early, intensive Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism.
- My job was to provide in-home, regular for several elementary/middle-school children with disorders on the autism spectrum.
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership and Management
NEIU
Chicago, IL12.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - MADISON
Madison, WI06.2010
Skills
- Individualized education plans development
- Behavioral assessment and intervention
- Data analysis and reporting
- Bilingual communication skills
- Differentiated instruction strategies
- IEP team coordination and facilitation
- Motivating students
- Functional behavioral assessment design
- Mentoring for special education teachers
- Behavioral plan management
Certification
- Professional educator license (1-8)
- LBS-1 (prek- age 21)
- Principal Licensure
Professional Development
- Trained and effectively implemented Multisensory Literacy Program for students with reading disabilities, SpellLinks
- Trained and implemented LANGUAGE! an alternative literacy curriculum that successfully reduced negative behavior and increased attendance and engagement for 7th grade boys with SLD and EBD
- Trained and implemented UNIQUE, a curriculum designed for students with profound disabilities covering reading, writing, math, social studies, health and science
- CPI certified
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Affiliations
- CASA Volunteer
- Mentor Volunteer at Refugee One in Roger's Park
- Led Schoolwide Earth Month Activities, including creating collage and planting trees at nearby park
- Cargo bike enthusiast
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Willard Elementary / District 65
08.2023 - Current
Principal Internship/ Case Manager
Seward Elementary
09.2020 - 06.2023
Case Manager
Yates Elementary
01.2017 - 06.2020
Special Education Teacher
Viroqua Elementary
10.2015 - 06.2016
Cross-Categorical Bilingual Special Education Teacher
Hayes Bilingual School
08.2012 - 08.2014
Bilingual, Self-Contained Special Education Teacher
Forest Home Elementary School
01.2011 - 06.2012
Relief Counselor
Maternal Infant program
03.2009 - 08.2009
Autism Line Therapist
Family resource and support center
10.2005 - 08.2009
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership and Management
NEIU
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - MADISON
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