MICHELLE BAKKEN
Polk City
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
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
North Polk Community School District
08.2012 - Current
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Utilized data from student assessments to tailor instruction, resulting in more effective learning outcomes.
- Enhanced communication skills in non-verbal students through integration of alternative and augmentative communication systems.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
Owner/Operator
Daycare
07.2007 - 08.2012
- Organized fun-filled events and activities for children that promoted learning in an engaging manner.
- Enhanced parent satisfaction by maintaining open communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
- Managed financial aspects of the daycare business, including budgeting, expense tracking, and revenue generation.
- Optimized facility space usage by designing creative layouts that maximized play areas while ensuring safety standards were met or exceeded.
- Promoted healthy eating habits among students by overseeing menu planning and meal preparation according to nutritional guidelines set forth by experts in the field of early childhood nutrition.
- Maintained compliance with state licensing requirements through regular inspections, documentation updates, and policy reviews.
- Developed age-appropriate curriculum plans focused on cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
Office Manager/Human Resources
Flooring America
02.2002 - 01.2007
- Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
- Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving.
- Streamlined office operations by implementing efficient filing systems and organizational strategies.
- Developed comprehensive policy manuals outlining procedures and guidelines, contributing to a well-organized workplace culture.
- Provided comprehensive administrative support to senior management, enabling them to focus on strategic decision-making.
Education
Specialist in Education - Educational Leadership
Northwest Missouri State
Maryville, MO08.2022
Master of Arts - Special Education
Morningside College
Sioux City, IA05.2017
Bachelor of Elementary Education - undefined
Simpson College
Indianola, IA05.1993
Skills
- IEP and BIP implementation
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Relationship building
- Co-teaching experience
- Inclusion strategies
- Parent communication
- Social skills development
- Trained in CPI
- Assistive technology
- Functional behavior assessment
- Scheduling proficiency
- Autism spectrum
- Data management
- De-escalation techniques
- Evidence-based assessment
Certification
Endorsements:
- K-6 Teacher Elementary Classroom
- K-8 Reading Endorsement
- K-12 Coaching Endorsement
- K-8 Instructional Strategist I: Mild/Mode
- K-12 Instructional Strategist II: ID
- Wilson Training
- CPI Certification
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
North Polk Community School District
08.2012 - Current
Owner/Operator
Daycare
07.2007 - 08.2012
Office Manager/Human Resources
Flooring America
02.2002 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Elementary Education - undefined
Simpson College
Specialist in Education - Educational Leadership
Northwest Missouri State
Master of Arts - Special Education
Morningside College
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