Michelle Menegas
Asotin,WA
Summary
Special education professional with a 19 year 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. Strong advocate for emotional intelligence.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Lewiston Independent School District
07.2023 - Current
- 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.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students'' understanding of real-world applications for their skills.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Fostered positive learning environment, reducing classroom disruptions through effective behavior management strategies.
Special Education Teacher
Beaverton School District
06.2015 - 06.2023
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- Implemented individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs, ensuring personalized support.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet varied needs of students, enhancing educational accessibility.
- Enhanced communication skills in non-verbal students through integration of alternative and augmentative communication systems.
- Conducted assessments to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement, informing instructional strategies.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive educational and emotional support for students.
- Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
- Collaborated with parents and other educators to develop comprehensive support plans, promoting student success.
- Created culturally responsive classroom environment, acknowledging and celebrating diversity among students.
- Organized and led professional development sessions for colleagues on inclusive education strategies, improving school-wide support for students with disabilities.
- Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.
- Developed and executed behavioral intervention plans, leading to decrease in disruptive behaviors and increase in classroom participation.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
Special Education Teacher
MTX Therapy Services
08.2014 - 06.2015
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Trauma informed support
- Teenage addiction support
- Assisted clients in developing healthy coping mechanisms to replace destructive behaviors associated with substance abuse.
- Facilitated educational presentations on substance abuse awareness at local schools, community events, and professional conferences.
Special Education Teacher
Clarkston School District
07.2006 - 08.2014
- Increased parent engagement through regular communication, building strong relationships and fostering a supportive learning environment at home.
- Supported social-emotional growth by incorporating SEL activities into daily routines, fostering a positive classroom climate conducive to learning.
- Facilitated successful transitions for students entering high school or transitioning out of high school
- Aligned with DHS/DD Services for post-secondary supports
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
Education
Educational Secialist (Ed.S) - Educational Leadership And Management
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ05-2016
Master of Arts - Special Education
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ05-2013
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Lewis Clark State College
Lewiston, ID05-2006
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Small group instruction
- Relationship building
- Collaborative teamwork
- Data management
- Inclusion strategies
- Group and individual instruction
- Motivating students
- Parent communication
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- De-escalation techniques
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 9-13 staff members
- Provided training district wide
- Autism specialty area (70+ trainings)
- TEACCH trained (UNC)
- Well versed in PBIS
- Supported 5 student teacher candidates
- Mentor inters
Certification
- Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention Program from the U of O
- MANDT
- OIS
- Reading minor
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Lewiston Independent School District
07.2023 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Beaverton School District
06.2015 - 06.2023
Special Education Teacher
MTX Therapy Services
08.2014 - 06.2015
Special Education Teacher
Clarkston School District
07.2006 - 08.2014
Educational Secialist (Ed.S) - Educational Leadership And Management
Grand Canyon University
Master of Arts - Special Education
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Lewis Clark State College
Similar Profiles
Lomax AmandaLomax Amanda
Teacher - Kindergarten at Lewiston Independent School DistrictTeacher - Kindergarten at Lewiston Independent School District
Heidi CornellHeidi Cornell
Third Grade Teacher at Lewiston Independent School DistrictThird Grade Teacher at Lewiston Independent School District
JENNIFER KENSINGERJENNIFER KENSINGER
Elementary and Middle School Teacher at LEWISTON - PORTER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICTElementary and Middle School Teacher at LEWISTON - PORTER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Eric EndicottEric Endicott
Lead Carpenter, Handyman at Sullivan construction llcLead Carpenter, Handyman at Sullivan construction llc
Ashley JonesAshley Jones
Customer Service Cashier at NomNomCustomer Service Cashier at NomNom