Monica Nicole Walker
Stafford,TX
Summary
Compassionate special education teacher with over 20 years of experience using the best teaching practices. Goal-driven to increase student engagement and academic achievement. Committed to maintaining a welcoming classroom atmosphere and fostering meaningful relationships with students, staff, and parents.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Houston Independent School District, HISD
Houston, TX
08.2024 - Current
- Provided direct instruction to students with IEP's in the resource classroom. Utilizing best practices to ensure their academic progress and success.
- Conducted assessments of student performance and provided feedback to parents.
- Collaborated with other educators and related service providers to design instructional plans.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities.
- Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs.
English High School Resource Teacher
Fort Bend ISD
Richmond, TX
08.2023 - 06.2024
- I taught Applied Reading and Applied English in person to multilingual high school students with IEPs.
- Assigned and graded classwork, homework, tests, and assignments.
- Wrote IEPs that were in compliance with special education laws and regulations, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Participated in ARD Committee and staff meetings
- Case managed and maintained records regarding progress toward IEP goals through ongoing data collection
- Maintained open lines of communication with students, parents, administrators and community members
- Developed and implemented lesson plans that addressed grade-level TEKS which allowed student access to the general education curriculum
- Delivered specialized instruction and interventions to students with disabilities, utilizing evidence-based teaching strategies and accommodations
- Modified and adapted curriculum materials incorporating current technology tools while applying the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
- Created and enforced classroom rules and procedures for maintaining a safe, inclusive and effective learning environment
- Implemented positive behavioral interventions and supports
ELA Teacher
Stride K-12 Learning Solutions
03.2022 - 08.2023
- Taught middle and high school ELA in a virtual setting using technology to strengthen the teaching/learning process
- Collaborated with other teachers to facilitate lesson planning and differentiated instruction
- Taught using state standards and core curriculum while providing students the opportunity to gain from real-life experiences
EC (Exceptional Children) Teacher General Curriculum
Alamance Burlington School System
Burlington, NC
09.2020 - 01.2022
- Virtually taught sixth through eighth-grade students with (Individual Education Plans) IEPs using the learning management system called CANVAS
- Provided students with feedback on their achievement and growth in a virtual break-out room
- Employed diverse teaching techniques using technology to promote active learning
- Collaboratively created IEP goals tailored to the student's individual needs and present levels of academic performance
- Wrote IEPs that are in compliance with special education laws and regulations, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
EC Teacher General Curriculum
Guilford County Schools
Greensboro, NC
09.2019 - 05.2020
- Taught third through fifth-grade Exceptional Children, in-person, using evidence-based instructional strategies and interventions for students with disabilities such as specific learning disability (SLD), other health impairment (OHI), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Emotional disturbance (ED), speech or language impairment (SL), intellectual disability (ID) and visual impairment (VI)
- Worked closely with general education teachers and parents and related service providers to ensure that students received instruction on their independent and instructional levels
- Wrote IEPs and tracked student growth throughout the year
- Provided Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) support
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago, IL
01.2012 - 12.2019
- Delivered in-person intensive, systematic research-based instruction and interventions
- Aided kindergarten through eighth-grade students in developing academically, socially, and emotionally while maintaining a positive learning environment
- Developed and implemented IEPs for diverse learners in a separate setting and the general education classroom
- Wrote IEPs that were in compliance with special education laws and regulations, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Coordinated with parents, teachers, teacher's assistants, and various service providers for students having various disabilities
- Taught common core state standards in subjects such as English Language Arts, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies
- Balanced whole-group, small-group, and individual instruction to accommodate different academic levels and learning styles; as well as designed and implemented Behavior Intervention Plans
- Employed diverse teaching techniques to promote active learning including individualized instruction, scaffolding, repetition, multiple intelligence strategies, cooperative learning, universal design, and peer tutoring
Education
Master of Education - Special Education
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN01.2010
Master of Education - Secondary Education
Peabody College at Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN01.1998
Bachelor of Science - Speech Communication
Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN01.1990
Skills
- Writing IEPs and case managing
- Creating adaptable lesson plans
- Assessing student academic levels
- Creating a positive and motivating classroom environment
- Transition planning
- Trained in CPI
- MS Office proficient
- Literacy intervention
- Assistive technology
- African drum instructor
- Inclusion strategies
- Competent in smartboard technology
- Group and individual instruction
- Community resource referrals
- Creating and implementing behavior plans
- Employing clear communication and problem-solving skills
- Using strong teamwork skills
- Evidence-based instruction
- Technology integration
- ESL Tutor
Certification
- Texas Educator Certificate, ELAR (English Language Arts and Reading) w/STR 4-8 & SPED Mild to Moderate EC-12
- TN SPED Teaching Certification
- NC SPED Teaching Certification
- AZ SPED Teaching Certification
- MD SPED Teaching Certification
- MO SPED Teaching Certification
- SC SPED Teaching Certification
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Houston Independent School District, HISD
08.2024 - Current
English High School Resource Teacher
Fort Bend ISD
08.2023 - 06.2024
ELA Teacher
Stride K-12 Learning Solutions
03.2022 - 08.2023
EC (Exceptional Children) Teacher General Curriculum
Alamance Burlington School System
09.2020 - 01.2022
EC Teacher General Curriculum
Guilford County Schools
09.2019 - 05.2020
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
01.2012 - 12.2019
Master of Education - Special Education
Lipscomb University
Master of Education - Secondary Education
Peabody College at Vanderbilt University
Bachelor of Science - Speech Communication
Tennessee State University
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