Nancy Dela Cruz
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
Experienced secondary special education teacher skilled in collaborative teaching and differentiated instruction. Proven ability to design engaging materials and monitor student progress, leading to improved academic performance and successful IEP implementation.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Secondary Special Education Teacher
Gallup McKinley County School District
Tohatchi, NM
08.2012 - 06.2025
- Developed individualized education plans to meet diverse student needs.
- Improved student test scores with consistent progress monitoring, targeted interventions, and differentiated instruction strategies.
- Served as a mentor for new special education teachers, sharing best practices and facilitating professional growth opportunities.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance student learning experiences.
- Conducted assessments and monitored progress for students with disabilities.
- Designed and delivered engaging instructional materials tailored to unique learning styles.
- Trained and mentored new teachers on special education best practices.
- Cotaught alongside general education teachers to provide integrated support for all learners within mainstream classrooms.
Middle School Special Education Teacher
Window Rock Unified School District
Window Rock, AZ
09.2009 - 05.2012
- Developed individualized education plans to meet diverse student needs.
- Implemented evidence-based instructional strategies to enhance learning outcomes for students with disabilities.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess student progress and adjust interventions accordingly.
- Established supportive classroom environments that fostered social and emotional growth among students.
- Conducted ongoing assessments to monitor student performance and inform instructional decisions.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques, accommodating diverse learning styles and abilities of students within the classroom.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, implementing positive reinforcement strategies to foster a safe and inclusive learning environment.
- Monitored student progress through regular assessments, analyzing results to inform instructional adjustments and improve outcomes.
- Developed collaborative partnerships with general education teachers, working together to create inclusive classrooms that met the needs of all learners.
- Established strong relationships with parents, conducting regular communication to provide updates on student progress and address any concerns.
Education
Master of Science - Education
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN06-2017
Bachelor of Arts - Medicinal Chemistry
Far Eastern University
Manila, PhilippinesMaster of Arts - Special Education
Saint Joseph College
Quezon City, Philippines06-2006
Skills
- Positive reinforcement
- Collaborative teaching
- Visual supports
- Team collaboration
- Functional behavior assessments
- Individualized education plans
- Math intervention
- Autism spectrum disorders
Accomplishments
- Special Education Department chairperson for three (3)years.
- Advisor for New Mexico Governor's STEM Challenge for Tohatchi High School for two (2) years.
- Trained fellow teachers on the procedures for completing Individual Education Plans.
- Science Department chairperson for two (2) years.
- Head Coach for Tohatchi High School Volleyball Team for a year
- Assistant/ JV Coach for Tohatchi High School for seven (7) years
Timeline
Secondary Special Education Teacher
Gallup McKinley County School District
08.2012 - 06.2025
Middle School Special Education Teacher
Window Rock Unified School District
09.2009 - 05.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Medicinal Chemistry
Far Eastern University
Master of Science - Education
Walden University
Master of Arts - Special Education
Saint Joseph College