Niki Kottre
Broken Arrow,OK
Summary
Passionate Special Education Teacher and advocate with 16+ years of experience supporting diverse learners, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, cognitive delays, physical impairments, emotional disorders, and general developmental delays. Skilled in fostering inclusive, equitable environments and advocating for the individualized needs of students across academic, behavioral, social-emotional, executive functioning, and adaptive development. Proven leadership experience in program development, team collaboration, and advocating for systemic changes in educational settings. Adept at maintaining strong communication with parents and families, fostering collaboration to support student success. Seeking to leverage my expertise in special education to contribute as an assistant principal or administrator in special education, driving effective educational practices and supporting school-wide initiatives.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher, Team Lead
Broken Arrow Public Schools
12.2015 - Current
- Teacher of students, K-2, with Autism Spectrum Disorder, diverse abilities, and chronic health conditions in a self-contained classroom
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals
- 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
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans
- Regularly assessed student progress using various methods and utilized data to tailor instruction, ensuring accurate skill development and improved learning outcomes
- 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
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices
- Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students' understanding of real-world applications for their skills
- Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations
- Integrated social skills training into curriculum, facilitating improved peer interactions and social integration
- Created culturally responsive classroom environment, acknowledging and celebrating diversity among students
- Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills
- Reduced feelings of isolation among students with special needs by implementing inclusive classroom practices
- Mentored new teachers in special education best practices, including instruction, classroom management, progress monitoring, and legal documentation, while leading professional development sessions on inclusive education to enhance school-wide support for students with disabilities
- Encouraged parent and guardian involvement in educational process, enhancing home-school connection and supporting student achievement
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Applied proven strategies to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills
- Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and employee recognition initiatives
- Served as a role model for the team by demonstrating commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to company values at all times
- Enhanced overall team performance by providing regular coaching, feedback, and skill development opportunities
- Managed scheduling for special education students and staff, coordinated data-driven meetings with colleagues and parents, maintained digital records, and developed reports and project plans to support student success
- Created and managed project plans and timelines
Special Needs Consultant
Inclusion Revolution (Self-Employed)
01.2014 - Current
- Partnered with businesses to foster inclusive workplaces, ensuring accessibility and engagement for neurotypical employees and customers
- Assessed client needs and workplace operations to identify gaps, develop customized DEI strategies, and implement data-driven solutions that align with company goals and industry best practices
- Advised leadership on DEI best practices and the integration of equitable policies, enhancing workplace culture, employee retention, and long-term organizational change
- Designed and led targeted training programs and workshops on inclusive communication, accessibility, neurodiversity awareness, and workplace accommodations to enhance employee understanding and foster an inclusive work environment
- Built strong client relationships through regular check-ins and strategic recommendations, delivering detailed reports and presentations with actionable insights to drive DEI initiatives
- Streamlined internal processes to improve team collaboration, efficiency, and equitable decision-making
- Evaluated customer and employee feedback to refine business strategies and improve overall experiences
- Provided one-on-one coaching to employees and management, fostering an inclusive and high-performing work environment
Special Education Advocate
Inclusion Revolution (Self-Employed)
01.2015 - Current
- Provided advocacy and support to families navigating the special education system, including IEPs, IDEA, Section 504, and early intervention services, while ensuring equal access to educational opportunities and connecting families with relevant social services and resources
- Collaborated with general and special education teachers, and multidisciplinary teams, to develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs), self-advocacy strategies, and positive behavior support techniques, ensuring a comprehensive and accessible learning environment that enhances student independence, academic progress, and social-emotional development
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans (IEPs), self-advocacy strategies, and positive behavior support techniques to enhance student independence, academic progress, and social-emotional development
- Implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) and research-based strategies to support academic progress, positive behavior, and social-emotional development for students with disabilities
- Conducted research on evidence-based practices in special education advocacy, using findings to inform instructional approaches
- Fostered trust and effective communication with students and families, ensuring ongoing involvement in educational and case progress
- Assisted in the development of transition plans for students moving from one educational setting to another, ensuring continuity of support
- Managed caseloads effectively, balancing time spent on direct services, consultation, and advocacy efforts to maximize student outcomes
- Negotiated appropriate accommodations for students during assessments, maximizing their ability to demonstrate knowledge effectively
- Contributed significantly towards improving overall school climate through consistent promotion of inclusivity amongst staff members
- Engaged in professional development and shared knowledge by presenting at conferences and workshops on special education advocacy and inclusion practices
- Monitored compliance with state and federal regulations, maintained accurate case records, and documented data to ensure consistent service delivery
- Conducted outreach to families and other community partners to identify ways to address social, emotional and behavioral needs
Academic/Life Coach
Northeastern State University
11.2023 - 08.2024
- Built and maintained strategic partnerships with community organizations, schools, and businesses, increasing the client base through networking, referrals, and targeted marketing
- Successfully maintained client confidentiality while managing case notes and records in compliance with industry standards
- Provided personalized coaching sessions, developing customized action plans, assessing progress, and adapting strategies to help clients achieve short- and long-term goals, improve life balance, and increase productivity
- Conducted workshops on various topics, such as stress management, time management, and goal setting, to enhance client skills and knowledge
- Promoted self-awareness in clients by utilizing reflective questioning techniques during coaching sessions
- Utilized evidence-based approaches in designing personalized coaching interventions targeting specific areas of improvement for clients
- Increased client success by implementing strategies for accountability and connecting clients with additional resources
- Helped clients build life management and coping skills to handle daily needs and specific stressors
- Fostered trust and open communication with diverse clients by creating a safe, supportive environment and demonstrating cultural sensitivity
- Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients
- Expanded expertise in life coaching through continuous education, while mentoring new coaches and sharing best practices to support career success
Paraprofessional
Broken Arrow Public Schools
08.2012 - 05.2014
- Served as a Paraprofessional for a Self-Contained special education classroom serving students, ages 3-4, with developmental delays
- Built positive relationships with students, parents, and faculty, and contributed to school initiatives through professional development and collaboration on best practices
- Assisted in implementing accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs and contributed to progress monitoring through data collection and analysis
- Provided one-on-one and small group assistance, delivering personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to students to promote positive learning outcomes
- Assisted in implementing behavior management techniques and monitoring student progress to maintain a structured, supportive learning environment
- Monitored and supervised students in the classroom, common areas, and during non-instructional periods (e.g., lunch, recess, field trips), ensuring safety and maintaining a structured environment
Education
Certification-School Administration - School Administration
Northeastern State University
Broken Arrow, Ok05-2025
Masters of Special Education - Autism Spectrum Disorders
Northeastern State University
Broken Arrow, OK05.2018
Bachelor of Science - General Education
Northeastern State University
Broken Arrow, OK12.2015
Associates of Liberal Arts -
Tulsa Community College
Broken Arrow, OK 05.2013
Skills
- Instructional Leadership & Curriculum Development
- Team Leadership & Development
- Parent Engagement & Communication
- IEP Development & Student Achievement
- Data-Driven Instruction & Assessment
- Staff Development & Mentoring
- Program & School Improvement Management
- Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
- Student Engagement & Positive Learning Environment
- Organizational Leadership & Multitasking
- Verbal & Written Communication
- Empathy & Patience
Certification
- Teaching Certification in Special Education Mild/Moderate, Oklahoma
- Teaching Certification in Elementary Education, Oklahoma
- Teaching Certification in Mid-Level English, Oklahoma
- Teaching Certification in School Administration
- Masters of Special Education-Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oklahoma
- MANDT Certified, 09/01/24
- CPR/First Aid/Epi-Pen Certified, 11/01/24
- Master IEP Coach Certification, 03/01/22
- Unified Champions Leader, 08/01/23-Present
- Unified Champions Coach, 09/01/23-Present
University Service
- Academic/Life Coach and Mentor for College of Education, Riverhawk Center for Teacher Excellence, Northeastern State University, 11-01-2023-02-01-2024
- STEAM Summer Academy Student Teacher Facilitator, Northeastern State University, 07-01-2024-07-31-2024
Training
- Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents, 02/01/16
- Dr. Temple Grandin Autism and Asperger's Syndrome, 04/01/17
- SOS Approach to Feeding-Feeding the Child on the Autism Spectrum, 01/01/18
- Food Therapy Training-Foundational Plan/Skills, 01/01/18
- Insights to Behavior, 12/01/19
- STAR Autism Support-Strategies for Teaching Based on Autism Research, 10/01/20
- Using Technology to Support Students with Special Needs, 03/01/21
- Wrights Law-Special Education Law and Advocacy Training, 09/01/21
- TBRI-Trust Based Relational Intervention, 03/01/22
- Exposure and Response Prevention for Autistic Youth and Adults with OCD, 10/01/22
- Suicide Risk Assessment in Patients with Anxiety-Related Disorders, 02/01/23
- UFLI Foundations, 04/01/23
- Spelling To Communicate Fundamentals, 10/01/23
- Oklahoma Statewide Autism Conference, 10/01/23
- SERC Facilitator Training, 11/01/23
- Effective Instructional Practices for Teaching Transition Skills for Students Participating in Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program, 01/01/24
- Inclusive Communications Conference, 07/01/24
- Trauma Responsive Education, 2024-2025 School Year
- Aspiring Administrators' Academy, 2024-2025 School Year
Seminar And Workshop Presentations
- Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT), Northeastern State University PPAT Seminar, Speaker and Co-Facilitator, Broken Arrow, OK, 02/01/24
- Community Partner Resource Fair for Teacher, Northeastern State University Teacher Resource Fair, Presenter and Co-Facilitator, Broken Arrow, OK, 04/01/24
- Special Education Workshop, Northeastern State University Special Education Workshop/Seminar for Current Education Students, Presenter and Facilitator, Broken Arrow, OK, 07/01/24
- Classroom Management Seminar-Special Education, Northeastern State University Classroom Management Seminar for Student Teacher Interns and Current Teachers, Presenter and Co-Facilitator, Broken Arrow, OK, 07/01/24
Timeline
Academic/Life Coach
Northeastern State University
11.2023 - 08.2024
Special Education Teacher, Team Lead
Broken Arrow Public Schools
12.2015 - Current
Special Education Advocate
Inclusion Revolution (Self-Employed)
01.2015 - Current
Special Needs Consultant
Inclusion Revolution (Self-Employed)
01.2014 - Current
Paraprofessional
Broken Arrow Public Schools
08.2012 - 05.2014
- Teaching Certification in Special Education Mild/Moderate, Oklahoma
- Teaching Certification in Elementary Education, Oklahoma
- Teaching Certification in Mid-Level English, Oklahoma
- Teaching Certification in School Administration
- Masters of Special Education-Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oklahoma
- MANDT Certified, 09/01/24
- CPR/First Aid/Epi-Pen Certified, 11/01/24
- Master IEP Coach Certification, 03/01/22
- Unified Champions Leader, 08/01/23-Present
- Unified Champions Coach, 09/01/23-Present
Certification-School Administration - School Administration
Northeastern State University
Masters of Special Education - Autism Spectrum Disorders
Northeastern State University
Bachelor of Science - General Education
Northeastern State University
Associates of Liberal Arts -
Tulsa Community College
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