PAULA KJELLENBERG
Sister Bay,USA
Summary
Dedicated educator with extensive experience supporting students with diverse academic, behavioral, and emotional needs in inclusive and specialized educational settings. Expertise in case management, IEP development, differentiated instruction, family collaboration, and student advocacy enhances the ability to tailor educational approaches to individual requirements. Proven track record of building strong relationships with students, families, and staff contributes to the creation of supportive learning environments that foster growth, independence, and success. Committed to empowering every student to reach full potential through personalized support and innovative teaching strategies.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher (Cross-Categorical)
Southern Door High School
01.2018 - Current
- Manage and support a caseload of 115+ students across general education classrooms and resource room settings.
- Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to ensure student growth and compliance.
- Lead IEP meetings and collaborate with families, teachers, administrators, and service providers.
- Maintain regular parent communication regarding student progress, accommodations, and behavioral supports.
- Provide direct instruction in academic, executive functioning, and social-emotional skills.
- Collaborate with general education teachers to implement accommodations and modifications.
- Monitor academic and behavioral data to guide interventions and instructional decisions.
- Support transition planning for post-secondary education, employment, and independent living.
- Advocate for student success by building independence and self-advocacy skills.
Language Arts Teacher
Unity Junior High School
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Taught 8th grade language arts to 80 students in a diverse junior high school setting.
- Created and differentiated lesson plans for multiple learning levels.
- Increased student achievement, with 60% of students improving MAP reading scores.
- Planned and executed annual Literacy Night for students and families.
- Promoted student engagement through targeted interventions and relationship-building.
Special Education Teacher
Bridge View Day School
01.2005 - 01.2016
- Taught and supported high school students with learning, behavioral, emotional, and autism-related disabilities.
- Designed and implemented curriculum across multiple subject areas.
- Participated in IEP development, progress monitoring, and annual reviews.
- Led curriculum selection and managed a $20K curriculum budget.
- Supervised classroom aides and trained new special education staff.
- Coordinated graduation programs and community-based educational partnerships.
- Improved efficiency by implementing computer-based instructional systems.
Substitute Teacher
Pope John XXIII Catholic School
01.2005 - 01.2005
- Provided classroom instruction across K–8 grade levels and subject areas.
- Followed lesson plans and maintained positive classroom environments.
- Supported student learning and classroom management needs.
Restaurant Manager
Bravo Brio Restaurant Group
01.1991 - 01.2003
- Provided leadership and supervision to 20+ employees in high-volume restaurant settings.
- Managed staff scheduling, hiring, training, coaching, and disciplinary actions.
- Developed and implemented employee training programs to improve efficiency.
- Oversaw daily operations including payroll, purchasing, and accounting.
- Delivered exceptional customer service and resolved customer concerns effectively.
- Built strong team culture through leadership, accountability, and staff development.
Education
M.A. - Special Education
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, ILB.S. - Secondary Education and History
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, ILSkills
- IEP Development & Case Management
- Differentiated Instruction
- Behavior Intervention Support
- Parent & Family Communication
- Curriculum Development
- Inclusive Classroom Collaboration
- Progress Monitoring & Data Analysis
- Transition Planning
- Staff Training & Leadership
- Budget Management
- Program Development & Evaluation
- Event Planning & Community Engagement
Certification
- State Certifications:
- Type 10, Special Education (LBS1), Preschool–21
- Type 09, Standard Secondary Teaching Certification (6–12)
Timeline
Special Education Teacher (Cross-Categorical)
Southern Door High School
01.2018 - Current
Language Arts Teacher
Unity Junior High School
01.2016 - 01.2018
Special Education Teacher
Bridge View Day School
01.2005 - 01.2016
Substitute Teacher
Pope John XXIII Catholic School
01.2005 - 01.2005
Restaurant Manager
Bravo Brio Restaurant Group
01.1991 - 01.2003
B.S. - Secondary Education and History
Northeastern Illinois University
M.A. - Special Education
Northeastern Illinois University