Years of Special Education Experience
Rachel Ables
Special Education Modified (k-12) and Certified Teacher of Visual Impairments (CTVI)
Cordova,TN
Overview
20
20
14
14
Special Education Lead Teacher in same distict
1
1
Master's in Special Education - Modified (k-12)
1
1
Certified Teacher of VIsual Impairments (CTVI)
Work History
Teacher of Student's with Visual Impairments (CTVI)
Bartlett City Schools/Contracted out with Germantown Municipal School District
06.2024 - 10.2024
- Develop and implement individualized educational plans (IEPs)
- Develop and implement Functional Visual and Learning Media Assessments (FVLMA) for students
- Determine initial eligibility for students based on Tennessee state law and federal law
- Conduct re-evaluations of students as needed
- Provide necessary materials to students who meet Federal Quota requirements
- Review students' cumulative files
- Fax eye reports to doctors and interpret the results
- Develop and implement functional vision assessments and learning media assessments
- Integrate students with visual impairments into general education classrooms
- Modify work as needed
- Provide Braille training in UEB and Nemeth code
- Implement the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC)
- I seek assistance when necessary
- Lead and participate in meetings at different schools
- Research unfamiliar eye conditions and reach out to other resources
- Keep team members informed of student progress
- Order and distribute large print books for visually impaired students
- Sign students up for free services like the National Library Services (NLS)
- Write and present documents for IEP meetings
- I work with students ranging from kindergarten to age 22 with various eye conditions
- Implement goals and objectives set in the IEP
- Supervise, train, and provide strategies to practice within the classroom setting
- Manage classroom behaviors
- Use and implement assistive technology such as embossers and braille writers
- Encourage students to explore and advocate for themselves
- Support orientation and mobility goals and related service goals
- Encourage parents to be actively involved in their child's education and independence
- Adhere to state and federal laws.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs.
- Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
- Completed student progress reports mid-term to notify students and parents of strengths and areas of improvement.
Reource/Co-Teach: SPED Student
Bartlett City Schools
08.2023 - 06.2024
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
Preschool: Special Education Teacher
Bartlett City Schools
09.2017 - 05.2024
- Create and implement age-appropriate goals and objectives
- Use various teaching strategies based on individual needs and preferences
- Reinforce positive behavior
- Provide a safe and structured environment
- Incorporate sensory activities
- Promote language development through storyboards, songs, sign language
- Promote communication using Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
- Create and implement visual schedules for daily and school schedules
- Establish professional relationships with parents, teachers, directors, and therapists
- Collaborate with general education teachers and related services
- Encourage parents to be actively involved in their child's education
- Create situations to promote communication and problem-solving skills
- A team player
- Manage and train paraprofessionals
- Effectively communicate with paraprofessionals, parents, and school personnel
- Provided respite night in December for parents to have a night to themselves
- Promote independence
- Adhere to state and federal laws.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
Teacher: Alternative/Behavior Classroom
Bartlett City Schools
08.2012 - 05.2016
- Developed Individualized Educational Plans (IEP) based on the individual needs of the students
- Created, developed, and implemented behavioral charts and plans based on the student's individualized needs
- Collected data using customizable behavioral charts based on the individual
- Integrated students into the general educational classroom
- Kept up with current training in crisis management, CPR, and AED
- Wrote and presented documents to lead IEP meetings
- Administered TCAP TN Ready and/or MIST testing
- Implemented general educational lesson plans
- Worked with students ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade
- I worked with a variety of disabilities, emotional disturbance, behavioral disorders, and autism
- Created and implemented behavior goals and objectives
- Supervised and trained assistants
- Collaborated with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning and student engagement
- Delegated tasks to teacher assistants
- Managed classroom behaviors
- Implemented RTI (intervention) programs
- Created, customized, and integrated a point system to document student's individual behavioral needs
- Taught students to take ownership and responsibility for their actions using social skills and role play
- Taught students that actions have consequences
- Encouraged students to explore issues in their lives and in the world around them and provided coping and problem-solving skills
- Encouraged parents to take an active role in their child's education through training, open communication, and available resources within their community
- Abided by state and federal law.
- Completed student progress reports mid-term to notify students and parents of strengths and areas of improvement.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs.
- Designed detailed learning plans for struggling students based on test, homework and assignment records.
Special Education Teacher: Functional Skills
Shelby County
08.2010 - 05.2012
- Collaborated with parents, teachers, and other professionals to ensure the best educational plan for each student
- Provided ongoing support and guidance to staff in implementing IEPs
- Attended and participated in IEP meetings and annual reviews
- Conducted alternative assessments to monitor progress (Portfolio) and make adjustments to individualized plans as needed
- Supported students in accessing and participating in extracurricular activities
- Acted as a liaison between school and community resources
- Kept up to date with current trends and best practices in special education
- Engaged in professional development to enhance skills and knowledge
- Prioritized student safety and well-being at all times
- Built positive relationships with students to foster a supportive learning environment
- Adapted teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of students
- Celebrated successes and milestones with students to promote a positive self-image
- Strived to create an inclusive and welcoming classroom environment for all students.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
Timeline
Teacher of Student's with Visual Impairments (CTVI)
Bartlett City Schools/Contracted out with Germantown Municipal School District
06.2024 - 10.2024
Reource/Co-Teach: SPED Student
Bartlett City Schools
08.2023 - 06.2024
Preschool: Special Education Teacher
Bartlett City Schools
09.2017 - 05.2024
Teacher: Alternative/Behavior Classroom
Bartlett City Schools
08.2012 - 05.2016
Special Education Teacher: Functional Skills
Shelby County
08.2010 - 05.2012
- Master's 2012: Certified Special Education Teacher Modified (K-12)
- Master's 2017: Certified Teacher of Visual Impairments (CTVI)
Master of Science - Teacher of Students Visual Impairments
Trevecca. Nazarene University
Master of Science - Special Education
University of Memphis
Bachelor of Science - Child Development and Family Studies
Middle Tennessee State University
Work Availability
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Quote
When we can begin to take our failures nonseriously, it means we are ceasing to be afraid of them. It is of immense importance to learn to laugh at ourselves.
Katherine Mansfield
Summary
I am passionate about empowering students with disabilities and dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment that meets them am passionate about empowering students with disabilities and dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment that meets the unique needs of each student in my classroom. With over 20 years of teaching experience, including 14 years in the same district, I have effectively collaborated with parents, therapists, and fellow educators to develop comprehensive educational plans.
I believe in fostering strong relationships among all individuals involved in a student's well-being, aiming to create a supportive and individualized environment that helps students understand their disabilities and the requirements for their success. Drawing from my personal experience navigating my own disability, I advocate strongly for independence and self-advocacy.
I possess strong problem-solving abilities, a willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. I am ready to contribute to team success and achieve positive outcomes while embracing new challenges with dedication and enthusiasm. I demonstrate strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with a proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. I am eager to contribute to team success and further develop my professional skills while maintaining a positive attitude and a commitment to continuous learning and growth. and fellow educators to develop comprehensive educational plans.
I believe in fostering strong relationships among all individuals involved in a student's well-being, aiming to create a supportive and individualized environment that helps students understand their disabilities and the requirements for their success. Drawing from my personal experience navigating my own disability, I advocate strongly for independence and self-advocacy.
I possess strong problem-solving abilities, a willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. I am ready to contribute to team success and achieve positive outcomes while embracing new challenges with dedication and enthusiasm. I demonstrate strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with a proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. I am eager to contribute to team success and further develop my professional skills while maintaining a positive attitude and a commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Education
Master of Science - Teacher of Students Visual Impairments
Trevecca. Nazarene University
01.2017
Master of Science - Special Education
University of Memphis
Memphis TN01.2012
Bachelor of Science - Child Development and Family Studies
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro01.2005
Skills
- Certified modified (k-12)
- Certified Teacher of Visual Impairments (CTVI)
- Complete all coursework in Orientation and Mobility (O&M)
- Complete 6-week "under blindfold" training (O&M)
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Classroom Organization
- Progress Monitoring
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Data Collection
- Positive Reinforcement
- IEP planning
- Life Skills Instruction
- Motivating students
- Instructional Strategies
- Differentiated Instruction
- Curriculum Adjustments
- Lesson Planning
- Student Records Management
- Excellent classroom management
- Data Management
- De-Escalation Techniques
- IEP and BIP implementation
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
- Behavior Modifications
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Cognitive and behavioral development
- Progress Evaluations
- Small Group Instruction
- Relationship Building
- Learning disabilities expertise
- Crisis Prevention and Intervention
- Non-violent crisis intervention
- Social integration
- Special Education
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Group and individual instruction
- IEP implementation
- Positive Role Model
- Mobility Assistance
- Emotional Support
- Classroom Management
- Assessment administration
- Classroom integration
- Evidence-based assessment
- Student Support
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Team Collaboration
- Learning Style Assessment
- American Sign Language
- Behavior Intervention Plans
- Elementary Education
- Collaborative Teamwork
Certification
- Master's 2012: Certified Special Education Teacher Modified (K-12)
- Master's 2017: Certified Teacher of Visual Impairments (CTVI)
Accomplishments
- Chosen for the BASE TN Program: Masters in Special Education - Graduated sum cum lade - 3.9 GPA
- Chosen by Trevecca to represent West Tennessee to become a Certified Teacher of Visual Impairments (CTVI): 2nd Masters: Graduated sum cum laude - 3.8 GPA
- Completed all coursework in Orientation and Mobility (O&M)
- Completed intense 6-week program "under blindfold" in Texas (O&M).
- Dynamic Teaching Techniques - Instructed students in academic subjects using variety of techniques such as phonetics, multisensory learning and repetition to reinforce learning.
- Excellent with Microsoft Word
Affiliations
- Christian Educators Association
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
RemoteHybridImportant To Me
Flexible work hoursWork from home option401k match4-day work weekUniversity of Memphis Guest Speaker
During my master's program at the University of Memphis, my SPED 101 teacher invited me to return to future classes for the next three years, both while I was attending and after I graduated. I presented on PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) and ADHD, as I believe that understanding how you learn and what works best for you is crucial for self-advocacy. Therefore, it's essential for students to know their learning styles and the reasons behind them. This is why I strongly advocate for independence and self-advocacy.
Activities
- Member of the Christian Educators International Association (CEIA)
- Professionally Trained in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI)
- Trained in escalation tactics
- Trained in sensory integration
- Trained in autism with a background in behavior
- Trained in CPR and AED
- Certified in Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS)
- Lead PD on PECS
- Guest speaker at the University of Memphis on ADHD and PECS after graduation
- Early/beginning phases of authoring a book
- Simulation activities for students with visual impairments
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