Rachel Heslin
Johnson City
Summary
Dynamic Special Education Teacher with a proven track record at Susquehanna Valley Central Schools, adept at implementing IEPs and fostering inclusion strategies. Passionate about motivating students and enhancing their life skills through tailored instruction and collaborative teamwork, ensuring every student achieves their fullest potential. Committed to building strong relationships with parents and staff.
Knowledgeable in a variety of assessments with demonstrated expertise in evaluating and scoring assessments efficiently. Adept at maintaining accuracy and consistency, ensuring high-quality results. Proven ability to utilize analytical skills and attention to detail in collaborative environment.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Susquehanna Valley Central Schools
Conklin, NY
09.2003 - Current
- Adapted classroom materials and activities to accommodate individual learning needs.
- Trained support staff on effective strategies for working with students who have specific disabilities or complex medical needs.
- Served as advocate for rights of students with special needs within school community.
- Facilitated small group instruction to target specific skill deficits or promote social interaction among peers.
- Assisted in transition planning process for graduating high school seniors moving into post-secondary education or employment settings.
- Coordinated services from related professionals such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists to provide comprehensive support for students.
- Communicated effectively with parents, caregivers, and other team members regarding student progress and goals.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance data to inform instructional decisions.
- Assessed students’ progress regularly through formal and informal assessments.
- Supervised paraprofessionals working within special education classroom setting.
- Participated in professional development opportunities focused on improving teaching practices for students with disabilities.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to support student inclusion in mainstream classrooms.
- Provided direct instruction in various academic areas including reading, writing, math, social studies, and science while focusing on functional life skills when appropriate.
- Developed individualized education plans IEPs for students with diverse learning needs.
- Utilized technology to enhance instruction, motivate students, and improve communication skills.
- Liaised with parents faculty, and administrators address students’ behavioral challenges and academic problems.
Education
Master of Science (M.S.) - Literacy Education
State University of New York Binghamton
Vestal, NY05-2006
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Elementary and Special Education
State University of New York at Cortland
Cortland, NY05-2003
Skills
- IEP implementation
- Classroom integration
- Group and individual instruction
- Inclusion strategies
- Instructional adaptation
- Co-teaching experience
- Small group instruction
- Excellent classroom management
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Skills development
- Transition planning
- Positive role model
- Relationship building
- Life skills instruction
- Motivating students
- Lesson planning
- Student records management
- Parent communications
- Differentiated instruction
- Collaborative teamwork
- Adaptability
- Effective teamwork
- Flexibility
LANGUAGE
English
Native
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Susquehanna Valley Central Schools
09.2003 - Current
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Elementary and Special Education
State University of New York at Cortland
Master of Science (M.S.) - Literacy Education
State University of New York Binghamton