Rachel Lewis
Grand Rapids,MI
Summary
Resilient former Special Education Teacher familiar with challenges associated with teaching children with disabilities. Remains positive under times of stress or conflict. Skilled at building rapport with and among children. Ability to design engaging activities for children to participate in.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Kentwood Public Schools
11.2022 - Current
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- 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.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Provided life skills programming for students with moderate to severe autism.
- Engaged students with specialized play and educational activities to boost learning.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
Middle School Special Education Teacher
Grand Rapids Public Schools
08.2022 - 11.2022
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
Substitute Teacher
Edustaff
01.2021 - 06.2022
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Utilized variety of instructional strategies to meet individual student needs.
Caregiver, Special Needs
Suzanne Anderson
05.2019 - 08.2021
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Assisted with dressing guidance, grooming, meal preparation, and medication reminders.
- Engaged patients in meaningful conversation, socialization, and activity while providing personal care assistance.
- Built strong relationships with clients to deliver emotional support and companionship.
- Cleaned house, ran errands, managed laundry, and completed weekly grocery shopping.
- Transported individuals to events and activities, medical appointments, and shopping trips.
- Recognized and reported abnormalities or changes in patients' health status to case manager.
- Supported daily hygiene needs of patients by assisting with bathing, dressing, dental care and personal grooming.
Behavior Technician
Centria Autism Services
08.2019 - 12.2020
- Developed and implemented reinforcement systems to encourage positive behaviors.
- Documented interventions, assessments and progress reports on database to enable tracking history and maintain consistent records.
- Promoted positive interactions with children with ADHD, Autism and oppositional defiance behavior by using visual supports, simplifying communication, and utilizing stress scales to turn emotions into concrete concepts.
- Observed, monitored and recorded problem behaviors through accurate behavior-consequence data collection, graphs, and anecdotal notes.
- Trained clients to apply appropriate social skills and behavior modification techniques.
- Worked as part of collaborative team to address changing needs of children and families.
Paraprofessional Educator
Huron Valley Schools
07.2018 - 08.2018
- Provided support to help students with special needs learn and grow.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
- Delivered curriculum in both one-on-one lessons and group learning environments.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Saginaw Valley State University
Saginaw, MI12.2021
Skills
- Behavior Modifications
- Instructional Strategies
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Differentiated Instruction
- Conflict Resolution Techniques
- Parent Communication
- Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Skills Development
Timeline
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Kentwood Public Schools
11.2022 - Current
Middle School Special Education Teacher
Grand Rapids Public Schools
08.2022 - 11.2022
Substitute Teacher
Edustaff
01.2021 - 06.2022
Behavior Technician
Centria Autism Services
08.2019 - 12.2020
Caregiver, Special Needs
Suzanne Anderson
05.2019 - 08.2021
Paraprofessional Educator
Huron Valley Schools
07.2018 - 08.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Saginaw Valley State University
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