Rebecca Austin
Special Education Teacher
Wilmette,IL
Summary
Versatile Special Education Teacher with focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
District 128: Vernon Hills High School
08.2002 - Current
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Worked with students with moderate to severe autism to increase life skills.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education.
- Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) trainer
Special Education Teacher
Hinsdale Central High School
10.2001 - 06.2002
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public Schools CPS
08.2000 - 10.2001
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
Special Education Teacher
Waukegan High School
01.1997 - 06.2000
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
Education
Master of Arts - School Counseling
Roosevelt University
Chicago, IL05.2011
Master of Arts - Special Education
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL01.1997
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
St. Norbert College
De Pere, WI05.1995
Skills
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Social Skills Development
- Instructional Strategies
- Parent Communication
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Learning Style Assessments
- Conflict Resolution Techniques
- Student Records Management
- Behavior Modifications
- Lesson Planning
- Motivating Students
- Life Skills Instruction
- Relationship Building
Affiliations
- Assistant Scout Master for Troop 2 Wilmette
Certification
Teaching certificate: LBS 1
School Counseling certification Type 73
Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) trainer
Trained in Mental Health First Aid
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
District 128: Vernon Hills High School
08.2002 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Hinsdale Central High School
10.2001 - 06.2002
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public Schools CPS
08.2000 - 10.2001
Special Education Teacher
Waukegan High School
01.1997 - 06.2000
Master of Arts - School Counseling
Roosevelt University
Master of Arts - Special Education
Northeastern Illinois University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
St. Norbert College
Teaching certificate: LBS 1
School Counseling certification Type 73
Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) trainer
Trained in Mental Health First Aid
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