Rene Smith
New Brighton,PA
Summary
Multitalented and organized teacher highly regarded for extensive experience in classroom administration, professional development, and project planning. Creates and integrates lessons to drive retention, comprehension, and participation. Accomplished in building trust and meaningful relationships between students, parents, and administrators. Thrives in fast-paced, diverse, and collaborative environments.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Pressley Ridge Day School
01.2022 - Current
- Increased academic performance while decreasing behaviors by connecting stimulating lessons that connect to real world experiences.
- Embedded social and emotional learning for daily lessons to consistently provide opportunities for students to develop appropriate and culturally acceptable responses and behaviors.
- Mentored teachers and provided guidance with classroom management, curriculum development, and IEPs.
- Developed IEP's with the team, coordinate parent meetings, wrote and implemented behavior plans.
- Execute daily operations of a self-contained classroom teaching all academic subjects to a secondary Emotional Support class.
- Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in academic and behavioral instruction and implementation.
Life Skills Teacher
MHY Family Services, Longmore Academy
08.2020 - 08.2022
- Collaborated with a team of educators to develop a newly established lifeskills program.
- Contributed to the design and organization of the classroom space, ensuring it was conducive to the needs of diverse learners.
- Assisted in the procurement of necessary resources, including adaptive equipment, educational materials, and assistive technology.
- Designed and implemented a comprehensive life skills curriculum, incorporating academic, vocational, and independent living skills development that increased academic performance.
- Facilitated training staff members on best practices for working with students with diverse learning needs.
- Utilized a variety of instructional strategies and differentiated instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of students.
- Implemented positive behavior support strategies to promote a supportive and inclusive school environment that decreased behaviors.
- Leveraged technology and community resources to enhance learning experiences and promote real-world application of skills.
Instructional Assistant, ESY Teacher, Life Skills
The Watson Institute
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Assist in adapting materials to meet individual needs while supporting students with severe to profound disabilities through the various academic and life skills activities.
- Implement positive behavioral support plans for students with maladaptive behaviors focusing on preventative and replacement strategies.
- Maintain academic and behavioral data daily on students individual goals.
- Create meaningful and enjoyable lesson plans during ESY.
- Collaborate with families and therapist's daily.
- Supervision of support staff during ESY
Instructional Assistant, Blended VPK
Sea Park Elementary School
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Record efficient and accurate documentation and data collection daily.
- Designed a monthly school-wide calendar using student artwork that increased family communication and engagement.
- Kindled an excitement for learning among students and families while volunteering at monthly school sponsored STEAM nights.
- Managed student behavior needs in accordance with the district crisis prevention safety plan and other policies.
- Create and implement small and large group activities.
Education
Associate of Arts - General Education Studies
Brevard Community College
Melbourne, FLMasters In Educational Leadership -
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT06.2025
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT01.2020
Skills
- Technology Integration
- Program Development
- Program Administration
- Behavioral Management and Modifications
- Differentiated Instruction
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Classroom Management
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Social Skills Development
- Behavior Intervention Plans
Certification
- Grades PK-4, Instructional I Credential
- Special Education PK-8, Instructional I Credential
- Special Education Expansion 7-12, Instructional I Credential
Student Teaching Experience
- New Horizons, BVIU, Grades 7-10, Emotional and Learning Support, 2020
- New Brighton Elementary School, Grade 2, General Education, 2020
Community Service
- Guardian Ad Litem, Viera, FL, 2005, 2006
- Ignite Kids Ministry, Calvary Chapel Church, Melbourne, FL, 2012, 2015
- Co-Founder & Treasurer of Florida Chapter, Foster Care Alumni of America, Alexandria, VA, 2005, 2010
Training
- Autism Navigator for Providers
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI)
- Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCM)
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI)
- Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI)
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Pressley Ridge Day School
01.2022 - Current
Life Skills Teacher
MHY Family Services, Longmore Academy
08.2020 - 08.2022
Instructional Assistant, ESY Teacher, Life Skills
The Watson Institute
01.2015 - 01.2019
Instructional Assistant, Blended VPK
Sea Park Elementary School
01.2012 - 01.2015
Associate of Arts - General Education Studies
Brevard Community College
Masters In Educational Leadership -
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Western Governors University
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