Rhonda Grueso
1700 Fountain Court #1102
Summary
Qualified Lead Teacher with solid background in Special Education, providing tailored instructional strategies for diverse learning needs. Successfully implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) to enhance student engagement and progress. Demonstrated expertise in behavior management and fostering inclusive classroom environments.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher (Behavioral)
Chancelight Behavioral Health And Education
11.2024 - Current
- Promote a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Foster strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improve student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Redirect students using Positive Behavior Support.
- Evaluate student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Encourage students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Promote self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.
- Foster positive learning environment, reducing classroom disruptions through effective behavior management strategies.
- Implement individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs, ensuring personalized support.
- Improve reading comprehension among students with learning disabilities by designing and delivering targeted literacy activities.
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive educational and emotional support for students.
- Integrate social skills training into curriculum, facilitating improved peer interactions and social integration.
- Facilitate small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Implement behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Maintain accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Improve behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Provide emotional support to students and families.
Executive Director
Nations for Generations
01.2007 - Current
- Assist special needs population in transitioning and integrating into society successfully
- Teach social skills and encourage independent living skills by assisting with daily activities
- Tutoring Services for Special Needs and Resource populations
SAILS/Special Education (Home-bound and Lead Transitional Teacher)
Fort Bend Independent School District
01.2017 - 01.2022
- Worked with and managed students who were not able to attend a classroom in the mainstream setting due to various disabilities and special needs.
- Trained transitional high-functioning students on various job sites throughout the day to ensure that all needs were met by both parties.
- Managed caseloads and records of students in the program assigned to me.
- Attended Annual Review & Dismissal meetings to assist with student need.
- Continuously attended professional developments and job trainings to stay abreast of any changes or modifications associated with the position.
- Assisted students with the upkeep of learned skills for independent living that would go beyond the classroom into the real-world settings which would help them blend into society and become active and productive parts of their communities.
- Acted as a liaison between the school district, job sites, trade/technical schools for possible placement upon graduation.
- Supervisor/Team Leader for assigned groups.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained detailed and accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child's educational journey.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to tailor lessons for improved academic performance.
- Enhanced students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills through project-based learning.
- Designed and implemented differentiated instruction strategy to meet diverse learning needs, enhancing educational outcomes.
- Designed curriculum materials for special education students, facilitating inclusive learning.
- Developed and executed formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress, adjusting teaching strategies accordingly.
- Coordinated with language specialists to support English Language Learners, fostering more inclusive classroom.
- Implemented classroom management plan that reduced disruptions, creating more conducive learning environment.
- Organized and led educational field trips that complemented classroom learning, broadening students' real-world understanding.
- Promoted digital literacy by integrating technology into curriculum.
- Improved student engagement by incorporating interactive learning technologies into lesson plans.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Met with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral and academic issues.
- Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
- Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
- Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
- Completed student progress reports mid-term to notify students and parents of strengths and areas of improvement.
- Designed detailed learning plans for struggling students based on test, homework and assignment records.
- Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs.
Life Skills/Special Education Teacher & Behavior Coach
Houston Independent School District
01.2011 - 01.2017
- Worked with and manage children with special needs and learning difficulties in respective learning environments to prepare them for successful transitions beyond high school into adulthood
- Consistently communicated with parents and team members to ensure student goals, progress, skills and needs are being met inside and outside of the classroom as well as promote continued growth.
- Met all deadlines for student goals.
- Planned, prepared, refined and executed student lesson based on individual need.
- Supervised teacher aides.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- 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.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Enhanced students' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students understanding of real-world applications.
- Enhanced student understanding of complex topics by incorporating interactive technologies and hands-on learning experiences.
- Boosted student engagement in mathematics by introducing problem-solving activities that connected concepts to real-world situations.
- Reduced feelings of isolation among students with special needs by implementing inclusive classroom practices.
- Fostered positive learning environment, reducing classroom disruptions through effective behavior management strategies.
- Implemented individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs, ensuring personalized support.
- Created culturally responsive classroom environment, acknowledging and celebrating diversity among students.
- Guided students through transition planning processes, preparing them for post-secondary education and employment opportunities.
- Integrated social skills training into curriculum, facilitating improved peer interactions and social integration.
- Enhanced communication skills in non-verbal students through integration of alternative and augmentative communication systems.
- Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.
- Improved reading comprehension among students with learning disabilities by designing and delivering targeted literacy activities.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive educational and emotional support for students.
- Utilized data from student assessments to tailor instruction, resulting in more effective learning outcomes.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet varied needs of students, enhancing educational accessibility.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.
- Implemented positive reinforcement strategies within the classroom setting to encourage desired behaviors.
- Reduced classroom disruptions by providing one-on-one coaching sessions for students struggling with behavioral issues.
- Improved student behavior by implementing tailored coaching strategies and interventions.
Life Skills/Special Education Teacher & Behavior Coach
Houston Independent School District
01.2011 - 01.2017
- Worked with and manage children with special needs and learning difficulties in respective learning environments to prepare them for successful transitions beyond high school into adulthood
- Supervised teacher aides.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- 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.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Enhanced students' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students understanding of real-world applications.
- Enhanced student understanding of complex topics by incorporating interactive technologies and hands-on learning experiences.
- Boosted student engagement in mathematics by introducing problem-solving activities that connected concepts to real-world situations.
- Reduced feelings of isolation among students with special needs by implementing inclusive classroom practices.
- Fostered positive learning environment, reducing classroom disruptions through effective behavior management strategies.
- Implemented individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs, ensuring personalized support.
- Created culturally responsive classroom environment, acknowledging and celebrating diversity among students.
- Guided students through transition planning processes, preparing them for post-secondary education and employment opportunities.
- Integrated social skills training into curriculum, facilitating improved peer interactions and social integration.
- Enhanced communication skills in non-verbal students through integration of alternative and augmentative communication systems.
- Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.
- Improved reading comprehension among students with learning disabilities by designing and delivering targeted literacy activities.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive educational and emotional support for students.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet varied needs of students, enhancing educational accessibility.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.
- Implemented positive reinforcement strategies within the classroom setting to encourage desired behaviors.
- Reduced classroom disruptions by providing one-on-one coaching sessions for students struggling with behavioral issues.
- Improved student behavior by implementing tailored coaching strategies and interventions.
Vocational Placement /On the Job Training Teacher
Houston Independent School District
01.2011 - 01.2017
- Worked with students in job training program, which enabled students to obtain jobs outside of school
- Planned, prepared and refined lessons according to each student’s individual need
- Guided the learning process towards the achievement of curriculum goals
- Managed classroom and maintained a conducive learning environment
- Networked to find community business leads willing to work with and hire students
- Supervised associate classroom teachers
- Measured student growth utilizing various tests and measures
- Prepared students with work skills to maintain independence upon graduation
- Reinforcement of social, behavioral and living skills
- Planned and supervised purposeful assignments for teacher aides as well as evaluated job performance
- Maintained professional relationships with colleagues and department heads
- Observed students at their respective work sites
- Networked with other academia associations and organizations to establish mentoring and coaching programs for the benefit of students
- Attended ARD meetings, update IEP folders, detailed record keeping and documentation
Reading Literacy Lab Coach
Houston Independent School District
01.2011 - 01.2017
- Worked with low-level Resource students in Mainstream Special Education whose reading, writing and comprehension skills were off balance
- Assisted with raising testing score levels
- Streamlined translation process through effective time management skills, consistently meeting tight deadlines without compromising quality.
- Proofread, edited and improved documents of different sizes.
Special Education Life Skills Teacher
Alief Independent School District
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Supervised teacher assistants
- Managed students and respective learning environments in order to prepare them for a future to help transition into an independent lifestyle
- Ensured compliance with State and Federal laws
- Met all deadlines for student goals
- Exceeded supervisor’s performance expectations to promote a well-run and efficient department
- Motivated and encouraged students to excel based on their individual level of needs
- Supported people with developmental disabilities and autism in building multi-faceted skillset to promote independence and self-confidence.
- Taught individuals with learning or physical difficulties to use technology such as computers, tablets and mobile phones.
- Intervened in crisis situations to provide counseling and support.
- Customized strategies based on individuals' goals and strengths and offered each positive reinforcement to continue progress against goals.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers, sharing best practices and offering guidance on classroom management techniques.
- Educated clients about important nutritional habits and how to plan healthy meals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and fostering respectful communication among students.
- Improved student understanding by utilizing differentiated instruction techniques.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, enriching students'' educational experience.
- Supported struggling learners by providing targeted interventions and personalized support strategies.
- Coordinated extracurricular activities, providing additional opportunities for skill development outside of the traditional classroom setting.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the implementation of interactive activities and group projects.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community organizations and agencies.
- Assisted in conducting needs assessments to identify key areas of service needs.
- Monitored progress towards service plan goals.
- Developed and maintained accurate records of programs and services.
- Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations and consistently enforcing rules and consequences.
- Facilitated successful transitions for students entering high school or transitioning between grade levels by coordinating orientation programs and creating personalized transition plans.
- Fostered critical thinking skills among students through inquiry-based learning approaches that stimulated curiosity, discovery, and problem-solving abilities.
- Contributed to IEP development and implementation, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to provide appropriate accommodations and modifications for special education students.
- Evaluated student progress using formative assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed to maximize learning outcomes.
- Reduced behavior issues by implementing proactive intervention strategies such as check-in/check-out systems and individualized behavior plans.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Assembled resource materials to communicate helpful information to parents and staff regarding special needs topics.
- Generated long-term action plans to help struggling students succeed academically.
- Set rules and guidelines to manage classroom and maintain discipline.
- Prepared classrooms for class activities and provided variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate and use throughout day.
English Teacher
Interactive NOVA Group
01.2003 - 01.2004
- Taught English as a second language to youth as young as 10 years old and up
- Utilized satellite teaching for one-on-one communication as well as face to face teaching groups
- Private tutoring
- Assisted customers with documents
- Answered phone lines
- General office duties
- Planned dynamic lessons to increase student comprehension of books and literary concepts.
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by modeling respect, empathy, and active listening skills during all interactions with students.
- Assisted struggling students through targeted interventions, leading to increased academic success.
- Increased student motivation by providing timely feedback and recognizing individual achievements.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learner needs, ensuring all students had equal access to education opportunities.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and hands-on activities in lessons.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date on teaching best practices and enhance educator skills.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of need and implement targeted strategies for improvement.
- Boosted student participation by implementing interactive teaching methods and technologies.
- Adapted teaching materials for virtual learning platforms, ensuring continuity of education during remote learning periods.
- Created inclusive classroom environment, fostering respect and mutual understanding among students of diverse backgrounds.
- Facilitated student-led discussions, encouraging critical thinking and effective communication skills.
- Conducted ongoing assessments to monitor student progress and adjust teaching strategies accordingly.
- Utilized multimedia resources to enhance lessons and cater to different learning styles.
- Improved English proficiency through immersive language activities and real-life conversation practice.
- Enhanced students' reading comprehension with tailored literature assignments.
- Developed and executed detailed lesson plans, aligning with curriculum standards and student needs.
- Supported students in development of skills and strategies to become independent and successful learners.
- Encouraged students to take active role in learning and academic success.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to both students and parents.
- Promoted culture of inclusion, respect and collaboration in classroom.
- Assessed and evaluated student performance through use of standardized testing.
- Created and maintained safe and orderly classroom environment conducive to learning.
Customer Service Clerk
Harris County District Clerk
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Assisted customers with various documents by providing the public and legal professionals to court records
- Safeguarded and maintained all court records
- Collected fees
- General office duties
- Assisted HR team with new hires, set up and assisted with interviews and training sites
- Assessed skill levels of patrons and determined potential employment opportunities
- Matched employers with employees who best fit needed job skills
- Assisted with helping clients find jobs and research new career opportunities
Human Resource Assistant
The Worksource
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Customer Service Representative/Job Coach
- General office duties
- Assisted HR team with new hires, set up and assisted with interviews and training sites
- Assessed skill levels of patrons and determined potential employment opportunities
- Matched employers with employees who best fit needed job skills
- Assisted with helping patron find jobs and research new career opportunities
- Worked with and managed students who were not able to attend a classroom in the mainstream setting due to various disabilities and special needs
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
Dominican University
River Forest, Illinois05-2013
No Degree - Teaching English As A Foreign Language (TEFL)
The NOVA GROUP I-to-I Certificate
Skills
- Understand IEP System
- Ability to accommodate lessons based on student need
- Efficient Multi-tasker
- Differentiated instruction
- Group and individual instruction
- Data management and detailed record keeping
- Behavior modification
- IEP and BIP implementation
Certificationsskills
- TEA, Special Education Certified (EC-12)
- TEFL Certified
- Multicultural Experienced
- Understand IEP System
- Excellent Record Keeper
- Efficient Multi-tasker
- Ability to successfully work with a team or individually
Timeline
Special Education Teacher (Behavioral)
Chancelight Behavioral Health And Education
11.2024 - Current
SAILS/Special Education (Home-bound and Lead Transitional Teacher)
Fort Bend Independent School District
01.2017 - 01.2022
Life Skills/Special Education Teacher & Behavior Coach
Houston Independent School District
01.2011 - 01.2017
Life Skills/Special Education Teacher & Behavior Coach
Houston Independent School District
01.2011 - 01.2017
Vocational Placement /On the Job Training Teacher
Houston Independent School District
01.2011 - 01.2017
Reading Literacy Lab Coach
Houston Independent School District
01.2011 - 01.2017
Executive Director
Nations for Generations
01.2007 - Current
Special Education Life Skills Teacher
Alief Independent School District
01.2005 - 01.2007
English Teacher
Interactive NOVA Group
01.2003 - 01.2004
Customer Service Clerk
Harris County District Clerk
01.2001 - 01.2003
Human Resource Assistant
The Worksource
01.2000 - 01.2002
Master of Arts - Special Education
Dominican University
No Degree - Teaching English As A Foreign Language (TEFL)
The NOVA GROUP I-to-I Certificate
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