Rhonda Howard
MORTON,Illinois
Summary
Mission Statement
As a dedicated educator and compassionate counselor, my mission is to provide unwavering support and guidance to students navigating the complexities of trauma within special education settings. Fueled by a commitment to fostering resilience and empowerment, I strive to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Leveraging my comprehensive training in counseling and special education, I aim to implement innovative strategies and interventions tailored to the unique needs of each student, promoting not only academic success but also emotional well-being. With a steadfast dedication to advocacy, equity, and trauma-informed practices, I am driven to empower students to overcome challenges, embrace their strengths, and realize their full potential, fostering a culture of healing, growth, and limitless possibilities.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
SPED Teacher - Alternative Behavior School K-12
Morton School District 709
08.2016 - Current
- Increased student engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world examples in lesson plans.
- Partnered with parents and guardians to develop strategies for supporting their child''s learning at home, enhancing overall student success.
- Conducted regular assessments of student progress, adjusting instructional methods as needed to optimize learning outcomes.
- Designed instructional materials tailored to meet the unique learning styles of each student, resulting in increased understanding of course content.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Utilized data-driven decision making to identify areas of improvement in curriculum planning and instructional practices.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Served as a liaison between special education services, general education teachers, and families to ensure ongoing collaboration and communication regarding student needs.
- Mentored new teachers in best practices for special education instruction, contributing to a supportive professional community within the school.
- Fostered an inclusive classroom environment where all students felt valued and respected regardless of their abilities or differences.
- 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.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Morton School District 709
08.2014 - 05.2016
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Assessed student progress regularly through formative and summative assessments, adapting instruction accordingly to meet individual needs.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance, using data analysis tools to inform ongoing instructional planning and decisionmaking.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
Special Education Resource Teacher Grade 4-6
Morton School District 709
08.2006 - 05.2014
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- 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.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- 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.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
Education
Pursuing Master of Arts in Counseling -
Bradley University
Peoria, IL12.2024
Bachelor of Science - Major in Learning Disable And Behavior Disorders
Bradley University
Peoria05.1997
Associate of Arts - Education
Illinois Central College
East Peoria, IL05.1993
Skills
- Functional Behavior Assessment
- Inclusion Strategies
- Life Skills Instruction
- Positive Reinforcement
- Emotional Disabilities
- Social Skills Training
- Classroom Organization
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Visual supports
- Progress Monitoring
- Progress Evaluations
- Emotional Support
- Child Development
- Parent Communication
- Positive Role Model
- Elementary Education
- Classroom Management
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Motivating students
- Relationship Building
- Social Skills Development
- Lesson Planning
- Parent communications
- Trained in CPI
- Behavior Intervention Plans
- Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
- Behavior Modifications
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Student Records Management
- Special Education
- Disability assessment testing
- Head Teacher Support
- Safety Monitoring
- IEP development
- Curriculum Development
- Individualized Instruction
- Behavior Modification Techniques
Accomplishments
Certifications/Awards
2017 – Non-violent Instructor: Conducted Crisis Prevention Institute training sessions for Morton School District 709 Employees in non-violent crisis intervention/verbal de-escalation
2020 – Neurosequential Model in Education Trainer: Consulting with Morton 709 Employees in understanding the impact of trauma on brain development and behavior, as well as strategies for intervening effectively to support healing and growth.
2022 – Awarded - Dana Ashby Memorial Service Award –
Nominee Award Criteria: Exemplifies service above self, works on behalf of students with special needs, demonstrates a willingness to grow professionally to better serve students, and demonstrates evidence of working to establish positive, caring, and supportive relationships with students and their families.
Certification
1997 - Current - Professional Educators License
with Endorsements in:
- Learning Behavioral Specialist 1
- Secondary Education
- Learning Disabilities
- Social/Emotional Disorders
2017 – Non-violent Instructor: Conducted Crisis Prevention Institute training sessions for Morton School District 709 Employees in non-violent crisis intervention/verbal de-escalation
2020 – Neurosequential Model in Education Trainer: Consulting with Morton 709 Employees in understanding the impact of trauma on brain development and behavior, as well as strategies for intervening effectively to support healing and growth.
2022 – Awarded - Dana Ashby Memorial Service Award –
Nominee Award Criteria: Exemplifies service above self, works on behalf of students with special needs, demonstrates a willingness to grow professionally to better serve students, and demonstrates evidence of working to establish positive, caring, and supportive relationships with students and their families.
Timeline
SPED Teacher - Alternative Behavior School K-12
Morton School District 709
08.2016 - Current
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Morton School District 709
08.2014 - 05.2016
Special Education Resource Teacher Grade 4-6
Morton School District 709
08.2006 - 05.2014
Pursuing Master of Arts in Counseling -
Bradley University
Bachelor of Science - Major in Learning Disable And Behavior Disorders
Bradley University
Associate of Arts - Education
Illinois Central College
1997 - Current - Professional Educators License
with Endorsements in:
- Learning Behavioral Specialist 1
- Secondary Education
- Learning Disabilities
- Social/Emotional Disorders
2017 – Non-violent Instructor: Conducted Crisis Prevention Institute training sessions for Morton School District 709 Employees in non-violent crisis intervention/verbal de-escalation
2020 – Neurosequential Model in Education Trainer: Consulting with Morton 709 Employees in understanding the impact of trauma on brain development and behavior, as well as strategies for intervening effectively to support healing and growth.
2022 – Awarded - Dana Ashby Memorial Service Award –
Nominee Award Criteria: Exemplifies service above self, works on behalf of students with special needs, demonstrates a willingness to grow professionally to better serve students, and demonstrates evidence of working to establish positive, caring, and supportive relationships with students and their families.
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