Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Professional Memberships
Professional Development
Timeline
Generic

Rita M Gohl

Alpena,Michigan

Summary


Special education professional educator with proven track record at Alpena Public Schools. Skilled at fostering inclusive learning environments and implementing effective instructional strategies. Strong emphasis on team collaboration and achieving positive educational outcomes, adaptable to changing classroom dynamics. Skilled IEP development, curriculum development, and student advocacy, bringing reliability and flexibility to role. I also successfully enhanced student engagement and academic growth, ensuring all learners thrived in a supportive environment.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

Special Education Teacher

Alpena Public Schools
01.2024 - Current
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
  • Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
  • Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
  • Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
  • 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.
  • Conducted assessments to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement, informing instructional strategies.
  • Utilized data from student assessments to tailor instruction, resulting in more effective learning outcomes.
  • Fostered positive learning environment, reducing classroom disruptions through effective behavior management strategies.
  • Enhanced communication skills in non-verbal students through integration of alternative and augmentative communication systems.
  • Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet varied needs of students, enhancing educational accessibility.
  • Improved reading comprehension among students with learning disabilities by designing and delivering targeted literacy activities.
  • Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
  • Encouraged parent and guardian involvement in educational process, enhancing home-school connection and supporting student achievement.
  • Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
  • Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
  • Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.

Teacher Consultant for Special Education

Benton Harbor Area Schools
08.2010 - 06.2011
  • Collaborated with IEP team members and Special Education teachers in determining eligibility, goals and objectives for students with special needs.
  • Coordinated IEP dates with parents, teachers and specialized IEP team members.

Special Education Teacher

Benton Harbor Area Schools
01.2006 - 08.2010
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
  • Instructed students with mild cognitive disabilities.
  • Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
  • Conducted assessments to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement, informing instructional strategies.
  • 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.
  • Reduced feelings of isolation among students with special needs by implementing inclusive classroom practices.
  • Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet varied needs of students, enhancing educational accessibility.
  • Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
  • Collaborated with parents and other educators to develop comprehensive support plans, promoting student success.
  • Encouraged parent and guardian involvement in educational process, enhancing home-school connection and supporting student achievement.
  • Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.

Teacher, Grades Kindergarten, 2, and 6

Benton Harbor Area Schools
08.1996 - 08.2008
  • 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 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.
  • Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to integrate cross-disciplinary lessons, enriching students' educational experience.
  • Developed and executed formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress, adjusting teaching strategies accordingly.
  • Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
  • Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.

Education

Master of Arts - Special Education

University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ
06-2009

Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction

University of California
Bakersfield, CA
05-1993

Skills

  • Differentiated instruction
  • Classroom management
  • Individual education plans
  • Small group instruction
  • Collaborative teamwork
  • Data management
  • Team collaboration
  • Parent communication
  • Instructional strategies
  • Verbal and nonverbal communication
  • Instructional adaptation

Professional Memberships

NASET:  National Association of Special Education Teachers  member since April 9, 2024

Professional Development

  • AVMR - Summer 2024 (then book study details) add the phrase "followed by AVMR Quarterly Networking, Coaching Cycles, and support from AMA Coach, Eryn Graham"
  • 7/16, 18, 23, 25/2025 - AVMR 1 Training at AMA ISD, Alpena, MI
  • September 2025 - present - Follow-up training and discussions for AVMR 1 and its implementation in our classrooms
  • May 2025 - UFLI - Asynchronous Training with the AMA, followed by Coaching Cycles with AMA Literacy Coach Eryn Graham
  • November - January - START (Statewide Autism Resources and Training) training
  • December 2023 - IEP BootCamp; Writing Meaningful and Compliant IEPs (Michigan Virtual)


Timeline

Special Education Teacher

Alpena Public Schools
01.2024 - Current

Teacher Consultant for Special Education

Benton Harbor Area Schools
08.2010 - 06.2011

Special Education Teacher

Benton Harbor Area Schools
01.2006 - 08.2010

Teacher, Grades Kindergarten, 2, and 6

Benton Harbor Area Schools
08.1996 - 08.2008

Master of Arts - Special Education

University of Phoenix

Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction

University of California

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Rita M Gohl