Roberta Conklin Gordean
Acton
Summary
Versatile Special Education professional with extensive experience in IEP development, assistive technology integration, and collaboration with educators and families. Committed to fostering inclusive environments that promote academic success and social engagement for students with varying abilities.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistive Technology (AT) Specialist
The Excel Education & Therapy Group
Edwards
10.2024 - Current
- Program and oversee a multitude of augmented and alternative communication (AAC) devices and applications on student iPads; Proloquo2Go, TD Snap, and switches that enable children to engage with academic content, even if they have reading, writing, math, communication, or motor challenges
- Assess and evaluate students in order to develop tailored strategies and recommend AT tools to break down physical, cognitive, and communication barriers for students, empowering them to confidently participate in daily routines, excel in school, and engage meaningfully with their peers.
- Train special education teachers, staff and supportive service providers on AAC device programming, boosting collaborative learning and significantly enhancing student-teacher and student-student interactions, as evidenced by improved communication feedback.
- Model and suggest effective strategies for integrating AAC devices into curriculum, enhancing communication skills and learning engagement for diverse student needs.
SDC/SH Special Education Teacher
Joe Walker Middle School, Hillview Middle School, & Gregg Anderson Academy
Palmdale
01.2009 - Current
- Enrich the learning experience for 6-8th grade students with moderate to severe disabilities by implementing the Unique Learning System Teach Town Curriculum, enhancing engagement and fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
- Design and implement engaging curriculum and lesson plans aligned with grade level standards for over 100 students, resulting in a noticeable increase in student participation and comprehension.
- Design tailored supplementary lesson plans that aligned with student IEP goals, resulting in noticeable improvements in individualized learning outcomes and engagement.
- Collect and analyze data on IEP goals and behaviors, utilizing analytical tools to track student progress, in order to streamline the documentation processes that improved decision-making efficiency, resulting in quicker response times for implementing IEP adjustments.
- Lead a dynamic team of 11-19 staff of paraeducators that I train, model, and support in order to provide exceptional support to students.
- Collaborate effectively with professional staff, service providers, and parents to develop tailored support services, enhancing student engagement and fostering stronger community ties.
- Conducted regular assessment reports on students, influencing strategic decisions and enhancing IEP goals, accommodations, modifications, and support services effectiveness for students.
Special Education Paraeducator
Los Angeles Unified School District
Northridge
01.2001 - 01.2009
- Implemented tailored IEP accommodations and curriculum modifications and accommodations for 70+ students, enhancing engagement and academic success through personalized special education teacher lesson plans.
- Facilitated the successful integration of children with diverse needs into general education classrooms, fostering an inclusive environment that enhanced their social skills and academic engagement.
- Facilitated engaging social activities that improved interaction skills for over 30 students, fostering a supportive and vibrant community environment.
- Supported behavioral management initiatives by collaborating with special education teachers to implement positive reinforcement strategies for over 70 students, resulting in improved classroom behavior and engagement.
- Gathered and documented comprehensive datasets to support decision-making processes, enhancing operational efficiency and data accuracy.
- Assisted over 50 students in maintaining proper hygiene practices, promoting health and well-being in the school community.
- Created engaging digital and print instructional materials that enhanced learning experiences for over 70 students, leading to improvement in students' mainstreaming in general education.
- Proactively supported special education teachers by curating tailored learning materials, streamlining classroom operations, and refining lesson plans, resulting in heightened student engagement and satisfaction.
Kinder Care Teacher
Los Angeles Unified School District
Northridge
01.2000 - 01.2001
Education
Masters of Arts - Curriculum and Instruction
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT06-2024
Master of Science (MS) - Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
Capella University
Herndon, VA01-2023
Certification in Assistive Technology (AT) - Special Education
Cal State University of Northridge
Northridge, CA12-2019
Education Specialist Credential - Moderate to Severe Special Education
Cal State University Bakersfield
Lancaster, CA08-2011
Associates Degree (AA) - Business & credits toward undergraduate program
Antelope Valley Community College
Lancaster, CA09-2008
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
Cal State University Bakersfield
Lancaster, CA09-2007
Applied credit toward undergraduate program - History
Cerro Coso Community College
Ridgecrest06-2007
Applied credit toward undergraduate program - History
Bakersfield College
Bakersfield06-2007
Skills
- Assistive technology integration
- IEP development
- Curriculum adaptation
- Differentiated instruction
- Lesson planning and execution
- Data analysis
- Behavior management techniques
- Team collaboration
- Cultural competency
- Communication skills
- Social skills development
Certification
- Assistive Technology Certificate- CSUN, issued in 2018
- Universal Design Learning- A.V. SELPA, issued in 2019
- CAPTAIN Training- A.V. SELPA, issued in 2016
- Picture Exchange System- A.V. SELPA, issued in 2008
Timeline
Assistive Technology (AT) Specialist
The Excel Education & Therapy Group
10.2024 - Current
SDC/SH Special Education Teacher
Joe Walker Middle School, Hillview Middle School, & Gregg Anderson Academy
01.2009 - Current
Special Education Paraeducator
Los Angeles Unified School District
01.2001 - 01.2009
Kinder Care Teacher
Los Angeles Unified School District
01.2000 - 01.2001
Masters of Arts - Curriculum and Instruction
Western Governors University
Master of Science (MS) - Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
Capella University
Certification in Assistive Technology (AT) - Special Education
Cal State University of Northridge
Education Specialist Credential - Moderate to Severe Special Education
Cal State University Bakersfield
Associates Degree (AA) - Business & credits toward undergraduate program
Antelope Valley Community College
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
Cal State University Bakersfield
Applied credit toward undergraduate program - History
Cerro Coso Community College
Applied credit toward undergraduate program - History
Bakersfield College