Ryan Smith
Waukegan,Illinois
Summary
Dynamic educator with a rich background in special and alternative education, notably at Waukegan High School. Excelled in creating engaging curriculums and fostering academic growth through differentiated instruction and educational leadership. Skilled in IEP design and multicultural education, consistently enhancing student learning experiences and collaboration among faculty.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
High School Teacher (Special Education and Dual Credit)
Waukegan High School
Waukegan, Illinois
09.2017 - 09.2024
- A full-time teacher instructing in Co-taught American Government, American Government and Dual Credit American National Politics
- Enhance student engagement through maintaining a collaborative learning classroom environment
- Worked with colleagues in a collaborative manner
- Designed effective instruction and created a comprehensive curriculum to meet unique learning needs
- Developed, wrote and lead IEP meetings with parents and other professionals
- Experience teaching a Resource Class and American Literature
SPECIAL EDUCATION Assistant
Lake Forest High School
Lake Forest, Illinois
08.2016 - 09.2017
- Worked with teachers in ensuring a positive learning environment for Special Education students
- Collected data to assist in developing IEPs and to drive instruction
- Experience working as a one on one paraprofessional
High School Teacher (US HISTORY)
Danville High School
Danville, Illinois
08.2015 - 05.2016
- Created enriching and dynamic lesson plans to engage all learners
- Sponsor of the KEY CLUB
- Organized off site field trips
High School Teacher and Middle School Teacher (Alternative School Teacher)
Kenneth D Bailey Academy
08.2009 - 01.2014
- Organized effective lesson plans
- Counseled students regarding reading and homework practices
- Lead a schoolwide trip to Springfield, IL
High School Teacher (Alternative School)
Kankakee Regional Office of Education
Kankakee, Illinois
- Developed a balanced Social Studies curriculum
- Instructed students in citizenship and administrative regulations
Education
MASTER’S DEGREE - History
Northeastern Illinois University
12-2025
LBS 1- Certification -
Greenville College
01.2017
MASTER'S DEGREE - Political Science
Eastern Illinois University
01.2007
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - Social Science- Teacher Certification
Eastern Illinois University
01.2004
Skills
- Educational leadership
- Multicultural education
- Interactive classroom instruction
- Educational research
- Grading
- Smart classrooms
- College preparation
- IEP design
- Differentiated instruction
- Parent-teacher communication
- Curriculum development
- Academic program evaluation
- Social studies
- Common core standards
- Exam proctoring
- Student development
- Licensed in Illinois
- Teaching strategies
- Student support
- Progress reporting
- Team collaboration
- Higher education
- Faculty collaboration
- Assessment analysis
Certification
- LBS 1, Learning Behavioral Specialist
- Social Science, History, Sociology, Economics, Geography, Government
- Dual Credit, Political Science and History
Publications
Croatia and NATO: Moving Toward Alliance Membership, Ryan C. Hendrickson, Ryan P. Smith, Comparative Strategy, 25, 4, 297-306, 10.1080/01495930601028630
Highlights
- Lived abroad in Austria, 08/01/03, 05/31/05
- E-4 Specialist in the Army National Guard, 08/01/96, 05/31/02
- Moderate German Skills (S1-Plus)
Affiliations
- Key Club Supervisor- Danville High School
- Social Science scholarship award winner
- Served on Dual Credit committee
- Served on various alternative school committees
- Squad Leader in the Army National Guard
Timeline
High School Teacher (Special Education and Dual Credit)
Waukegan High School
09.2017 - 09.2024
SPECIAL EDUCATION Assistant
Lake Forest High School
08.2016 - 09.2017
High School Teacher (US HISTORY)
Danville High School
08.2015 - 05.2016
High School Teacher and Middle School Teacher (Alternative School Teacher)
Kenneth D Bailey Academy
08.2009 - 01.2014
High School Teacher (Alternative School)
Kankakee Regional Office of Education
MASTER’S DEGREE - History
Northeastern Illinois University
LBS 1- Certification -
Greenville College
MASTER'S DEGREE - Political Science
Eastern Illinois University
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - Social Science- Teacher Certification
Eastern Illinois University