Samantha Baxter
Pasadena,CA
Summary
Special Education Leader with strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Skilled in curriculum development, individualized education plans, and inclusive classroom strategies. Known for adaptability to changing needs and reliable performance. Respected for fostering supportive and effective learning environment.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Department Chair
AACPS
08.2024 - Current
- Developed meaningful relationships with students'' families through regular meetings and thorough updates on academic progress.
- Championed an inclusive school culture by advocating for the needs of special education students during administrative discussions.
- Partnered with local community organizations to provide additional resources and support services for students with disabilities.
- Allocated resources effectively, prioritizing specialized materials and tools for students'' unique needs.
- Mentored new special education teachers, providing guidance on best practices and classroom management techniques.
- Drove professional development within the department by organizing workshops, trainings, and conferences for staff members.
- Improved classroom management by consistently implementing behavioral strategies and interventions.
Structured Learning Teacher - Special Education
Bowman Elementary School
01.2022 - 01.2024
- I taught a self-contained Autism program for two years. I created a functional classroom that was greatly based on concrete and consistent scheduling throughout the day. There were 14 students in my class ranging from 3-6 grade and varying levels of need. I collaborated with caregivers, teachers, district and community members to ensure my students were successful. I engaged in FBAs, academic testing for reevaluations, and wrote and implemented behavior plans. I completed IEP paperwork and conducted IEP meetings. I manage schedules and training of 3 paraprofessionals each year. Other duties assigned in this position:
- Site-based Specialist for behavior - district liaison for behavior interventions
- Supervising Teacher - mentor teacher for new to sped teacher, conducted their meetings, trained on IEP paperwork, oversaw IEP paperwork
PASS Behavior Program Teacher - Special Education
Western Hills Elementary
01.2015 - 01.2022
- In this full inclusion program, I specialized in emotion regulation and behavioral redirection/deescalation daily. I taught social skills and emotion regulation strategies. I wrote behavior plans, conducted FBAs, and wrote IEP paperwork for my caseload. I served as a mentor teacher for another behavior teacher, conducted district wide trainings on various self-regulation tools and strategies, and collaborated with district and community officials regularly. The program grew from 6 students to well over 30 students
3rd Grade General Education Teacher
Clements/Parsons Elementary
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Wrote lessons plans, attended IEP and 504 meetings, managed classroom behavior, attended relevant trainings required by the district. I taught science and social studies curriculum and collaborated with teachers on my team.
Education
Masters of Education - Applied Behavior Analysis
St. Edwards University
01.2023
Bachelors of Science - Anthropology
University of California, Riverside
01.2013
Skills
- Special Education IEPs
- CPI Trained (exp fall 2024)
- Behavior Intervention Strategies
- Collaboration
- Communication with colleagues and student stakeholders
- Time Management Skills and Flexibility
- Inclusive education
- Data-driven decision making
- Special needs advocacy
- Legal compliance
- Parent-teacher collaboration
Timeline
Special Education Department Chair
AACPS
08.2024 - Current
Structured Learning Teacher - Special Education
Bowman Elementary School
01.2022 - 01.2024
PASS Behavior Program Teacher - Special Education
Western Hills Elementary
01.2015 - 01.2022
3rd Grade General Education Teacher
Clements/Parsons Elementary
01.2014 - 01.2015
Bachelors of Science - Anthropology
University of California, Riverside
Masters of Education - Applied Behavior Analysis
St. Edwards University
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