Samantha Koch
Northampton,PA
Summary
Professional educator with a strong foundation in early childhood and elementary education. Proven ability to adapt to varying classroom environments and maintain a constructive learning atmosphere. Highly collaborative, consistently supporting team efforts and adjusting to meet changing classroom needs. Skilled in classroom management, lesson planning, and fostering student engagement and growth.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Teacher K-5
ESS
Allentown, PA
08.2025 - 02.2026
- Fostered a positive classroom environment, encouraging student participation and collaboration.
- Adapted instructional strategies to meet individual student needs and learning goals.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Assisted in the development of individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Adapted lesson plans for diverse learners, ensuring all students had access to grade-level content and could participate fully in classroom activities.
AUTISTIC SUPPORT TEACHER
ALLENTOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT
08.2022 - 07.2024
- Developed individualized education plans to support diverse learning needs of autistic students.
- Implemented behavioral interventions and strategies to enhance student engagement and participation.
- Conducted regular assessments to evaluate student performance and adapt teaching methods accordingly.
- Supported the development of fine motor skills through targeted activities aimed at improving handwriting, coordination, and spatial awareness.
- Implemented data-driven instruction to continuously monitor student progress and adapt teaching strategies as needed.
- Evaluated student performance objectively through ongoing assessments, tracking progress towards IEP goals.
- Designed creative lesson plans that accommodated diverse learning styles prevalent among autistic learners.
PARAPROFESSIONAL
ALLENTOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT
02.2015 - 07.2022
- Assisted in students' educational and social development under the direction and guidance of the facilitator and classroom teachers.
- Assisted in implementing Individual Education Plans for the students and monitored their progress.
- Provided support for individual students inside and outside the classroom to enable them to participate in activities fully.
- Worked with other professionals, such as speech, occupational, and physical therapists.
- Assisted classroom teachers with maintaining student records.
- Supported students with emotional or behavioral concerns and assisted them in developing appropriate social skills. Administrative Duties
- Assisted in the preparation and display of student work.
- Assisted classroom teachers with copying items to support teaching. I worked with various computer learning programs, including Unique, Dream Box, Lexia, Zearn, Epic, and Prodigy.
Education
Bachelors - Home Economics, Family Child Studies/Early Childhood Education
Montclair State University
Masters - Special Ed PreK-12
Lehigh University Pace Program
03-2024
Masters - Special Education
Cedar Crest College
03-2023
Skills
- Crisis prevention training
- Trained in emergency response techniques
- Strong verbal and written communication
- Collaborative work with children and families
- Cross-disciplinary teaching
- Educating diverse learners
- Active student participation
- Specialized educational assistance
- Customizing teaching approaches
- Phonics teaching
- Effective word usage improvement
- Educational resource centers
- Visual arts education
- Fitness instruction
- Grammar coaching
- Mathematics education
- Practical engagement
- Individualized education plan documentation
- Foundational education
- Curriculum development
- Proficient in special education strategies
Timeline
Substitute Teacher K-5
ESS
08.2025 - 02.2026
AUTISTIC SUPPORT TEACHER
ALLENTOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT
08.2022 - 07.2024
PARAPROFESSIONAL
ALLENTOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT
02.2015 - 07.2022
Masters - Special Ed PreK-12
Lehigh University Pace Program
Masters - Special Education
Cedar Crest College
Bachelors - Home Economics, Family Child Studies/Early Childhood Education
Montclair State University