Samantha Mendez
Raton,NM
Summary
My Key Highlights & Skills
I am a dedicated Special Education Teacher with extensive experience in IEP development, differentiated instruction, and behavior management. I have a record of fostering inclusive learning environments by implementing effective interventions and leveraging adaptive technologies. I am a collaborative partner known for building strong relationships with multidisciplinary teams, parents, and students to drive academic and social success. Highly adaptable and empathetic, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to promoting student independence.
- IEP Leadership: Expert in designing, implementing, and tracking Individualized Education Plans tailored to diverse learning needs.
- Inclusive Excellence: Skilled in developing accommodations and specialized techniques to support successful mainstream classroom integration.
- Collaborative Partnership: Experienced in working alongside classroom teachers, specialists, and families to create a holistic support system.
- Classroom Management: Proficient in utilizing positive behavior interventions to maintain a safe, engaging, and productive learning atmosphere.
- Adaptive Instruction: Talent for designing hands-on lessons and utilizing assistive tools to meet students at their individual skill levels.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Raton Public Schools
1535 Tiger Circle
08.2012 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans to address diverse learning needs of students.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to implement effective interventions and strategies.
- Utilized adaptive technologies and tools to enhance student engagement and participation.
- Monitored student progress, adjusting instructional methods for continuous improvement.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate educational outcomes and inform teaching practices.
- Advocated for resources and support services to enhance student learning experiences.
- 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.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- 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.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students'' understanding of real-world applications for their skills.
- Created culturally responsive classroom environment, acknowledging and celebrating diversity among students.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet varied needs of students, enhancing educational accessibility.
- Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.
- Enhanced communication skills in non-verbal students through integration of alternative and augmentative communication systems.
- Encouraged parent and guardian involvement in educational process, enhancing home-school connection and supporting student achievement.
- Guided students through transition planning processes, preparing them for post-secondary education and employment opportunities.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Applied proven strategies to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills.
- Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.
Volunteer Teacher/Parent
Raton Public Schools
Raton, NM
09.2008 - 05.2012
- Facilitated daily activities promoting social and emotional development in students.
- Implemented educational games and hands-on projects to encourage creativity and teamwork.
- Collaborated with teachers and staff to create a supportive classroom environment.
- Monitored student progress, providing feedback to teachers on developmental milestones.
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and foster an inclusive classroom environment.
- Utilized positive reinforcement techniques to build students'' self-esteem and encourage active participation in class discussions.
- Initiated after-school tutoring sessions for students requiring extra assistance, leading to increased comprehension and improved grades.
- Supervised children of various ages on playground and field trips.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education, Special Education
New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, NM05-2012
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans ieps
- Small group instruction
- Relationship building
- Co-teaching experience
- Lesson planning
- Collaborative teamwork
- Data management
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Raton Public Schools
08.2012 - Current
Volunteer Teacher/Parent
Raton Public Schools
09.2008 - 05.2012
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education, Special Education
New Mexico Highlands University