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
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
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