Samantha O'Donovan
Teacher Of Special Education
Park Ridge,NJ
Summary
Versatile and dedicated special education teacher with focus on individual needs of special education students. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons. Exceptionally skilled in collaborating with educators, parents, administrators and specialists to meet the educational needs of students.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Fair Lawn Public School
Fair Lawn, NJ
09.2009 - Current
- Cultivated positive connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs in a self contained setting.
- Collaborated with general education teachers across academic departments, parents, CST and administration to develop individualized behavioral and academic plans for each student.
- Manage paraprofessionals and oversee their 1:1 student support and interaction.
- Created and effectively led district and building level workshops for colleagues on a variety of topics (Integrations of SEL, innovative tech strategies, differentiation, and behavior management techniques)
- Building representative for the FLASE Board (special education parent organization)
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
Special Education Teacher
Lady Liberty Charter School
Newark, NJ
02.2009 - 06.2009
- Effectively instructed students in core academic areas and specialized reading groups.
- Strategically designed and implemented point system to encourage positive behavior.
- Led innovative activities that developed students' physical, emotional and social growth.
Special Education Teacher
Pickerington Public Schools
Pickerington, OH
09.2004 - 06.2008
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago, IL
09.2002 - 06.2003
- Taught reading, language arts and social sciences in self-contained ED and LD classroom for 4th-8th grade students.
Teacher's Assistant
Brooklyn Friends School
Brooklyn, NY
09.2001 - 06.2002
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance.
- Assisted lead teachers with lesson plan creation and materials development .
Special Education Resource Teacher
The Foote School
New Haven, CT
09.1999 - 06.2001
- Gathered, organized, and analyzed data on student needs and progress.
- Developed interventions for students currently struggling or at risk of falling behind.
ABA Behavior Therapist
Certified ABA Therapist
Washington DC, VA/DC/MD
07.1998 - 08.1999
- Acquired baseline data and implemented approved programs using behavioral technology appropriately, neutrally and consistently.
- Implemented individualized treatment plans developed by clinical supervisors to serve patients with diverse needs.
- Developed and implemented treatment plans to improve gross and fine motor coordination, movement and functioning of upper extremities.
- Developed and maintained clear, individualized documentation on each patient.
- Maintained neutrality when supporting patients despite difficult behavior.
- Performed behavioral therapy assessments and treatments in patients' homes without direct supervision.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
New York University
New York, NYBachelor of Arts - Psychology
Gettysburg College
Gettysburg, PASkills
- Parent Communication
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Classroom Management
- Instructional Strategies
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Positive Learning Environment
Certification
- State of New Jersey Licensed Teacher of the Handicapped
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Fair Lawn Public School
09.2009 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Lady Liberty Charter School
02.2009 - 06.2009
Special Education Teacher
Pickerington Public Schools
09.2004 - 06.2008
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
09.2002 - 06.2003
Teacher's Assistant
Brooklyn Friends School
09.2001 - 06.2002
Special Education Resource Teacher
The Foote School
09.1999 - 06.2001
ABA Behavior Therapist
Certified ABA Therapist
07.1998 - 08.1999
Master of Arts - Special Education
New York University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Gettysburg College
- State of New Jersey Licensed Teacher of the Handicapped
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