SAMANTHA WEILAND, M.A.
Special Education Teacher K-12
Anchorage,AK
Summary
Versatile Special Education Teacher with focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Special Education- Structured Learning Classroom
Baxter Elementary School
Anchorage, AK
08.2022 - Current
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Created individualized social stories and power cards based on each students needs.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Implemented the following curriculums: Reach for Reading, STAR (Strategies for Teaching Based on Autism Research), Amplify, i-Ready math.
- Provided assessments to determine eligibility utilizing the following assessment tools: Test of Early Written Language (TEWL-3rd Edition), Test of Early Mathematics Abilities (TEMA-3rd Edition), and Test of Early Reading Ability (TERA-4th Edition).
Online Adjunct Professor
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Anchorage, United States
01.2021 - 07.2022
- Helped plan engaging and appropriate lessons for both classroom and distance learning applications
- Met with students to provide study and career advice, as well as guidance and potential opportunities within their field of interest
- Currently teaching graduate special education classes, including Curriculum, Management, & Strategies I Low Incidence Disabilities and II High Incidence Disabilities courses, and led and prepared lectures for them.
Autism Education Specialist
Special Education Service Agency
Anchorage, United States
08.2016 - 05.2022
- Collaborated with paraprofessionals, special education teachers, general education teachers, and administrators on evidence based strategies to utilize with students with Autism
- Conducted Functional Behavior Analysis and assisted creating Behavior Intervention Plans for students with extreme behaviors
- Model and instruct staff and students to use Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices
- Provide training to various school districts throughout Alaska on: teaching using evidence-based strategies, Autism 101, paraprofessional support.
Special Education Teacher
Southwest Region School District
Dillingham
08.2015 - 05.2016
- Taught K-2nd Grades Language Arts and Math
- Taught K-8th Grades Social Studies and Science
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals
- Participated in school and village community activities such as fundraisers and potlatches.
PPCD Teacher
Rosemont Elementary School
Dallas
08.2013 - 06.2015
- Devised learning and content strategies to meet the needs of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals
- Organized instructional materials, which included making bulletin boards and setting up work stations
- Worked with the master schedule to coordinate the schedules of special education students and teacher assistants.
Middle School Science Teacher
Tampa Day School
Tampa
01.2010 - 05.2013
- Science Department Chair K-8th Grades
- Developed differentiated science lesson plans, labs, and assessments for 6th through 8th grades to meet the needs of all the learners in my classroom
- Taught social skills enrichment class 4th through 6th grades
- Taught Lindamood Bell reading and math strategies to students K-6th.
Therapeutic Horsemanship Instructor
Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship
Dallas
10.2004 - 12.2006
- Taught horseback riding to individuals of all ages with various cognitive, physical, and or emotional needs
- Head of Area 10 Equestrian Special Olympics Texas
- Lecturer in Anatomy, Physiology, and Kinesiology courses for a nationally recognized therapeutic horsemanship certification program.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
Mary Baldwin University
Staunton, VA 01.2007 - 01.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Therapeutic Horsemanship
St. Andrews University
Laurinburg, NC 08.2000 - 05.2004
High School -
Clearwater Central Catholic High School
Clearwater, FL 08.1996 - 06.2000
Skills
Understanding of special education and the adapting and or modifying materials for students to be successful learners
undefinedCertification
Alaska Professional Teacher Certificate: Special Education K-12, 7/14/2023-6/6/2028
Timeline
Special Education- Structured Learning Classroom
Baxter Elementary School
08.2022 - Current
Online Adjunct Professor
University of Alaska Fairbanks
01.2021 - 07.2022
Autism Education Specialist
Special Education Service Agency
08.2016 - 05.2022
Special Education Teacher
Southwest Region School District
08.2015 - 05.2016
PPCD Teacher
Rosemont Elementary School
08.2013 - 06.2015
Middle School Science Teacher
Tampa Day School
01.2010 - 05.2013
Master of Arts - Special Education
Mary Baldwin University
01.2007 - 01.2010
Therapeutic Horsemanship Instructor
Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship
10.2004 - 12.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Therapeutic Horsemanship
St. Andrews University
08.2000 - 05.2004
High School -
Clearwater Central Catholic High School
08.1996 - 06.2000
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