Sandra Sorensen
Thompsonville,IL
Summary
I am a retired teacher who was known to create innovative lessons that created great student involvement. I left the classroom because I no longer wanted to teach but I still love creating lessons.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Licensed Substitute Teacher
Benton area schools
Benton, IL
08.2022 - Current
- I serve in grades K-12, in many areas of the curriculum. The majority of my time is at Benton Grade School under the supervision of principal Mr. Pulliam. In those positions, I have experience in RTI instruction.
- Supported diverse learners by differentiating instruction to accommodate various learning styles and needs.
- Demonstrated mastery of subject matter by effectively teaching a wide range of grade levels and content areas as a substitute teacher.
- Promoted literacy skills through focused reading and writing activities, resulting in improved language proficiency among students.
- Established a positive learning environment by enforcing clear expectations and maintaining open communication with students and parents.
- Followed lesson plans designed by absent teachers.
Teacher-Various Grade Levels
Regional Office of Education Franklin-Williamson Counties
Benton, IL
07.2018 - 01.2021
- My duties included teaching incarcerated juveniles at the county Detention Center.
Teacher-Middle Grades
Quest School/United Methodist Children's Home
Mt. Vernon, IL
07.2007 - 01.2018
- My duties included teaching residential youth, grades 8-12, the subjects of Computer Technology, Biology, Environmental Science, Writing, English, Algebra, Geometry, Math Applications, Drama, History and Government.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Assessed student performance through various evaluation methods to ensure academic growth.
- Integrated technology into lessons to improve student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Conducted ongoing professional development in educational technology, keeping teaching approach current and effective.
- Organized and led educational field trips that complemented classroom learning, broadening students' real-world understanding.
- Designed and implemented differentiated instruction strategy to meet diverse learning needs, enhancing educational outcomes.
- Designed curriculum materials for special education students, facilitating inclusive learning.
- Improved student engagement by incorporating interactive learning technologies into lesson plans.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
Teacher-Special Education
Woodlawn High School
Woodlawn, IL
08.2005 - 01.2007
- My duties at Woodlawn consisted of teaching English, Biology, and Science in the LD resource room for grades 9-12. I also taught School Publications to regular education students. Additional duties included: special needs testing coordinator for the PSAE/ACT, yearbook advisor and Homecoming sponsor. Extensive use of technology, especially Photoshop, was required in the school publications class.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
Part time instructor of Psychology
Rend Lake College
Ina, IL
08.2005 - 06.2006
- My duties included teaching Child Psychology and Human Relations in the evening.
JAMP Special Education Cooperative
Olmsted, IL
08.2003 - 06.2005
- My duties with JAMP included 1 year as a high cross categorical teacher and 1 year as an elementary/middle school cross categorical teacher. My high school experience included extended use of the Herman Reading Program, Pass Plan, Keys to Reading and the Plato Learning System. Disabilities represented in this classroom included learning disabilities, Cerebral Palsy, EMH, visually impaired and Asperger's Syndrome. I also supervised a student teacher during this time. My elementary experience was again, cross-categorical and included learning and behavior disabilities, as well as mild mental impairment. This class consisted of 14 students in grades 4th, 5th, and 6th. Extensive use of the Herman Reading Method was used to help the struggling readers. My position with the cooperative was terminated June 2005 due to staff reduction and budget cuts.
- The director of the cooperative, Linda Nelson, welcomes any inquiry from prospective employers and can be reached at 618-742-6231.
Kaskaskia Special Education
Centralia, IL
08.2002 - 06.2003
- High school level cross-categorical teacher, in a residential facility. This was a class of six severely disturbed and mental retarded students, including an Autistic student. My duties consisted of vocation education, as well as, meeting their academic and behavioral needs. While I found this experience to be rewarding, it was also extremely challenging due to the amount of physical aggression displayed daily. While at Hoyleton, I became experienced in Aggression Replacement Therapy, CPI control and restraint, and successfully completed two Alternative Assessments for the state of Illinois. I left this position due to the amount of physical aggression towards staff.
Behavior Specialist
Honeywell Elementary School
Hoopeston, IL
08.2000 - 06.2002
- Behavior Specialist in a self-contained classroom, grades 3-6. At Honeywell, my class consisted of 6-8 students with behavior disorders and learning disabilities. I also served as the behavior resource to the two other elementary buildings in the district having behavior problems. This support allowed these students to remain in their regular education classes. While at Honeywell, I designed the behavior program and also became proficient in using the 4 Block system for reading and writing instruction. My time at Honeywell was very rewarding, as I was able to return some of the students to regular education. I left the position reluctantly to move to the Benton area.
Ford-Iroquois Special Education Association
Gilman, IL
01.1991 - 06.2000
- My position at FISEA was behavior disorder teacher in a self-contained classroom. I served at several locations throughout the cooperative with grade levels ranging from kindergarten level to the 8th grade. Throughout my years with the cooperative students have included Autistic, EMH, TMH, BD and LD students. Duties also included the supervision of two student teachers.
- Letters of recommendation are available upon your request.
Skills
Lesson planning
The ability to think outside the box
Attention to detail
Timeline
Licensed Substitute Teacher
Benton area schools
08.2022 - Current
Teacher-Various Grade Levels
Regional Office of Education Franklin-Williamson Counties
07.2018 - 01.2021
Teacher-Middle Grades
Quest School/United Methodist Children's Home
07.2007 - 01.2018
Teacher-Special Education
Woodlawn High School
08.2005 - 01.2007
Part time instructor of Psychology
Rend Lake College
08.2005 - 06.2006
JAMP Special Education Cooperative
08.2003 - 06.2005
Kaskaskia Special Education
08.2002 - 06.2003
Behavior Specialist
Honeywell Elementary School
08.2000 - 06.2002
Ford-Iroquois Special Education Association
01.1991 - 06.2000