Sara Larsen
Math Teacher/Exceptional Education Teacher
Edmond,OK
Summary
A dedicated, knowledgeable instructor seeking a teaching position offering a strong understanding of teaching, organization, problem solving, and 18 years of teaching experience. A special education teacher for 14 years excelling in behavior management, classroom management, IEP process, and how to be an advocate for each student. An instructor with a knack for creating relationships with troubled teens and typically able to get more school work out of them than most other teachers. With many years experience teaching math in co-taught classes, Direct classrooms, and as a regular teacher, both working with a PLC and teaching math to a variety of learners is enjoyable. Working with virtual learners is also a strength developed during the pandemic. After 3 years of teaching an Alternative In School Placement (AISP) class, working with troubled teens with both behavior and academic needs is a particular strength. Administrators count on me, not only for strong teaching skills, but for experience driven problem solving skills. Willingness to be flexible and helpful whenever needed, has often been favorably commented upon. A favorite movie quote is, "See a need, fill a need" - by Bigweld in "Robots".
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Alternative in School Placement Teacher
Edmond Public Schools-Heartland Middle School
Edmond, OK
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Alternative In School Placement Teacher also helped new administration with many procedural and structural initiatives.
- Maintained accurate and complete records for every student assigned to AISP.
- Instructed up to 10 students individually and in groups on all subjects.
- Assessed and looked after up to 10 students by working closely with staff and efficiently planning and coordinating work.
- Initiated tutoring sessions with students, improving grades through work completion
- Counseled and discussed with students effects of their behaviors and choices on themselves and people around them.
- In addition to educating students on their academics and behavior choices, performed many administrative tasks. Including
- 1. Modifying and reorganizing school wide safety plan for both fire drill and tornado drills, creating power points and presenting to faculty This included making safety folders for each classroom.
- 2. Modifying and organizing school wide behavior accountability plan and office referral form. Creating powerpoint and presenting it to faculty.
Virtual Edmond Teacher/Manager
Edmond Public Schools-Heartland Middle School
Edmond, OK
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Using APEX Learning program, managed 200+ student participation, completion and progress through curriculum according to EPS Virtual School Expectations.
- Reported student progress to parents on regular basis via email, telephone and virtual meetings.
- Reported student progress to administration on regular basis.
- Designed positive reinforcement system for students participating and completing program on time.
- Connected with Exceptional Education Students' Case managers concerning student progress and needs through virtual program curriculum.
- Connected with Exceptional Education Students through Google Meets to assist with curriculum needs.
- Organized and trained teachers with virtual students and communicated with teachers to help students with curriculum and grading assignments.
- Previewed curriculum to check that program curriculum related to Oklahoma state standards.
7th Grade Middle School Math Teacher
Edmond Public Schools-Heartland Middle School
Edmond, OK
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Adjusted teaching strategies to meet diverse requirements of individualized support plans.
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Led interesting and diverse group activities to engage students in course material.
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
- Reviewed latest standards to review teaching strategies for compliance with requirements.
- Implemented peer tutoring system to enhance comprehensive understanding of math techniques and increase student test scores.
- Developed and distributed study guides to reinforce lecture details and help students with test preparation.
- Used Infinite Campus to upload student grades and absence data into district computer systems.
- Familiar with Canvas System
Alternative in School Placement Teacher
Edmond Public Schools-Heartland Middle School
Edmond, OK
08.2017 - 05.2019
- Created program that focused on student needs in areas of academics AND social emotional learning.
- One period/day also co-taught in 7th grade math.
- Communicated frequently with admin, teachers, and students to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies pertaining to best practices in student behavior.
- Maintained accurate and complete records for every student assigned to AISP.
- Instructed up to 10 students individually and in groups on all subjects.
- Assessed and looked after up to 10 students by working closely with staff and efficiently planning and coordinating work.
- Adapted teaching methods and lesson plans to changing student needs to increase classroom work completion in alternative placement.
- Initiated tutoring sessions with students, improving grades through work completion
- Counseled and discussed with students effects of their behaviors and choices on themselves and people around them.
Special Education Teacher (Mild-Moderate)
Edmond Public Schools-Heartland Middle School
Edmond, OK
08.2015 - 05.2017
- Co-Taught in 7th and 8th Grade Math classes.
- Gave Direct instruction (Lab classes/Resource class) 7th and 8th grade Math classes.
- Taught one section of regular 8th grade Math.
- Aligned lessons to Oklahoma Standards and Benchmarks while making appropriate modifications for various learning differences.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Cultivated 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.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
Special Education Teacher (Mild-Moderate)
Edmond Public Schools-Sequoyah Middle School
Edmond, OK
08.2014 - 05.2015
- Co-taught 7th grade math and 7th grade English.
- Lead teacher of co-taught 7th grade English class for one section this school year.
- Aligned Oklahoma Standards with lessons taught in 7th Grade English while modifying for various learning differences.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Cultivated 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.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
Special Education Teacher (Mild-Moderate)
Edmond Public Schools-Sequoyah Middle School
Edmond, OK
08.2011 - 05.2014
- Co-taught 7th and 8th grade Math and 7th grade English. and taught direct 7th and 8th grade math classes.
- Modified regular curriculum to focus on most important concepts students needed to learn to continue being successful with accessing regular curriculum.
- Worked closely with Co-teachers to develop and modify regular curriculum for students of all abilities to access their education.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Cultivated 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.
Elementary Special Education Teacher (moderate)
Deer Creek Public Schools-Deer Creek Elementary
Edmond, OK
08.2009 - 05.2011
- Taught students from grades K-5 that had moderate delays (2-3 grade level gaps) Reading, Writing, Spelling, and Math in Direct Classroom (Resource room) setting, using programs such as Accelerated Reader, PCI-Reading, Wilson Reading, Touch Math, and others.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Instructed students in core academic areas and specialized reading groups.
- Designed and implemented point system to encourage positive classroom and learning behaviors.
Middle School Special Education Teacher
Hamilton County Schools-Loftis Middle School
Hixson, TN
08.2005 - 05.2009
- 7th grade co-teacher for 2 years and then moved to 8th grade for 2 years. Co-taught in English, Literacy, Math, and Science.
- Lead Special Education Teacher for building.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
Elementary SPED Teacher (Multiple Disabilities)
Waynesboro Public Schools-William Perry Elementary
Waynesboro, VA
08.2001 - 05.2003
- Multiple Disabilities Teacher for William Perry Elementary School. Teaching combination of severe/profoundly handicapped and mentally handicapped students. had no more than 6-7 students with up to 3 instructional aides.
- Worked with students with disabilities including: hydrocephalus, Fragile X Syndrome, Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and Tourette's Syndrome.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional and social growth.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Worked with students with moderate to severe autism to increase life skills.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Created learning and content strategies to meet needs of mentally and physically disabled students.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Special Education K-12
University of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN12.2000
Skills
- Understanding of different student backgrounds and needs
- Classroom Instruction and Management
- Instructional Materials Creation
- Student Motivation and Engagement
- Positive Learning Environment
- Team Teaching and Collaboration
- Organizational and Problem Solving Skills
- Creating Relationships with Students
My current hobbies include:
Reading or "Audible books"
knitting
making quilts
home renovations (hubby does heaviest lifting)
watching movies
jigsaw puzzles
entertaining friends
Timeline
Alternative in School Placement Teacher
Edmond Public Schools-Heartland Middle School
08.2021 - 05.2022
Virtual Edmond Teacher/Manager
Edmond Public Schools-Heartland Middle School
08.2020 - 05.2021
7th Grade Middle School Math Teacher
Edmond Public Schools-Heartland Middle School
08.2019 - 05.2020
Alternative in School Placement Teacher
Edmond Public Schools-Heartland Middle School
08.2017 - 05.2019
Special Education Teacher (Mild-Moderate)
Edmond Public Schools-Heartland Middle School
08.2015 - 05.2017
Special Education Teacher (Mild-Moderate)
Edmond Public Schools-Sequoyah Middle School
08.2014 - 05.2015
Special Education Teacher (Mild-Moderate)
Edmond Public Schools-Sequoyah Middle School
08.2011 - 05.2014
Elementary Special Education Teacher (moderate)
Deer Creek Public Schools-Deer Creek Elementary
08.2009 - 05.2011
Middle School Special Education Teacher
Hamilton County Schools-Loftis Middle School
08.2005 - 05.2009
Elementary SPED Teacher (Multiple Disabilities)
Waynesboro Public Schools-William Perry Elementary
08.2001 - 05.2003
Bachelor of Science - Special Education K-12
University of Tennessee At Chattanooga
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