Sara Lee
Portage
Summary
Compassionate Special Education Teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching students with various disabilities. Implement variety of instructional techniques and strategies aligned with instructional objectives to meet needs of all students. Enforces classroom rules to encourage positive behavior. Communicates clearly and effectively with staff and students.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Portage Northern High, Portage Public Schools
Portage
08.2023 - Current
- Established positive relationships with students and their families.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities.
- Created a safe environment conducive to learning for special education students.
- Attended parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress.
- Provided instruction in academic, communication, and social skills to special education students.
- Served as an advocate for special education students within the school system.
- Assisted in the development of IEP goals based on data analysis.
- Participated in professional development activities related to teaching strategies for special education students.
Special Education Teacher of Students With Autism
Milwood Magnet Middle, Kalamazoo Public Schools
Kalamazoo
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Opened up a new self-contained ASD program.
- Communicated with counselors to schedule students in their general education classes.
- Implemented IEP's- supporting academic skills, social and emotional needs.
- Implemented fun and engaging activities that supported vocational skills, organizational skills, fine and gross motor skills, as well as academic skills related to their IEP goals and objectives.
- Created individualized schedules for students to follow in their general education classroom.
- Participated in a Professional Learning Community with other special education teachers.
- Assessed students by using NWEA and MI-ACCESS assessments.
- Kept open communication with general education teachers, to monitor progress of shared students, and modified grade level work.
- Implemented structured TEACCHing systems to promote independence and engagement.
Special Education Teacher of students with Autism
Prairie Ridge Elementary, Kalamazoo Public Schools
Kalamazoo
08.2015 - 06.2022
- Implemented IEP's- supporting academic skills, social and emotional needs.
- Dierentiated small group/whole group instruction based on abilities.
- Was on the Literacy Night committee for seven years, coordinating and planning school wide events.
- Progress monitored and collected data on students' progress. Used data to drive instruction.
- Worked closely and collaborated with teachers and parents.
- Attended trainings and meetings specifically about ASD.
- Implemented structured TEACCHing systems to promote independence and engagement.
- Used NWEA and MI-ACCESS to assess students.
- Created a safe learning environment, to support students' needs.
- Implemented evidence based practices.
- Wrote and implemented behavior intervention plans.
Retail Sales Associate
Express Clothing Store
Portage
08.2014 - 09.2015
- Stocked shelves with merchandise according to company standards.
- Demonstrated knowledge of store products and services.
- Provided product information and answered customer questions.
- Completed transactions in an efficient manner while providing excellent customer service.
- Performed cashier duties such as ringing up sales, processing payments, and issuing receipts.
- Offered suggestions for additional items that may be of interest to customers.
- Organized displays to attract customers and promote sales.
Education
Master's - Autism Spectrum Disorder
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo04.2018
Bachelor's Degree - Special Education
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo04.2015
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Collaboration
- Organization
- Experience with smart boards
- Experience with technology
- Experience with online interventions
- Open communication
- Time management
- Team collaboration
- Conflict resolution
Projects
Best Buddies - Nonprofit Organization, Helped open up the first chapter of the Best Buddies program while attending Western Michigan University. A volunteer program that creates a one-on-one relationship with a person with a disability and a college student., Created opportunities to work on social skills, job skills, independent living skills, self-advocacy and communication skills.
Languages
Korean
Elementary
Certification
- Elementary K-5 All Subjects (K-8 All Subjects in Self-Contained Classroom) (ZG)
- Learning Disabilities (SM) K-12
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (SV) K-12
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Portage Northern High, Portage Public Schools
08.2023 - Current
Special Education Teacher of Students With Autism
Milwood Magnet Middle, Kalamazoo Public Schools
08.2022 - 06.2023
Special Education Teacher of students with Autism
Prairie Ridge Elementary, Kalamazoo Public Schools
08.2015 - 06.2022
Retail Sales Associate
Express Clothing Store
08.2014 - 09.2015
Master's - Autism Spectrum Disorder
Western Michigan University
Bachelor's Degree - Special Education
Western Michigan University
Similar Profiles
Christopher RikerChristopher Riker
Director of Athletics at Portage Northern High SchoolDirector of Athletics at Portage Northern High School
Dylan ThompsonDylan Thompson
Cafeteria Worker at Portage Northern High SchoolCafeteria Worker at Portage Northern High School
Caden BuscherCaden Buscher
Volunteer at Portage Northern High SchoolVolunteer at Portage Northern High School
Alexandria McConnellAlexandria McConnell
Customer Support Specialist at Dicks Sporing GoodsCustomer Support Specialist at Dicks Sporing Goods
Derek ZdanowskiDerek Zdanowski
Machine Operator at Green Bay PackagingMachine Operator at Green Bay Packaging