Shanira Robinson
Summit
Summary
I am a versatile Special Education Teacher of 20+ years of experience 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. Holding dual Master of Arts degrees in Special Education and School Counseling have allowed me to achieve proven success in creating inclusive, emotionally supportive learning environments and leading psychoeducational groups focused on social-emotional development, executive functioning, self-awareness, and self-confidence. I am seeking admission to Kean University’s LPC Certificate Program to earn licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in New Jersey and expand my impact through mental health counseling in private practice and educational settings.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher (Work Based Learning)
Hackensack High School
Hackensack, NJ
09.2023 - Current
- Led instruction in career exploration, job readiness, and workplace behavior for students with disabilities.
- Coordinated school-to-work experiences for high school students, including community job sampling and in-school vocational tasks.
- Developed and taught soft skills curriculum: communication, professionalism, time management, and problem-solving.
- Collaborated with counselors and case managers to align transition goals in student IEPs with career and postsecondary objectives.
- Maintained ongoing communication with local businesses, job coaches, and families to ensure success in job placements.
- Provided pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) and supported students in developing résumés, mock interviews, and job search strategies.
Special Education Teacher (LLD)
Hackensack Middle School
Hackensack, NJ
09.2010 - 06.2023
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
Elementary School Counselor
Hackensack Board Of Education
Hackensack, NJ
09.2009 - 06.2010
- Created a safe space for students within the school community where they felt comfortable discussing their concerns or seeking guidance from counselors or staff members.
- Promoted a positive school environment by fostering strong relationships among staff, parents, and students.
- Implemented comprehensive guidance curriculum that addressed the academic, career, and social-emotional development of all students.
- Reduced absenteeism rates through proactive communication with families and targeted counseling for at-risk students.
- Facilitated conflict resolution among peers, resulting in improved classroom dynamics and reduced behavioral issues.
- Collaborated with teachers to identify students in need of additional support, providing tailored counseling services.
- Conducted small group sessions on topics such as stress management, self-esteem building, and goal setting to empower individual growth.
- Assisted in developing school-wide policies around bullying prevention efforts that led to a decrease in reported incidents.
- Enhanced student emotional growth by implementing targeted counseling programs and interventions.
- Conducted group and individual counseling services to elementary students to meet developmental, preventive and remedial needs of students with learning disabilities.
Special Education Teacher (ICS/LLD)
LCJ Summit Middle School
Summit, NJ
09.2003 - 06.2009
- Adapt general education curriculum to meet the academic goals of special needs students while adhering to the standards.
- Identify innovative strategies to meet the curricular demands of the school community and a student’s individual educational plan.
- Create accurate, consistent, and engaging classroom and online course materials.
Special Education Teacher (AUTISM/MD)
PS 169 Robert F Kennedy
Manhattan, NY
09.2000 - 06.2003
- Provided in-class academic instruction to students ages 3-19 with Autism Spectrum Disorder as well as behavioral/emotional disturbances.
- Created interactive and hands-on theme-based projects that further developed students sensory, socialization, communication and problem.
- Participated in IEP meetings to communicate student academic progress, ensures proper placement and recommends evaluation for possible classification.
Education
Masters of Arts - School Counseling
Kean University
Union, NJ09.2009
Masters of Arts - Special Education
Touro College
Manhattan, NY09.2003
Skills
- Excellent computer skills (proficiency with Google Suite/Zoom formats)
- Superior oral and written communication skills
- Strong ability to motivate at-risk or unmotivated students
- Able to meet task deadlines in a timely manner and excellent work ethics and habits
- Knowledge of de-escalation techniques
- Ability to run social skills development groups
- Ability to create individualized behavior intervention/modification plans
- Experience in social emotional lesson (SEL) planning and Life skills instruction
Timeline
Special Education Teacher (Work Based Learning)
Hackensack High School
09.2023 - Current
Special Education Teacher (LLD)
Hackensack Middle School
09.2010 - 06.2023
Elementary School Counselor
Hackensack Board Of Education
09.2009 - 06.2010
Special Education Teacher (ICS/LLD)
LCJ Summit Middle School
09.2003 - 06.2009
Special Education Teacher (AUTISM/MD)
PS 169 Robert F Kennedy
09.2000 - 06.2003
Masters of Arts - Special Education
Touro College
Masters of Arts - School Counseling
Kean University