Shannon Sonnenberg
New Berlin,WI
Summary
Compassionate, creative and effective special education teacher prepared for leadership in education. Proven track record in curriculum development, classroom management, and fostering an inclusive, positive learning environment. Strong focus on team collaboration and adaptability to changing educational needs. Reliable and results-driven, with expertise in supporting students with emotional and behavioral struggles and mentoring colleagues.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Children's Book Author
Orange Hat Publishing
Wauwatosa, WI
09.2024 - Current
- Implement marketing strategies that increased book visibility and sales reach.
- Organize author events and book signings to foster community engagement and brand loyalty.
Lead Teacher/ Special Education Teacher
Burlington Area School District
Burlington, WI
08.2018 - 08.2025
- Assisted in the creation and implementation of Project WIN, an in-district K-12 program for students with emotional and behavioral struggles, including writing the employee handbook and assisting in designing the physical space.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans that align with curriculum standards for students of all grade levels, including core subjects, daily social skills lessons, art class twice weekly, and life skills/ cooking class.
- Oversaw the day to day operations of Project WIN, including medication management, curriculum, IEPs and BIPs.
- Facilitated and oversaw communication and scheduling with in-district and service providers, including student transportation, food services, therapists, and case managers.
- Led the teachers and paraprofessionals at Project WIN, including professional development, mentoring new teachers, and ensuring compliance in all areas with state standards and best practice.
- Managed administrative duties, including staff payroll approval and time off requests, student attendance, and Medicare tracking.
- Administered i-Ready and Forward testing.
- Collaborated with K-12 building principals for student returns to their home schools/ least restrictive environments.
- Communicated frequently with parents about student growth and progress, recommending at-home reinforcement to support struggling students.
- District trainer for Handle with Care.
Special Education Teacher
The Richardson School
West Allis, WI
08.2014 - 08.2018
- Differentiated curriculum in a multi-age, multi grade classroom
- Implemented the Collaborative Problem-Solving approach
- Taught Extended School Year
- Mentored new teachers
- Created common core aligned supplementary curriculum for multiple schools within the organization
Paraprofessional
The Richardson School
West Allis, WI
08.2013 - 08.2014
- Tracked behavior and IEP goal data.
- Co-taught social-emotional curriculum.
- Substitute teacher for Extended School Year.
Youth Care Worker
Norris Adolescent Center
Mukwonago, WI
09.2011 - 08.2013
- Held bi-weekly sessions with clients and writing reports on progress.
- Worked with therapists and teachers to develop and implement individualized care plans , IEPs, and Prevention Plans for at-risk youth, promoting personal growth and stability.
- Supported case managers in creating individualized Career and Transition plans.
Education
Master of Arts - Education
Alverno
Milwaukee, WI12-2019
Proficiency Based Licensure - Special Education
CESA 1
Pewaukee, WI04-2015
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
UW-Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI01-2011
Skills
- Classroom management
- Differentiated instruction
- Relationship building
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- De-escalation techniques
- Staff development
- Educational leadership
- Conflict resolution
Websites
Certification
- Cross-categorical - Special Education (1809) MC-EA
- Administrative Leadership
- Director of Instruction
- MANDT August 2018- August 2025
- Handle with Care August 2013- 2025
- Certified trainer for the Burlington School District August 2019-August 2025
- Principals of Subject Control September 2011- August 2013
- Verbal Judo September 2011- August 2013
ADDITIONAL TRAINING
Collaborative Problem-Solving August 2013- August 2018
Timeline
Children's Book Author
Orange Hat Publishing
09.2024 - Current
Lead Teacher/ Special Education Teacher
Burlington Area School District
08.2018 - 08.2025
Special Education Teacher
The Richardson School
08.2014 - 08.2018
Paraprofessional
The Richardson School
08.2013 - 08.2014
Youth Care Worker
Norris Adolescent Center
09.2011 - 08.2013
Master of Arts - Education
Alverno
Proficiency Based Licensure - Special Education
CESA 1
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
UW-Oshkosh