Sharyn Buchman
Special Education Teacher
Harriman,NY
Summary
Special Education professional with a proven track record at Valley Central School District, skilled in creating individualized education plans and fostering collaborative teamwork. Enhanced student engagement through tailored instruction and effective behavior management, resulting in improved academic outcomes. Strong organizational abilities and clear communication fostered positive relationships with students and parents alike.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Valley Central School District
09.1997 - 06.2025
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Enhanced students' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Created culturally responsive classroom environment, acknowledging and celebrating diversity among students.
- Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
- Collaborated with parents and other educators to develop comprehensive support plans, promoting student success.
Special Education Coordinator - Summer School
Valley Central School District
07.2015 - 08.2019
- Collaborated with teachers to conduct academic assessments for students.
- Supported general education teachers and administrators in implementing strategies to meet needs of students with IEPs.
- Assisted general education teachers with adapting lesson plans to accommodate diverse learning needs within classroom settings.
- Planned, modified and administered testing schedules to accommodate the needs of students with testing modifications.
Social Studies Teacher - Summer School
Valley Central School District
07.1998 - 08.2015
- Gave assignments, graded work and regularly discussed performance with students.
- Planned learning activities that provided students with opportunities to observe, question and investigate social studies topics.
- Increased student success rates with regular assessments and timely feedback on assignments and performance.
- Completed documentation of attendance, grades, and other required details.
- Proctored quizzes, tests, and standardized examinations.
- Discussed important historical figures, dates and events which helped shape modern world.
- Maintained awareness of relevant current events and quickly incorporated study into curriculum.
- Tailored instruction to accommodate different learning styles, thereby supporting individual student growth.
- Completed student progress reports mid-term to notify students and parents of strengths and areas of improvement.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs.
Social Studies and Special Education Teacher
Roxbury Central School
Roxbury, New York
03.1996 - 06.1997
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Fostered positive learning environment, reducing classroom disruptions through effective behavior management strategies.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
City College of New York
New York (City), NY01-1996
Bachelor of Science - Secondary Social Studies Education
SUNY College At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 05.2001 -
Skills
Collaborative teamwork
Educational planning
Collaborative teaching experience
Test administration expertise
Individualized education plan creation
Clear interpersonal communication
Strong organizational abilities
Strong attention to detail
Affiliations
Council for Exceptional Children
National Council for Social Studies
New York State Council for the Social Studies
Certification
New York State Social Studies 7-12 Permanent
Timeline
Special Education Coordinator - Summer School
Valley Central School District
07.2015 - 08.2019
Bachelor of Science - Secondary Social Studies Education
SUNY College At Buffalo
05.2001 -
Social Studies Teacher - Summer School
Valley Central School District
07.1998 - 08.2015
Special Education Teacher
Valley Central School District
09.1997 - 06.2025
Social Studies and Special Education Teacher
Roxbury Central School
03.1996 - 06.1997
Master of Science - Special Education
City College of New York