Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Sonja Colegrove

Summary

Certified educator with extensive experience providing evidence-based reading intervention, structured literacy instruction, progress monitoring, and individualized support. Skilled in phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension using data-driven instructional practices aligned with the Science of Reading.

Overview

36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Special Education Teacher

Benton Harbor Charter School Academy
Benton Harbor, MI
07.2024 - 06.2026

Served as a K–2 Special Education Teacher and later a Middle School Special Education Teacher, providing individualized academic interventions and support.

Delivered targeted reading intervention focused on phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Utilized UFLI, easyCBM, NWEA MAP, and curriculum-based measures to monitor student progress, analyze data, and guide instruction.

Provided small-group and individualized reading interventions to students with diverse learning needs.

Collaborated with classroom teachers and families to support student achievement.

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Coloma Community Schools
Coloma, MI
08.2023 - 06.2024
  • Managed early childhood special education classroom environments that fostered a safe, inclusive, and nurturing atmosphere for young learners.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, families, and related service providers to assess student progress and adjust interventions to support development growth.
  • Developed and implemented Individualized Education Programs (IEP's) tailored to students' academic, behavioral, communication, and developmental needs.
  • Conducted ongoing assessments and progress monitoring to inform instructional planning and goal development.
  • Implemented evidence -based instructional strategies and accommodations to support diverse learning needs.

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Sault Area Public Schools
Sault Sainte Marie, MI
08.2017 - 06.2023
  • Administered, interpreted, and reported evaluation results to parents, guardians, and educational teams.
  • Collaborated with families, preschool staff, and community agencies to identify student needs and develop individualized educational plans.
  • Conducted assessments to determine eligibility for special education and related services.
  • Prepared, scheduled, and facilitated IEP meetings to address students' present levels of academic and developmental performance.
  • Provided consultation and recommendations to teachers and families regarding instructional strategies, accomodations. and interventions.
  • Supported students' social, emotional, physical, and academic development through individualized programming.
  • Utilized Positive Behavior Support (PBS) strategies to promote appropriate behavior and student success.

1st and 2nd Grade Teacher

Ojibwe Charter School
Brimley, MI
06.2016 - 06.2017
  • Delivered explicit instruction in foundational reading skills, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
  • Planned and delivered differentiated instruction for a combined first- and second-grade classroom.
  • Assessed student progress and adjusted instruction to meet individual learning needs.
  • Collaborated with families and support staff to ensure student success.

Substitute Teacher/Reading and Math Intervention

Sault Sainte Marie Area Schools
Sault Ste. Marie, MI
08.2010 - 06.2016
  • Provided instructional support across grade levels, implemented lesson plans, and maintained positive learning environments.
  • Provided targeted reading and mathematics interventions for struggling learners in small-group and individual settings.
  • Utilized assessment data to identify skill deficits and monitor student progress.
  • Collaborated with classroom teachers and families to support academic achievement.
  • Implemented evidence-based instructional strategies to improve literacy and numeracy skills.

Homeschool & Cooperative Teacher (Part-Time)

Rock of Ages Academy
Fort Wayne, IN & Sault Ste Marie, MI
02.1993 - 05.2013
  • Developed and delivered lessons within a parent-led homeschool cooperative.
  • Monitored student academic progress and adjusted instruction to support individual learning needs.
  • Planned educational and enrichment activities to support student learning and development.
  • Collaborated with parents and other educators to provide a supportive learning environment.

Substitute Teacher, K-12

Multiple School Districts
Multiple Districts, OH & IN
02.1993 - 06.2002
  • Provided classroom instruction across multiple grade levels and subject areas.
  • Maintained positive learning environments and effective classroom management.
  • Adapted instruction to meet diverse student learning needs.

6th Grade Science, Health and Review Teacher

South Moor Middle School
Columbus, OH
09.1990 - 06.1992
  • Spearheaded organization and implementation of science fairs for grades 6 through 8.
  • Developed and implemented science and health lessons, including age-appropriate health and sex education curriculum.
  • Enhanced student understanding across all subject areas by conducting review sessions and reinforcing daily curriculum concepts.
  • Facilitated a structured learning environment by managing classroom dynamics for three distinct sections.
  • Collaborated with educators and specialists and families to support student success.

Education

Graduate Certificate - Trauma-informed Schools

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI
06-2022

Master of Arts - Early Childhood Special Education

Western Michigan University
12-2020

B.S - Elementary Education, Family Life, Creative Arts

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI
06-1990

Skills

  • Structured literacy instruction
  • Phonological awareness
  • Phonics instruction
  • Reading fluency interventions
  • Decoding and encoding
  • Progress monitoring
  • Data analysis
  • Assistive Technology
  • Positive Behavior Supports (PBS)

Accomplishments

  • Currently completing LETRS for K–5 Educators ( June-2026).
  • Completed Delta Math Professional Development through Berrien RESA.
  • Completed AVMR Fractions Course through Math Recovery.
  • Completed AVMR Math Recovery Training Series through Eastern Upper Peninsula ISD.
  • Trained in UFLI Foundations and structured literacy instr
  • Experienced in progress monitoring using easyCBM, Goalbook, and AIMSweb.
  • Pursuing additional professional learning in the Science of Reading.

Certification

  • Michigan Professional Teaching Certificate
  • Currently pursuing K–12 Special Education Endorsements in Cognitive Impairment (CI) and Emotional Impairment (EI); completed multiple endorsement coursework requirements
  • LETRS for K–5 Educators (Expected Completion 2026)
  • UFLI Foundations Reading Instruction Training
  • AVRM Math Recovery Training

Timeline

Special Education Teacher

Benton Harbor Charter School Academy
07.2024 - 06.2026

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Coloma Community Schools
08.2023 - 06.2024

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Sault Area Public Schools
08.2017 - 06.2023

1st and 2nd Grade Teacher

Ojibwe Charter School
06.2016 - 06.2017

Substitute Teacher/Reading and Math Intervention

Sault Sainte Marie Area Schools
08.2010 - 06.2016

Homeschool & Cooperative Teacher (Part-Time)

Rock of Ages Academy
02.1993 - 05.2013

Substitute Teacher, K-12

Multiple School Districts
02.1993 - 06.2002

6th Grade Science, Health and Review Teacher

South Moor Middle School
09.1990 - 06.1992

Master of Arts - Early Childhood Special Education

Western Michigan University

B.S - Elementary Education, Family Life, Creative Arts

Western Michigan University

Graduate Certificate - Trauma-informed Schools

Western Michigan University