Sonja Hansen-Smith
Bondurant,Iowa
Summary
Compassionate, creative and effective Teacher with valuable experience in classroom administration, creation of multiple types of lessons and project planning. Equipped with extensive background in versatile education environments. Student-centric instructor, who encourages academic success for all and motivates students to do their best. Competent at performing independently, with paraprofessionals or other teachers.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education and Social Studies Collab Teacher
Bondurant-Farrar High School
09.2023 - 05.2024
- Worked with Special Education students, modified assignments and tests daily, created review activities for each unit and monitored progress
- Collaborated with Social Studies department in American History and Social Science, assisted math with Algebra Concepts, taught Academic Support class
Social Studies Teacher
Woodward Academy
09.2022 - 01.2023
- Worked with 120 male youth in a treatment facility
- Participated in treatment meetings, provided crisis intervention, and implemented treatment plans
- Taught World History, Current Issues, Sociology and Government
- Maintained and reviewed confidential documents
- Collaborated with staff onsite and also from judicial and legal systems off site.
Social Studies Teacher
West Des Moines Community School District
08.2003 - 05.2022
- Taught Current Issues, Western Civilization, World Civilization, and Sociology
- Directed Saturday School and Detention program for 12 years
- Sponsored multiple different student clubs and activities
- Coached debate, mock trial and IHSSA Individual Speech
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating resources tailored to needs of special education and English Language Learner students.
- Developed positive classroom environment by fostering open communication, respect, and collaboration among students.
Teacher - Special Education and At-Risk Students
Norwalk Community School District
08.2001 - 08.2003
- Organized and retooled resource room concept for special education department
- Collaborative teacher in Government, Economics and Civics
- Coached debate and assisted mock trial team
- Created transition plans for Seniors to STRIVE at DMACC or other alternative options
Teacher - Special Education and At-Risk Students
Des Moines Public Schools
08.1998 - 08.2001
- Taught government and economics classes
- Coached debate and mock trial
- Worked with socioeconomically diverse student population
Education
Masters in Social Studies Education Started
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IowaAdditional Certification Added To Teaching License - Multicategorical Special Education 7-12 Certification
Upper Iowa University
West Des Moines, Iowa02.2001
Bachelor of Arts - Education, American And World History, Sociology
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa12.1997
Skills
- Student Engagement
- Small Group Instruction
- Differentiated Instruction
- Classroom Management
- Inquiry-based learning
- Co-Teaching and Co-Planning
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Adaptability and Flexibility
Student Teaching Experience
North High School, Des Moines, Iowa, American History and Street Law, Fall 1997
- Socioeconomically diverse school
- Worked with Social Studies, English Language Learners, Special Education and Debate
Certification
- Teaching License - Expires 10/31/2025
- Standard License
- 5-12 American History - 158
5-12 Sociology - 165
5-12 World History - 166
5-12 Multicategorical Resource Mild - 222
5-12 Instructional Strategist I: Mild/Moderate - 26 - folder number 336202
Languages
Spanish
Elementary
Timeline
Special Education and Social Studies Collab Teacher
Bondurant-Farrar High School
09.2023 - 05.2024
Social Studies Teacher
Woodward Academy
09.2022 - 01.2023
Social Studies Teacher
West Des Moines Community School District
08.2003 - 05.2022
Teacher - Special Education and At-Risk Students
Norwalk Community School District
08.2001 - 08.2003
Teacher - Special Education and At-Risk Students
Des Moines Public Schools
08.1998 - 08.2001
Masters in Social Studies Education Started
University of Northern Iowa
Additional Certification Added To Teaching License - Multicategorical Special Education 7-12 Certification
Upper Iowa University
Bachelor of Arts - Education, American And World History, Sociology
The University of Iowa
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