Sonya Austin
Monrovia,MD
Summary
Resilient Special Education Teacher familiar with navigating challenges associated with teaching special needs children. Remains positive under times of stress or conflict. Works well with classroom teachers to develop accommodations and special techniques for mainstream classroom inclusion. Experience with a variety of roles including leadership positions.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
4
4
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Montgomery County Public Schools
Rockville, MD
08.2019 - Current
- Coordinated regular meetings for 190 students to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for the successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Collected and analyzed student data and communicated progress to parents.
Supervisor Special Education Department
Montgomery County Public Schools
Rockville, MD
07.2022 - 06.2023
- Collaborated with special education department members to identify areas of strength and need within the department and develop improvement plans.
- Lead the implementation of innovative teaching methodologies and technology integration within the special education department to enhance student engagement and achievement.
- Facilitated workshops and training sessions for special education teachers and paras on best practices for inclusive education and supporting students with diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with department members, administration, and counselors to develop schedules and place students in appropriate classes.
- Supervised special education teachers (10) and paraprofessionals (12).
- Managed student confidential records for 190 students.
- Served as an active participant on the School-based Leadership Team.
- Collaborated with administration and other departments to prepare students for examinations and standardized tests.
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
- Collaborated with administrators and department chairs to build teaching schedules.
Special Education Teacher and Chair
Department Of Defense
Fort Knox, KY
08.2017 - 06.2019
- Utilized various assistive technology tools to augment the learning experience for students with diverse abilities while promoting independence in the classroom setting.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Provided ongoing communication with parents/guardians regarding students'' progress, goals, and achievements in a timely manner.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Taught 20 students in self-contained and resource environments.
- Co-taught with general education teachers in English, math, science, and social studies.
- Developed strong relationships with students, fostering trust and creating a safe learning environment where they could thrive academically and emotionally.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Developed curriculum for Resource
- Planned, organized, and chaired the school's Case Study Committee, a multidisciplinary team responsible for all activities directly related to the special education process.
- Planned, organized, and chaired PLCs to promote student achievement and improve instructional practices.
- Established and sponsored a school bowling team.
- Sponsored National Honor Society and Junior Class and managed the budgets
- Cooperated with local businesses, organizations, parents, and base command to support successful student organizations.
Special Education Teacher
Hardin County Public Schools
Elizabethtown, KY
08.2016 - 06.2017
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Planned and implement reading instruction for general education and special education students.
- Supported students in a small group resource room to strengthen individual skills.
- Participated on the school Planning and Professional Development Committee to develop plans for new construction.
Special Education Teacher
Lexington Public Schools
Lexington, MA
09.2013 - 06.2016
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Collected and analyzed progress toward goals and communicated progress to teachers, students, and parents.
- Assessed student achievement to determine eligibility for programs.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to develop engaging lessons to meet diverse student needs.
- Completed and analyzed assessments to determine eligibility for special education services.
- Led PLC for special education department.
- Participated on school and district Intervention Task Force.
- Participated in Site Based Council
- Collaborated with other team members to create training material for University of Massachusetts School of Education.
Education
Master of Education - Organizational Management
Endicott College
Beverly, MAMaster of Science - Special Education
Pittsburg State University
PittsburgBachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KSSkills
- Supervision and leadership
- Data analysis
- Student needs assessment
- Curriculum Adjustments
- Literacy Intervention
- IEP development
- Curriculum Development
- Read 180
- Virtual Teaching Platforms
Certification
Current:
Maryland Advanced Professional Certificate
- Elementary Education 1-6
- Social Studies 7-12
- General Special Education 1-8
- General Special Education 6-adult
- Administrator 1 Supervisor and Assistant Principal
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridImportant To Me
Company CultureWork-life balanceTimeline
Supervisor Special Education Department
Montgomery County Public Schools
07.2022 - 06.2023
Special Education Teacher
Montgomery County Public Schools
08.2019 - Current
Special Education Teacher and Chair
Department Of Defense
08.2017 - 06.2019
Special Education Teacher
Hardin County Public Schools
08.2016 - 06.2017
Special Education Teacher
Lexington Public Schools
09.2013 - 06.2016
Master of Education - Organizational Management
Endicott College
Master of Science - Special Education
Pittsburg State University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Pittsburg State University