Passionate Special Education English teacher for many years providing an education to high school students with different backgrounds and abilities. After serving students with emotional and behavioral difficulties for most of my career, I was ready for a change. Working in a vocational public school setting has taught me many new things and challenged me to increase my teaching skills. Changing the subject matter from English to science has been the most challenging aspect of this transition for me. I am passionate about teaching and helping students improve in all areas but teaching English is my true passion.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher/ Science Co-Teac
Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical School
08.2023 - Current
Special Education liaison to 18 students, responsible for running IEP meetings and writing IEP’s, keeping track of grades and making plans as needed for success, and frequent communication with teachers.
Developed a positive classroom environment that supported social-emotional growth and encouraged respectful interactions among students.
Assessed student progress regularly using formative assessments, modifying instructional practices as needed to address achievement gaps.
Implemented research-based instructional strategies proven effective in meeting the diverse needs of special education learners.
Science Co-Teacher for 6 classes ranging from 15-30 students, responsible for teaching, planning and correcting in a collaborative manner with two science teachers, and overseeing delivery of accommodations for all students on 504’s and IEP’s in the science classes.
Enhanced overall classroom performance by differentiating instruction to meet diverse learning needs. Implemented strategies throughout the school year to foster comprehension and improve test scores.
Increased parent involvement through regular communication, fostering strong relationships and supporting families in their child's education journey.
Promoted student independence by teaching self-advocacy skills and providing appropriate accommodations to ensure equal access to educational opportunities.
Special Education English Teacher
Reads Collaborative
09.2011 - 06.2023
Developed an English curriculum over the course of 7 years to meet the learning styles and abilities of students with emotional and intellectual disabilities.
Developed and taught a curriculum for multiple elective courses, including theater arts, creative writing, debate, and journalism.
Developed and implemented many IEP goals for reading, writing, task completion and executive functioning, as well as reported on progress 4 times a year.
Developed and taught a curriculum for 4 science classes from 2012-2015 as a teacher in the Reads vocational program.
Developed and taught all 4 subjects to grades 11 and 12 for my first year as the teacher in the vocational program. Developed relationships with all of my students through positive incentive plans, communication, learning about their backgrounds and consulting with the counselor regularly.
Mentored two teachers during the 2021/2022 school year which required regular check-ins, guidance and assistance. I was also required to attend mentor meetings to discuss the progress of the teachers.
Curriculum Leader during the 2021/2022 school year. My main responsibility for this position was creating a new format for many curriculum maps created years before, in order to make them more user friendly.
Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
English Teacher
Stoughton Academy Night School
09.2018 - 06.2021
Taught English one night a week for a class of 20+ students from various backgrounds and ages. Many students were already working full-time.
Created fun, interactive lessons and made modifications as necessary for some students.
Developed relationships with my night school students by getting to know them and their future plans.
Assessed student progress and provided feedback to improve performance and establish academic success.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education (Moderate Disabilities 7-12)
Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater, MA
06.2012
Bachelor of Science - Communication Disorders
Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater, MA
06.2000
Skills
Differentiated Instruction
Classroom Management
Individual Education Plans IEPs
Small Group Instruction
Relationship Building
Co-teaching Experience
Lesson Planning
Collaborative Teamwork
Data Management
Inclusion Strategies
Parent-teacher collaboration
Accomplishments
Have been teaching the youth at my church for more than two years now.
Have been active in community outreach for multiple years.
SEI certification through Bridgewater State University
Special Education Advocate for my two nieces for the last 4-5 years.
Timeline
Special Education Teacher/ Science Co-Teac
Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical School
08.2023 - Current
English Teacher
Stoughton Academy Night School
09.2018 - 06.2021
Special Education English Teacher
Reads Collaborative
09.2011 - 06.2023
Master of Science - Special Education (Moderate Disabilities 7-12)
Bridgewater State University
Bachelor of Science - Communication Disorders
Bridgewater State University
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