Stefanie Beargeon
West Des Moines,IA
Summary
Versatile Special Education Teacher with focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement. Student-focused [Job Title] state-qualified to work with elementary-aged students with special instructional needs. Encouraging and supportive teacher with proven skills in building trust and improving student behavior. Works great with staff, administrators and parents to develop individualized strategies.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Elementary Special Education Teacher
Des Moines Public Schools
Des Moines, IA
08.2023 - Current
- Organized engaging field trips and educational experiences that enriched the curriculum and promoted hands-on learning.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Used state and district assessments to determine student abilities and track academic progress.
- Utilized differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles within the classroom setting.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Supported the development of social skills among students by promoting group activities and cooperative learning opportunities.
- Enforced classroom rules to encourage positive behavior and distributed rewards for good conduct.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Attended professional development workshops to stay current on best practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, fostering a comprehensive learning experience.
- 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 struggling in specific areas, resulting in marked improvement in their understanding of the subject matter.
- Assessed student performance regularly using various evaluation tools, adjusting instructional strategies as needed.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Prepared classrooms for class activities and provided variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate and use throughout day.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Met with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress and determine priorities and resource needs.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Boosted student confidence and participation through positive reinforcement and tailored instruction methods.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Monitored student progress closely, intervening proactively when necessary to ensure steady growth and achievement of learning goals.
- Cultivated a positive classroom environment that fostered an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust, and open communication between teacher and students.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
- Enhanced parent-teacher communication by conducting regular meetings and providing frequent progress updates.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Provided non-verbal communication training to staff members to facilitate student aid.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Maintained accurate and complete student records to prepare reports on children and activities.
- Worked with parents, teachers, and school leadership to develop tailored student education plans.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistency in enforcing rules.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
3rd Grade General Education Teacher
Des Moines Public Schools
Cattell Elementary
12.2019 - 06.2023
- Managed classroom resources efficiently, ensuring materials were readily available for daily use by both students and teachers alike.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest in learning through hands-on activities and field trips.
- Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings, and meet learning needs.
- Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
- Designed and presented lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using variety of teaching techniques to appeal to various learning styles within assigned grade level.
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
Title Reading Teacher
Des Moine Public Schools
Samuelson Elementary
08.2017 - 06.2019
- Facilitated the integration of literacy skills into classroom activities across all subject areas, promoting a school-wide focus on reading proficiency.
- Boosted individual perseverance and resilience by setting challenging goals and providing realistic support.
- Established and enforced rules of behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions.
- Coordinated efforts with ESL teachers to provide language support for non-native English speakers, enhancing their overall academic success through increased reading proficiency.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, using this information to fine-tune instructional approaches as needed.
- Adapted teaching methods based on the diverse needs of learners within the Title 1 Reading Program, ensuring equitable access to quality instruction.
- Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
- Interpreted student assessment data to ascertain best intervention methods.
- Led small group instruction, offering personalized attention and support for struggling readers.
- Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies, and discipline.
- Conducted assessments to identify students'' reading levels, creating tailored interventions for improved progress.
- Implemented research-based interventions to address specific learning gaps among Title 1 Reading Program participants.
First Grade General Education Teacher
Des Moines Public Schools
Samuelson Elementary
08.2009 - 06.2017
- Utilized multimedia strategies to facilitate learning and increase student engagement.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Maintained safety of class by operating machinery, power tools and hand tools correctly.
Early ACCESS
Des Moines Pubic Schools
IDEA Part C Home Intervention DMPS
08.2004 - 06.2009
- Responded to inquiries by directing calls to appropriate personnel.
- Provided crisis intervention when necessary, demonstrating empathy and professionalism during challenging situations.
- Improved overall program effectiveness by regularly evaluating procedures and making recommendations for enhancements based on best practices.
- Maintained a high level of confidentiality with sensitive client information, fostering trust and rapport.
- Educated clients about their rights as consumers of healthcare services, promoting autonomy and informed decision-making processes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for clients, ensuring optimal service delivery.
- Managed caseloads efficiently by prioritizing tasks and maintaining detailed documentation of client interactions and progress.
- Facilitated communication between patients and various departments and staff.
- Worked with patients to ascertain issues and make referrals to appropriate specialists.
Education
Master of Arts - Education
Viterbo University
West Des Moines, IA06.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education And Early Childhood Education
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 05.2004
Skills
- Head Teacher Support
- Lesson Planning
- Motor Skills Development
- Progress Evaluations
- Differentiated Instruction
- Behavior Modification
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Progress Monitoring
- Elementary Education
- Special education curriculum
- Assessment administration
- Special Education
- Social Skills Development
- Collaborative Teamwork
- IEP development
- Scheduling proficiency
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Instructional Strategies
- Trained in CPI
Timeline
Elementary Special Education Teacher
Des Moines Public Schools
08.2023 - Current
3rd Grade General Education Teacher
Des Moines Public Schools
12.2019 - 06.2023
Title Reading Teacher
Des Moine Public Schools
08.2017 - 06.2019
First Grade General Education Teacher
Des Moines Public Schools
08.2009 - 06.2017
Early ACCESS
Des Moines Pubic Schools
08.2004 - 06.2009
Master of Arts - Education
Viterbo University
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education And Early Childhood Education
Iowa State University