Stephanie Smith
Hopkins,MN
Summary
Special education professional with a track record of fostering inclusive learning environments and implementing effective instructional strategies. Strong emphasis on team collaboration and achieving positive educational outcomes, adaptable to changing classroom dynamics. Skilled in behavior management, curriculum development, and student advocacy, bringing reliability and flexibility to role.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Level 3 DCD Center Based Special Education Teacher
Evergreen Park Elementary School
Brooklyn Center, MN
09.2024 - 06.2025
- Practiced Due Process in Special Education
- Developed and implemented directives and contents of Individualized Educational Program (IEP's) plans for students.
- Collected and assessed student data to provide research-based specialized instruction to address instructional goals.
- Collaborated and consulted with educational professionals, community service providers, and family members regarding the needs of students.
- Implemented classroom structure and consistency to encourage student responsibility, cooperation and mutual respect consistent with district policies and procedures.
- Coordinated with general education teachers regarding classroom adaptions, instructional modifications, adaptive equipment, behavior modification plans and other similar instructional interventions to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
- Scheduled team meetings and worked cooperatively with child study team members and others in developing instructional goals and strategies.
- Coordinated the delivery of special education services in each student's IEP, including the use of communication devices and tablets.
Level 3 Center Based Special Education Teacher
Brooklyn Center Elementary School
Brooklyn Center, MN
09.2023 - 06.2024
- Practiced Due Process in Special Education
- Developed and implemented directives and contents of Individualized Educational Program (IEP's) plans for students.
- Collected and assessed student data to provide research-based specialized instruction to address instructional goals.
- Collaborated and consulted with educational professionals, community service providers, and family members regarding the needs of students.
- Implemented classroom structure and consistency to encourage student responsibility, cooperation and mutual respect consistent with district policies and procedures.
- Coordinated with general education teachers regarding classroom adaptions, instructional modifications, adaptive equipment, behavior modification plans and other similar instructional interventions to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
- Scheduled team meetings and worked cooperatively with child study team members and others in developing instructional goals and strategies.
- Coordinated the delivery of special education services in each student's IEP, including the use of communication devices and tablets.
Special Education Teacher
Middleton Elementary School
Woodbury, MN
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Practiced Due Process in Special Education
- Developed and implemented directives and contents of Individualized Educational Program (IEP's) plans for students.
- Collected and assessed student data to provide research-based specialized instruction to address instructional goals.
- Collaborated and consulted with educational professionals, community service providers, and family members regarding the needs of students.
- Implemented classroom structure and consistency to encourage student responsibility, cooperation and mutual respect consistent with district policies and procedures.
- Coordinated with general education teachers regarding classroom adaptions, instructional modifications, adaptive equipment, behavior modification plans and other similar instructional interventions to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
- Scheduled team meetings and worked cooperatively with child study team members and others in developing instructional goals and strategies.
- Coordinated the delivery of special education services in each student's IEP, including the use of communication devices and tablets.
Special Education Teacher
Coon Rapids Middle School, Anoka-Hennepin Schools
MN
04.2022 - 06.2022
- Practiced Due Process in Special Education
- Developed and implemented directives and contents of Individualized Educational Program (IEP's) plans for students.
- Collected and assessed student data to provide research-based specialized instruction to address instructional goals.
- Collaborated and consulted with educational professionals, community service providers, and family members regarding the needs of students.
- Implemented classroom structure and consistency to encourage student responsibility, cooperation and mutual respect consistent with district policies and procedures.
- Coordinated with general education teachers regarding classroom adaptions, instructional modifications, adaptive equipment, behavior modification plans and other similar instructional interventions to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
- Scheduled team meetings and worked cooperatively with child study team members and others in developing instructional goals and strategies.
- Coordinated the delivery of special education services in each student's IEP, including the use of communication devices and tablets.
Special Education Teacher
Hopkins Public Schools
Minnetonka, MN
08.2021 - 04.2022
- Practiced Due Process in Special Education
- Developed and implemented directives and contents of Individualized Educational Program (IEP's) plans for students.
- Collected and assessed student data to provide research-based specialized instruction to address instructional goals.
- Collaborated and consulted with educational professionals, community service providers, and family members regarding the needs of students.
- Implemented classroom structure and consistency to encourage student responsibility, cooperation and mutual respect consistent with district policies and procedures.
- Coordinated with general education teachers regarding classroom adaptions, instructional modifications, adaptive equipment, behavior modification plans and other similar instructional interventions to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
- Scheduled team meetings and worked cooperatively with child study team members and others in developing instructional goals and strategies.
- Coordinated the delivery of special education services in each student's IEP, including the use of communication devices and tablets.
Teacher
Risen Christ Catholic School
Minneapolis, MN
10.2020 - 07.2021
- Observed and evaluated students' performance, behavior and social development.
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment to facilitate a classroom discussions and student centered learning.
- Enhanced student learning by optimizing a wide range of instructional approaches and innovative classroom activities.
- Kept students on task with proactive behavior modification through Responsive Classroom.
- Encouraged creative thinking and motivated students by addressing individual strengths and areas in need of improvement based on performance and testing data.
- Prepared lesson plans according to assessment data of student needs and learning ability.
Teacher
Aurora Charter School
Minneapolis, MN
08.2015 - 06.2020
- Observed and evaluated students' performance, behavior and social development.
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment to facilitate a classroom discussions and student centered learning.
- Enhanced student learning by optimizing a wide range of instructional approaches and innovative classroom activities.
- Kept students on task with proactive behavior modification through Responsive Classroom.
- Encouraged creative thinking and motivated students by addressing individual strengths and areas in need of improvement based on performance and testing data.
- Prepared lesson plans according to assessment data of student needs and learning ability.
Biller/Accounting
Morrie's Automotive Group
Minnetonka, MN
04.2011 - 07.2015
- Completed daily billing of new and used vehicle purchases including tracking funds and reconciling accounts
- Entered and implemented warranty and protection programs to meet consumer contracts.
Teacher
Friendship Academy of the Arts
Minneapolis, MN
08.2005 - 10.2010
- Observed and evaluated students' performance, behavior and social development.
- Created and revised lesson plans and course content to facilitate and moderate classroom discussions and student centered learning.
- Enhanced student learning by optimizing a wide range of instructional approaches and innovative classroom activities.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Reviewed curriculum and devised alternative approaches to presenting lessons to increase student understanding.
Teacher
Liberty Blvd Elementary School LAUSD
Southgate, CA
08.2000 - 10.2003
- Observed and evaluated students' performance, behavior and social development.
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to facilitate and moderate classroom discussion and student centered learning.
- Promoted and modeled lifelong love of learning and reading.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans that addressed general students as well as those with individualized 504 plans as part of an integrated classroom.
- Incorporated exciting and engaging activities to reinforce student participation and hands-on learning.
- Held conferences with peers to address questions, discuss academic progress and encourage learning goals.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN09-2027
Masters of Science - Elementary Education
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN12-2005
Teaching Certification - Elementary Education
Augsburg College
Minneapolis, MN06-2000
Bachelor of Arts - English
California State University Fullerton
Fullerton, California06-1998
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Due Process
- Individual education plans (IEPs)
- Small group instruction
- Data collection/analysis
- Collaboration with parents and staff
- Inclusion strategies
- Instructional strategies
- De-escalation techniques
Timeline
Level 3 DCD Center Based Special Education Teacher
Evergreen Park Elementary School
09.2024 - 06.2025
Level 3 Center Based Special Education Teacher
Brooklyn Center Elementary School
09.2023 - 06.2024
Special Education Teacher
Middleton Elementary School
09.2022 - 06.2023
Special Education Teacher
Coon Rapids Middle School, Anoka-Hennepin Schools
04.2022 - 06.2022
Special Education Teacher
Hopkins Public Schools
08.2021 - 04.2022
Teacher
Risen Christ Catholic School
10.2020 - 07.2021
Teacher
Aurora Charter School
08.2015 - 06.2020
Biller/Accounting
Morrie's Automotive Group
04.2011 - 07.2015
Teacher
Friendship Academy of the Arts
08.2005 - 10.2010
Teacher
Liberty Blvd Elementary School LAUSD
08.2000 - 10.2003
Master of Arts - Special Education
Walden University
Masters of Science - Elementary Education
Walden University
Teaching Certification - Elementary Education
Augsburg College
Bachelor of Arts - English
California State University Fullerton