Susan Hoekstra
Summary
Experienced professional educator with a passion for driving meaningful learning experiences and fostering academic growth for all students. Strong background in curriculum development, instructional design, and classroom management. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with faculty and adapt to evolving educational needs. Highly skilled in engaging students, assessing progress, and implementing effective teaching strategies to enhance the learning environment.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Elementary Special Education Intensive Instruction
LYONS SD103
08.2018 - Current
- Increased literacy skills through targeted reading interventions and close monitoring of individual student progress.
- Fostered a growth mindset in students by modeling resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges, encouraging them to persevere towards their goals.
- Contributed to a positive school culture by participating in extracurricular activities and events such as clubs, sports teams, and fundraising efforts.
- Built strong relationships with parents to encourage involvement in their child''s education and academic progress.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices for effective teaching strategies and classroom management techniques.
- Served on various school committees focused on curriculum development and aligning instructional practices with state standards.
7th Grade Special Education Resource Teacher
ELMHURST CUSD 205
08.2016 - 06.2018
- Co-taught an ELA class, taught an Instructional English class, instructed a guided study, pushed in to support Science & Social Studies classes.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to modify curriculum materials, ensuring accessibility for all learners in an inclusive setting.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance, attendance, and IEP objectives to ensure compliance with federal regulations and school district policies.
- Taught students in self-contained and resource environments.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss students'' needs, share insights, and develop effective intervention plans aligned with their unique strengths and challenges.
Long-Term Substitute Teacher (SPED) - 8th Grade
DARIEN PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST 61
03.2016 - 06.2016
- Co-taught two block English/Language Arts classes, a Social Studies class, and a Learning Resource class, managed a caseload of 6 students, updated IEP goals, attended all district, department, and grade level Special Education meetings.
- Volunteered to continue managing the after-school Homework Club for the resource students with a co teacher.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop interdisciplinary lessons, providing a more cohesive educational experience for students.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
Long-Term Substitute Teacher (SPED)- 8th Grade
ELMHURST CUSD 205
11.2015 - 01.2016
- Co-teaching three math classes, push-in to two English classes, Guided Study, and a Caseload of all the 8th grade IEP students.
- Worked with the Special Education multidisciplinary team, provided accommodations, amended IEP, contacted parents, monitored student goals, attended grade level and department meetings weekly.
- Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
- Addressed diverse learning styles through the incorporation of hands-on activities and visual aids in lesson plans, resulting in improved comprehension for all students.
Substitute Teacher
TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS
01.1995 - 01.2016
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
K+ Teacher
ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL
08.2007 - 06.2008
- Enrichment kindergarten class which supplemented the public school, and met the individual needs of each student.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
K-2 Teacher Supplementary Instruction Aide
DOWNERS GROVE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS
08.2004 - 06.2006
- Instructed and supported individual and small groups of students with unique learning needs. The school did not have a special education department at that time.
- Improved literacy skills by implementing guided reading and writing strategies.
- Built positive relationships with teachers, students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
Preschool Teacher/Director
WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY CHURCH PRESCHOOL
08.1999 - 06.2002
- Lead teacher in the 3 year old room for 2 years
- Director and 4 year old lead teacher 1 year
- Developed strong relationships with parents and caregivers, providing regular updates on their child's progress and addressing any concerns proactively.
- Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.
- Worked in conjunction with DCFS and its regulations
Homebound Tutor
DOWNERS GROVE DISTRICT 58
01.1997 - 01.1998
- Responsible for a variety of students who were unable to attend school due to medical/emotional issues. I loved this position! I became very close to these students and their families.
- Adapted instructional materials to align with the curriculum requirements of each respective school district served.
- Collaborated with teachers, counselors, and administrators to ensure a comprehensive educational approach for homebound students.
- Managed scheduling and communication with families, ensuring timely updates on student progress and any necessary adjustments to the tutoring plan.
Teacher - 2nd Grade
LANSING CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
08.1993 - 08.1995
- Created a welcoming classroom atmosphere by establishing clear expectations and routines, promoting a sense of belonging among students.
- Differentiated instruction to meet the unique learning needs of each student, ensuring all students were able to access the curriculum successfully.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects, fostering critical thinking skills and interdisciplinary learning.
- Developed positive relationships with parents, communicating regularly about student progress and classroom happenings.
Long-Term Substitute Teacher (SPED)
ELMHURST & BERKELEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
08.1992 - 06.1993
- August to December: EC Special Education Classroom
- January to March: 4th/5th LD-BD classroom at Sunnyside Elementary
- March to June: Middle School Cross-Categorical Special Ed room at McArthur Middle School
Education
MA - SPECIAL EDUCATION
TRINITY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
12-2016
BA - ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
TRINITY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
05-1992
Skills
- Teaching strategies
- Student motivation
- Mentoring
- Peer coaching
- Classroom management
- Differentiated instruction
- Learning strategies
- Cultural sensitivity
- Parent and student communication
- Teamwork
- Alternative learning methods
- Relationship building
Leadership Roles
Math Curriculum Committee (2024-2025), Building leadership team (2019-2023), PBIS committee, (2019-2023), Cheerleading Coach (2019-2024), Drama Club (2016-2018, 2024-2025), UrbanECO Club (2024-2025), Homebound Teacher (2021-2025), Mentor to various student teachers, Planned 3rd-4th grade Field trips (2023-2025), Headed Fundraising for Clubs (2019-2025)
Conference Co-Speaker
Building Limitless Mindsets for Students, Parents, and Teachers (trifecta of success)
- Hinsdale Central High School (2021), Division for Early Childhood International Conference (2021), TASH Conference (2021), University of Chicago Disability Studies Class (2022), The Arc of IL Conference (2022), Illinois Statewide Transition Conference (2022)
Avoiding Pitfalls in Building Powerful Person-Centered, Results-Driven Education
- Illinois Statewide Transition Conference (2023)
Certification
- LBS1 - PreK-22 License - 2016
- CPI Certified Training
- PEL Illinois License - 1992-current
Timeline
Elementary Special Education Intensive Instruction
LYONS SD103
08.2018 - Current
7th Grade Special Education Resource Teacher
ELMHURST CUSD 205
08.2016 - 06.2018
Long-Term Substitute Teacher (SPED) - 8th Grade
DARIEN PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST 61
03.2016 - 06.2016
Long-Term Substitute Teacher (SPED)- 8th Grade
ELMHURST CUSD 205
11.2015 - 01.2016
K+ Teacher
ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL
08.2007 - 06.2008
K-2 Teacher Supplementary Instruction Aide
DOWNERS GROVE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS
08.2004 - 06.2006
Preschool Teacher/Director
WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY CHURCH PRESCHOOL
08.1999 - 06.2002
Homebound Tutor
DOWNERS GROVE DISTRICT 58
01.1997 - 01.1998
Substitute Teacher
TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS
01.1995 - 01.2016
Teacher - 2nd Grade
LANSING CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
08.1993 - 08.1995
Long-Term Substitute Teacher (SPED)
ELMHURST & BERKELEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
08.1992 - 06.1993
MA - SPECIAL EDUCATION
TRINITY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
BA - ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
TRINITY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
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