Susan Sension
MOUND,Minnesota
Summary
Dynamic Special Education Teacher with a proven track record at Minnetonka Public Schools, adept at developing individualized education plans (IEPs) and fostering strong relationships with parents and students. Skilled in differentiated instruction and classroom management, I successfully enhanced student engagement and participation through innovative teaching strategies and collaborative teamwork.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Minnetonka Public Schools. District
07.2001 - Current
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- 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.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Enhanced students' understanding of complex topics by incorporating interactive technologies and hands-on learning experiences.
- Created culturally responsive classroom environment, acknowledging and celebrating diversity among students.
- Developed and executed behavioral intervention plans, leading to decrease in disruptive behaviors and increase in classroom participation.
Education
No Degree - Autism Spectrum Disorder Certification
Concordia University
St. Paul MN05-2016
Master of Arts - Emotional Behavioral Disorder
Bethel University
New Brighton, MN05-1999
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Crown College
St. Bonifacious MN05-1989
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans IEPs including Standard-Based IEPs
- Evaluations
- Small group instruction
- Relationship building
- Co-teaching experience (Social Studies and English)
- Lesson planning
- Data management
- Inclusion strategies
- Team collaboration
- Group and individual instruction
- Motivating students
- Parent communication
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- De-escalation techniques
- Extensive use of iPad technology
- Assistive technology
- Functional behavior assessment
- Crisis prevention and intervention
Certification
Autism Spectrum Disorder K-12
Emotional Behavioral Disorder K-12
Elementary Education Grades 1-6
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Interests
- Outdoor Recreation
- Hiking
- Gardening
- Drawing and Painting
Quote
To know what is right and not to do it is the worst cowardice.
Confucius
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Minnetonka Public Schools. District
07.2001 - Current
No Degree - Autism Spectrum Disorder Certification
Concordia University
Master of Arts - Emotional Behavioral Disorder
Bethel University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Crown College
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