Amy Crusen
The Villages,FL
Summary
Skilled educator with strong expertise in special education. Adept at developing tailored learning plans, employing effective instructional strategies, and fostering inclusive classroom environments. Known for collaboration, adaptability, and delivering measurable results. Experienced with developing and implementing individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs. Utilizes effective behavior management techniques to create positive and inclusive classroom environment.
Overview
1
1
Certification
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Lake County School Board
Tavares, FL
08.2021 - Current
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- 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.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
Teacher
Putnam County School District
Hawthorne, FL
08.2020 - 07.2021
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- 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.
Substitute Teacher
ESS
Putnam County, FL
01.2020 - 03.2020
- 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.
- Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
Family Care Manager
The Centers
Ocala, FL
03.2019 - 02.2020
- Conducted home visits to assess living conditions, identify potential hazards, and provide recommendations for improvement.
- Contacted referrals and outside agencies on behalf of family to follow up on provided services.
- Maintained composure and professional distance during difficult conversations with clients and families to offer maximum support.
- Assisted clients in navigating social service systems, facilitating access to vital resources such as housing, education, and healthcare.
- Advocated for children's best interest in court proceedings, resulting in favorable outcomes for their wellbeing.
- Prevented child maltreatment recurrences by effectively identifying risk factors and implementing evidence-based prevention strategies in collaboration with clients and service providers.
Administrator/ Program Director
L'Arche International
Jacksonville, FL
04.2010 - 06.2017
- Company Overview: L'Arche - A french word for "The Ark" (as in Noah's Ark) is an international organization serving adults with disabilities through small relationship focused communities where people with and without disabilities share a home. Communities are made up of diverse groups of staff and volunteers of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities, with over 130 communities in 40 different countries
- Directly supervised several teams of staff and coordinators for several small group homes and a day program.
- Increased accessible housing options, sourcing public funds and grants to modify existing housing and locate new properties that were more accessible
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals and secured funding to support residents to remain in their home rather than moving to a nursing home
- Led a team of healthcare professionals in designing comprehensive care plans for adults with complex physical and medical disabilities
Group Home Manager/ Family Support Coordinator
PARC (Now Ep!c)
Peoria, IL
10.2001 - 12.2009
- Company Overview: PARC (Which changed its name to Ep!c in 2012) is a large nonprofit human services organization serving over 500 individuals and families with intellectual and physical disabilities.
- Empowered families to support their loved one with a disability by connecting them with resources to help them meet their needs and reduced need for paid supports.
- Increased recreational opportunities for adults with disabilities who lived at home with their family by providing activity based respite and vacation programs.
- Developed brochures, recruited and trained volunteers, researched and designed holiday and activity itineraries including formulating budgets, making reservations, purchasing tickets and supporting vacationers during trips.
- Ensured documentation and compliance with state and federal regulations and licensure
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Nonprofit Administration
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH01.2016
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans IEP's
- Small group instruction
- Group and individual instruction
- De-escalation techniques
- Trained in Ukeru deescalation techniques
- Visual supports
- Curriculum adjustments
- Functional behavior assessment
- Social skills training
Certification
- Professional Teacher Certification, State of Florida. Certified to teach age 3-3rd grade and Exceptional Student Education K-12
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Lake County School Board
08.2021 - Current
Teacher
Putnam County School District
08.2020 - 07.2021
Substitute Teacher
ESS
01.2020 - 03.2020
Family Care Manager
The Centers
03.2019 - 02.2020
Administrator/ Program Director
L'Arche International
04.2010 - 06.2017
Group Home Manager/ Family Support Coordinator
PARC (Now Ep!c)
10.2001 - 12.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Nonprofit Administration
Cleveland State University