Tara Bonewitz
Keystone,IA
Summary
Patient and resourceful educator with 29 years of comprehensive experience and passionate about promoting inclusion, critical thinking skills and student development. Experienced with instructing students within large group, individually, and small groups. Skillful in managing classroom environments and student behavior with positive and proactive strategies. Commended for easily cultivating productive and trusting relationships with both students and parents.
Special Education Support Specialist with strong background in fostering inclusive learning environments. Skilled in behavior management, individualized instruction, and supporting diverse needs. Known for effective collaboration with educators and flexibility in dynamic situations. Highly reliable with focus on achieving positive outcomes for students.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Paraprofessional
Vinton Shellsburg Schools- Tilford Elementary
08.2024 - Current
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- Assisted in the implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in a more focused and positive classroom environment.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education instruction and support services.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Enhanced students'' learning experiences by implementing individualized educational plans and adapting teaching methods for special needs students.
- Provided necessary accommodations for testing situations, ensuring fair opportunities for all students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
- Established professional relationships with parents and other teachers to increase rapport and support.
- Alerted instructor to student behavior or issues requiring intervention.
- Served as a liaison between general education teachers and special education professionals, fostering collaborative relationships that benefited all students involved.
- Supported faculty in implementing behavioral intervention plans to address challenging student behaviors.
- Observed individuals or groups of students in variety of settings to maintain safe and positive learning environment.
- Helped feeding and daily living skills to support physical and emotional well-being.
- Promoted a culture of inclusion within the school community by modeling respectful interactions and encouraging open communication among all stakeholders involved in the education of special needs students.
- Set up visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
- Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
- Served as a liaison between general education teachers and special education professionals, fostering collaborative relationships that benefited all students involved.
3rd Grade Teacher
Benton Community School
08.2008 - 05.2024
- Created and implemented engaging lesson plans that aligned with Common Core State Standards.
- Implemented best practices in literacy instruction including phonics, spelling, writing, and reading comprehension.
- Led grade level Intervention group within the area of Literacy to build student reading fluency, accuracy, and comprehension skills.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills through inquiry-based activities. (Accountable Talk Model and Social Studies Curriculum)
- Utilized technology such as Smartboard and use of document camera to engage students in lessons.
- Engaged students in hands-on learning opportunities in math, science, social studies, and language arts.
- Helped students learn to persevere with challenging tasks and build resilience for later educational efforts. (Growth Mindset)
- Provided positive feedback with emphasis on learning from mistakes to establish solid foundation for progress.
- Instructed students individually and in groups using varied teaching methods.
- Prepared, administered and graded daily work and tests to evaluate student's progress.
- Instructed students in general learning strategies and skills for social development and character. (SEL)
- Facilitated small group instruction for targeted skill development within Literacy and Math Rotations.
- Cultivated classroom environment focused on inclusion and growth, fostering both social and academic development.
- Encouraged creativity by giving students choices in learning topics and methods.
- Explored foundational learning concepts with students through hands-on activities, videos and class discussions.
- Assessed student progress through formative and summative assessments.
- Improved delivery of instruction by analyzing and distilling test data to identify opportunities for intervention and enrichment. (CLDT and Data Cycle work)
- Referred to district standards to plan lessons and prepare students to take standardized assessments.
- Provided differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all learners in a 3rd grade classroom.
- Integrated technology into daily instruction to promote 21st century learning skills.
- Collaborated with special education teachers to provide support services for students with disabilities.
- Created safe, nurturing environment of trust and respect.
- Maintained safe, clean and organized classroom environment.
- Managed classroom behavior using positive reinforcement strategies and behavior management techniques.
- Experience with the PBIS Model
- Maintained accurate records of grades and attendance data.
- Built relationships with students and guardians through active communication and positive feedback.
- Conducted parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress.
- Supervised recess activities to ensure safety of all students.
- Attended in-service training and professional development courses to stay on top of policy and education changes.
- Oversaw class field trips to keep students safe and educate about related topics.
Special Education Teacher
Benton Community School
08.2003 - 05.2008
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities.
- Developed individual educational plans designed to promote educational, physical and social development.
- Collaborated with other educators and professionals to design instructional plans.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
- Teamed with general education teachers to plan and implement curriculum, state and district-wide assessments.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Developed and maintained individualized skill-appropriate lesson plans to promote and build student confidence.
- Provided instruction in academic, communication, and social skills to special education students.
- Identified learning needs of students with disabilities and implemented appropriate interventions.
- Facilitated small group instruction tailored for individual student needs.
- Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs of supervised students.
- Supported diverse student populations through equitable instructional design and programming.
- Conducted assessments of student performance and provided feedback to parents..
- Incorporated interactive visual aids into student lesson plans to support learning objectives.
- Cultivated classroom environment focused on inclusion and growth, fostering both social and academic development.
- Monitored the educational progress of each student according to established timelines.
- Attended parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress.
- Established positive relationships with students and their families and communicated regularly regarding their child's progress.
- Participated in professional development activities related to teaching strategies for special education students.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
- Implemented behavior management systems that promote positive behaviors.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
- Built relationships with students and guardians through active communication and positive feedback.
- Created and Implemented Alternative Assessments
- Maintained student records in accordance with district standards.
- Delivered tutoring sessions to help students grasp complex concepts in one-on-one settings.
3-6 Resource Teacher
Benton Community School
08.1999 - 05.2003
- Instructed students individually and in groups for targeted development.
- Created and implemented instructional activities that were tailored to meet individual needs of each student.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to teachers and parents on a regular basis.
- Developed and maintained individualized skill-appropriate lesson plans to promote and build student confidence.
- Attended parent-teacher conferences to discuss concerns about their child's academic performance or behavior.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
- Collaborated with general education teachers and provided support in planning and implementing curriculum, state and district-wide assessments.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
- Developed positive relationships with students by providing a safe learning environment.
- Built relationships with students and guardians through active communication and positive feedback.
- Collaborated with colleagues, parents, and administration to ensure student success.
- Maintained student records in accordance with district standards.
- Created and implemented compliant IEPs, progress reports and state-specific special education documentation.
- Attended professional development workshops to stay current on educational trends.
- Supervised recess activities to ensure safety of all students.
- Facilitated differentiated instruction by providing a variety of resources tailored to meet each student''s unique needs and abilities.
K-5 Resource Teacher
Clinton Community School District
08.1996 - 05.1999
- Created and implemented compliant IEPs, progress reports and state-specific special education documentation.
- Developed and implemented instructional activities that were tailored to meet individual needs of each student.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Provided guidance and support for general education teachers who are working with students receiving special education services.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers to develop strategies for meeting the unique educational needs of individual students.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
- Conducted assessments of student performance and identified areas of strength and weakness.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
- Created an environment conducive to learning by using positive reinforcement strategies.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to teachers and parents on a regular basis.
- Attended parent-teacher conferences to discuss concerns about their child's academic performance or behavior.
- Built relationships with students and guardians through active communication and positive feedback.
- Helped students learn to persevere with challenging tasks and build resilience for later educational efforts.
- Maintained student records in accordance with district standards.
- Participated in professional development activities designed to improve knowledge of special education laws and regulations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education/ Minor in Special Education
University of Northern Iowa
05-1996
Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Relationship Building and Parent Communication
- Excellent Classroom Management
- Lesson Planning and Curriculum Implementation
- Differentiated Instruction
- Safe Learning Environment and Positive Reinforcement
- IEP Compliance
- Behavior management techniques
- Student engagement
- Student advocacy
- Teacher assistance
- Student supervision
- Visual schedules and Executive function support
- Dependable
- Flexible And Adaptive
Contact
Keystone, IA 52249
Education and Training
Cedar Falls, IA
Certification
- Mental Health First Aid Certification – National Council for Behavioral Health.
Timeline
Special Education Paraprofessional
Vinton Shellsburg Schools- Tilford Elementary
08.2024 - Current
3rd Grade Teacher
Benton Community School
08.2008 - 05.2024
Special Education Teacher
Benton Community School
08.2003 - 05.2008
3-6 Resource Teacher
Benton Community School
08.1999 - 05.2003
K-5 Resource Teacher
Clinton Community School District
08.1996 - 05.1999
- Mental Health First Aid Certification – National Council for Behavioral Health.
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education/ Minor in Special Education
University of Northern Iowa
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