Tara Johnson
Summary
Accomplished and enthusiastic Behavior Intervention Specialist, with over 11 years of experience, adept in Functional Behavior Assessments and fostering Emotional Regulation. Leveraged restorative practices and positive behavior support to significantly enhance student engagement and safety. Expert in collaborative problem-solving, achieving notable improvements in behavioral outcomes and learning environments.
Motivated Behavior Specialist adept at working with students of all backgrounds and socioeconomic levels. Familiar with neglect and child abuse situations. Advocates for available resources and builds powerful support network around children in need.
Certified in Bounce Back for elementary, a trauma informed social emotional program over 10 weeks, trauma informed practices and CPI de-escalation strategies.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
District Behavior Intervention Specialist
ISD 11 Anoka-Hennepin School District
09.2023 - 06.2024
- Provided crisis intervention services during critical incidents, ensuring the safety of all parties involved while maintaining a respectful approach.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive intervention plans for students with behavioral challenges.
- Developed strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues, fostering open communication regarding behavioral concerns and progress towards goals.
- Increased student engagement by incorporating positive reinforcement strategies into daily routines and interactions.
- Enhanced communication between teachers, parents, and administrators through regular progress updates and parent-teacher conferences.
- Facilitated professional development workshops for school staff on topics related to behavior management, de-escalation techniques, and trauma-informed practices.
- Assisted teachers in adapting curriculum materials to better engage students with diverse needs and learning styles.
- Served as a resource for teachers seeking guidance on how to best address the unique behavioral needs of their students, offering strategies and tools tailored to specific situations.
- Supported teachers in developing classroom management techniques that fostered a positive, inclusive learning environment.
- Conducted functional behavior assessments to identify triggers and develop effective interventions for students with challenging behaviors.
- Improved student behavior by implementing evidence-based intervention strategies and individualized support plans.
- Developed intervention plans based on established guidelines and individual needs.
- Completed observations of students in classroom and social situations.
- Improved behaviors through modeling, role-playing and other effective strategies.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of intervention strategies through ongoing data collection, analysis, and adjustments as needed.
Behavior Intervention Teacher- Woodland Elementary
ISD 279
09.2019 - 06.2023
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Supported classroom teachers in managing classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Supporting mental health and trauma informed practices with all students.
Special Education Teacher
Isd 279
09.2018 - 06.2019
- 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.
- Specialized training in Bridges Math Curriculum and Wilson Reading Systems.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- 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.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Facilitating IEP meetings, writing IEP's, Progress Notes, Behavior Support Plans and part of the evaluation process.
Behavior Intervention Teacher Setting 4
ISD 279
09.2015 - 06.2018
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Supported classroom teacher on how to manage behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
- Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
Education
No Degree - Continuing Education
Teaching Channel /Learners Edge
Online Bachelor of Science - Social Work
University Wisconsin Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI12.1996
Skills
- Restorative Practices
- Collaborative Problem-Solving
- Emotional Regulation
- Mental health counseling
- Positive Behavior Support
- Nonviolent Communication
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Behavioral Health
- Behavior Modification
- Behavioral Intervention Plans
- Functional Behavior Assessments
- Special Education
Accomplishments
- Revamped intervention strategies, reducing classroom behavior incidents and increasing students learning.
- Trained educational staff and faculty on intervention strategies and policy changes.
- Trained district staff on behavior regulation, causes and interventions.
- Supervised team of staff members.
- Created template for clear and concise behavior support plans.
- Created presentations for staff - building and district wide.
- Trained all educational staff in CPI( crisis prevention intervention).
- Build strong relationships with students, colleagues, families to ensure success for all students.
Affiliations
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
- Minnesota Association Children's Mental Health (MACMH)
- Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
Certification
* CPI (crisis prevention intervention)- Trainer through June 2025.
* Bounce Back
Timeline
District Behavior Intervention Specialist
ISD 11 Anoka-Hennepin School District
09.2023 - 06.2024
Behavior Intervention Teacher- Woodland Elementary
ISD 279
09.2019 - 06.2023
Special Education Teacher
Isd 279
09.2018 - 06.2019
Behavior Intervention Teacher Setting 4
ISD 279
09.2015 - 06.2018
No Degree - Continuing Education
Teaching Channel /Learners Edge
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
University Wisconsin Eau Claire
* CPI (crisis prevention intervention)- Trainer through June 2025.
* Bounce Back
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