Tara Summers
Los Lunas,NM
Summary
Versatile and dedicated Special Educator & case manager. Creative and flexible at providing classroom support and emotional structure for special needs children, in order to flourish in academic setting. Certified and licensed in New Mexico and recognized as highly qualified level 3 educator. Coordinate well with classroom teachers with supportive strategies for behavior management and lesson accommodations for students. Versatile Special Education Teacher with focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Innovative professional with expertise in promoting academic, career and social development programs. Possess excellent communication, problem-solving and organizational skills. Trusted mentor/coach goes the extra mile to help individuals reach their greatest potential.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Belen Consolidated Schools
10.2023 - Current
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Provided professional development training to educate 20+ staff on laws and regulations governing special education.
- Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Created initiative programs to support students SEL with our restorative justice approach.
- Provided training to grade level staff in supporting our restorative justice program.
- Created procedural guidelines for how to handle minor and major infractions.
Special Education Teacher
School Of Dreams Academy
09.2022 - 09.2023
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of culturally diverse students.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Partnered with general education elementary department.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Provided life skills programming for students with moderate to severe autism.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Used state and district assessments to determine student abilities and track academic progress.
- Enforced classroom rules to encourage positive behavior and distributed rewards for good conduct.
- Maintained accurate and complete student records to prepare reports on children and activities.
- Met with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress and determine priorities and resource needs.
- Worked with parents, teachers and school leadership to develop tailored education plans for students.
- Prepared classrooms for class activities and provided variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate and use throughout day.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students based on variety of instructional techniques and technologies.
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
- Observed teachers, documented activities and implemented improvement plans to optimize classrooms.
- Coordinated retrieval and distribution of student records from other schools and institutions.
- Communicated with parents to encourage active parental participation in education.
- Facilitated dialogue between participants, family and program workers to provide best possible program and individualized program.
- Provided leadership support for k-2 and 3-5 grade weekly PLC's to keep students' progress and growth in our forefront.
5th Grade Special Education Teacher
Rio Rancho Public Schools
08.2015 - 05.2020
- Managed and implemented a new Restorative Justice program to support 2nd grade student body of 70 students and 7 staff members.
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies, and social skills.
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
- Promoted exploration of building blocks of learning by leading diverse, hands-on activities.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Kept classroom clean, organized, and safe for students and visitors.
- Assessed student learning progress and comprehension with routine tests and standardized examinations.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings, and meet learning needs.
Education
Education Leadership - Educational Administration
CES
Albuquerque 05.2024
Master of Arts - Special Education
New Mexico Highlands University
Rio Rancho, NM06.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary And Special Education
New Mexico Highlands University
Rio Rancho, NM12.2015
Skills
- Trained in CPI
- Group and individual instruction
- Attention to Detail
- Data Entry
- Organization and Time Management
- IEP compliance
- Teacher Support
- Documentation
- Excellent Communication
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Multitasking Abilities
- Critical Thinking
- Team-building
- Self-Motivated
- Dependable and Responsible
Health and Hobbies
I enjoy taking care of my health and body. As a mother, wife and full time educator, it is vital to take care of your overall well being. It sets a positive example for all the students and staff I work collaboratively on a daily basis. Additionally, it is important for me to be in good health to a great wife and mother to my sons.I also enjoy reading and traveling. I am currently reading Atomic Habits by James Clear and 360 Leader by John C. Maxwell. I just recently traveled to Florida for the John Maxwell Leadership conference.
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Belen Consolidated Schools
10.2023 - Current
Special Education Teacher
School Of Dreams Academy
09.2022 - 09.2023
5th Grade Special Education Teacher
Rio Rancho Public Schools
08.2015 - 05.2020
Education Leadership - Educational Administration
CES
Master of Arts - Special Education
New Mexico Highlands University
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary And Special Education
New Mexico Highlands University
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