Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Timeline
Volunteer
Taylor J. Obowa

Taylor J. Obowa

New York Mills,MN

Summary

Dedicated and empathetic educator with a strong background in special education and elementary education, currently completing final licensure requirements. Skilled in online instruction, individualized education plans (IEPs), and special education strategies for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). Passionate about fostering academic growth and creating inclusive learning environments. Seeking to transition into a Special Education Teacher role, leveraging experience as a student teacher, paraprofessional, and tutor to support diverse learners. Committed to furthering education in secondary mathematics to bridge the gap between students in special education and the increasing complexity of math standards, ensuring all students receive necessary support to succeed.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
2
2
Certificate

Work History

K-12, GED, & College Prep Tutor

Tutoring Your Way
01.2022 - Current
  • Designed and implemented individualized lesson plans based on students' academic needs.
  • Utilized assessment data to close knowledge gaps and build student confidence.
  • Engaged parents and teachers to ensure consistent learning objectives were met.

Student Teacher – Upper Elementary

Minnesota Connections Academy
01.2025 - 03.2025
  • Delivered engaging, differentiated instruction for elementary students in a general education setting.
  • Implemented Response to Intervention (RTI) supports to address student learning gaps.
  • Assessed student progress through formative and summative assessments, modifying instruction as needed.
  • Implemented classroom management strategies to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment.
  • Partnered with mentor teachers and specialists to address diverse learning needs.

Student Teacher – High School Special Education

Minnesota Connections Academy (Online)
12.2024 - 01.2025
  • Designed and implemented individualized instruction for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD).
  • Developed and adapted lesson plans to align with IEP goals and state standards.
  • Attended and contributed to IEP meetings, assisting in drafting and revising individualized education plans.
  • Utilized behavior management strategies to support student engagement and academic success.
  • Collaborated with special education teams, parents, and counselors to develop intervention strategies.

Substitute Paraprofessional

Freshwater Education District & Perham-Dent Public Schools
11.2019 - 11.2021
  • Supported diverse learners by providing academic interventions and addressing behavioral needs.
  • Collaborated with teachers and specialists to create inclusive learning environments.
  • Monitored student progress and adapted classroom management strategies to maintain engagement.

College Mathematics Tutor

Minnesota State Community and Technical College
09.2016 - 05.2017
  • Delivered math tutoring sessions that strengthened foundational skills and increased comprehension.
  • Created supplemental resources and practice materials to support independent learning.
  • Used positive reinforcement to build student confidence and reduce test anxiety.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education (K-6)

Western Governors University
Online
04-2025

Bachelor of Arts - Special Education (K-12)

Western Governors University
Online
04-2025

Skills

  • Instructional Design: Student-centered instructional strategies, lesson planning, differentiated instruction, and digital teaching tools
  • Assessment & Progress Monitoring: Tracking student growth, administering assessments, and analyzing learning outcomes to close knowledge gaps
  • Collaboration: Working with multidisciplinary teams, including teachers, parents, and specialists, to support student success
  • IEP Implementation: Supporting students through tailored educational plans and meeting individualized goals
  • Student Support & Motivation: Engaging students through personalized feedback, positive reinforcement, and academic interventions
  • Parental Involvement: Collaborating with parents to align educational goals and provide consistent support
  • Data & Administrative Skills: Managing data entry, digital recordkeeping, scheduling, and quality control for educational or administrative purposes
  • Classroom & Behavior Management: Implementing classroom management techniques, addressing behavioral challenges, and maintaining positive learning environments

Certification

  • Heartsaver First Aid CPR/AED, American Heart Association: January 2024
  • ParaPro Assessment Certification, Praxis,, Educational Testing Services: January 2019
  • Elementary Education, K-6, Minnesota Department of Education: April 2025
  • Special Education: Academic and Behavioral Strategist, K-12, Minnesota Department of Education: April 2025

Affiliations

  • National Education Association (NEA)
  • Association of American Educators (AAE)
  • National Society of Leadership and Success Honor Society (NSLS)

Timeline

Student Teacher – Upper Elementary

Minnesota Connections Academy
01.2025 - 03.2025

Student Teacher – High School Special Education

Minnesota Connections Academy (Online)
12.2024 - 01.2025

K-12, GED, & College Prep Tutor

Tutoring Your Way
01.2022 - Current

Substitute Paraprofessional

Freshwater Education District & Perham-Dent Public Schools
11.2019 - 11.2021

College Mathematics Tutor

Minnesota State Community and Technical College
09.2016 - 05.2017

Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education (K-6)

Western Governors University

Bachelor of Arts - Special Education (K-12)

Western Governors University
Taylor J. Obowa