Tess Nelson
Basin
Summary
Compassionate educator in the field of special education with a knack for completing tasks efficiently and productively. Skilled in developing individualized education plans (IEPs), implementing inclusive teaching strategies, and utilizing behavior management techniques to foster positive learning environments. Excel at communication, patience, and empathy, ensuring that each student's unique needs are met and educational goals are achieved.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Elementary Special Education Teacher
Big Horn County Schools # 3
Greybull
04.2013 - Current
- Participated in professional development opportunities related to special education topics.
- Implemented behavior management techniques to maintain a safe and orderly learning environment.
- Attended and conducted workshops and professional meetings, built professional knowledge and stayed abreast of current special education developments.
- Conducted small group interventions with students who require extra support in specific skills areas.
- Analyzed student data and prescribed remediation and enrichment to meet learning needs.
- Provided specialized instruction tailored to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Assessed student progress to ensure goals were being met on an individual basis.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Solved student behavioral issues according to building expectations and codes of conduct.
- Teamed with general education teachers to plan and implement curriculum, state and district-wide assessments.
- Created and implemented compliant IEPs, progress reports and state-specific special education documentation.
- Developed Individual Education Programs for each student to address educational needs and objectives.
- Boosted learning of special education students by implementing proven techniques and conferring with teachers to build personalized approaches.
- Encouraged curiosity, exploration and problem-solving with tailored recreation programs.
- Created lesson plans based on individual student IEPs that focused on academic achievement goals.
- Developed and oversaw learning-focused activities in classroom and off-site environments.
- Supported regular classroom teachers in developing effective instructional strategies for all learners.
- Collaborated with parents, teachers, administrators and other professionals to develop strategies for meeting the needs of special education students.
- Designed and delivered personalized learning for each student and advocated for student inclusion and success in general education environments.
Middle School Special Education Teacher
Park County School District #6
Cody
03.1994 - 05.2013
- Promoted personal development through lessons centered on self-advocacy and goal-setting.
- Met needs of students with moderate and severe handicaps by developing range of appropriate procedures for classroom and off-site environments.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
- Assessed student progress using a variety of data collection methods.
- Monitored student performance on state standardized tests to ensure compliance with district requirements.
- Utilized positive reinforcement strategies to motivate student learning.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
- Facilitated small group instruction targeting academic skills and social and emotional development.
- Participated in Individual Education Plan meetings to discuss student objectives, services, accommodations and modifications.
- Created an inclusive environment where all students feel safe and respected.
- Provided individualized instruction to students with learning disabilities.
- Established and maintained dynamic working relationships with students and parents to support classroom objectives.
- Attended professional development workshops related to special education best practices.
- Encouraged self-advocacy among special needs learners.
- Adhered to laws related to confidentiality of student information.
- Teamed with general education teachers to plan and implement curriculum, state and district-wide assessments.
- Maintained accurate and updated student records per district mandates.
- Implemented evidence-based instructional practices in the classroom setting.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Designed and delivered personalized learning for each student and advocated for student inclusion and success in general education environments.
Education
Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction; Literacy
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA05-2005
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education And Elementary Education
Montana State University, Billings
Billings, MT05-1993
Skills
- Literacy intervention/instruction
- IEP development/implementation
- Parent-teacher communication
- social/emotional learning and self regulation techiques
- Excellent classroom management
- Curriculum adjustments
- Collaborative teamwork with teachers and parents
Affiliations
- trains the equines used as part of my equine assisted learning program
- working with current school to enlarge the farm to table program
- member of local Friends of Library group-promoting literacy for all ages
Accomplishments
- appointed to the Governor's Council for Developmental Disabilities
- speaker at National Natural Lifemanship Conference- presenting my program on Equine Assisted Learning to help close academic and social/emotional gaps
- chosen as part of the Building Leadership Team
Certification
- Certified Horse Powered Reading Facilitator
- Certified Wilson Reading Teacher
- Slingerland Reading Certified
- Reading Specialist
- Administrative endorsement
- Level two Natural Lifemanship trained
- Certification from Concordia University in Trauma, Resilience, and Self Care
Timeline
Elementary Special Education Teacher
Big Horn County Schools # 3
04.2013 - Current
Middle School Special Education Teacher
Park County School District #6
03.1994 - 05.2013
- Certified Horse Powered Reading Facilitator
- Certified Wilson Reading Teacher
- Slingerland Reading Certified
- Reading Specialist
- Administrative endorsement
- Level two Natural Lifemanship trained
- Certification from Concordia University in Trauma, Resilience, and Self Care
Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction; Literacy
Lesley University
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education And Elementary Education
Montana State University, Billings
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