Thomas Battles
West Lebanon ,NH
Summary
Experienced Special Education Teacher (K-5), versed in working with all learning styles and adept at incorporating each students' unique needs into the development of an Individual Education Plan. Experienced in the administration of standardized and formative assessments. Accustomed to supervising and training paraprofessionals so as to meet the students' needs. Maintains regular communication with parents. Regularly attends professional development seminars, faculty meetings and parent-teacher conferences.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Intensive Needs Teacher - Manager
Lebanon School District
Lebanon , NH
2021.11 - Current
- Instituted proactive behavior modification, positive reinforcement strategies and direct instruction for a population of verbal and non-verbal students.
- Worked cooperatively with four eight 1st and 2nd grade teachers to promote student inclusion.
- Planned and implemented lessons modifications to meet standards and measure performance and progress of students
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom
- Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
- Conducted evaluations to providing guidance for areas requiring improvement.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
Case Manager and Resource Teacher
Lebanon Middle School
Lebanon , NH
2015.07 - 2021.10
- Using "Wrap Around Teams", partnered with physicians, social workers, activity therapists, nutritionists, and case managers to develop and implement individualized education plans.
- Co-taught reading and Math in a classroom of 22 students while Incorporated exciting and engaging activities to achieve student participation and hands-on learning while in the regular education setting.
- Monitored clients' progress and tracked student services
- Provided evidence-based interventions and crisis management to promote physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
- Utilized trauma-informed approach to promote healing and empowerment for clients.
- Provided direct instruction and push in services to as many as 33 students per year.
Resource Teacher
RSU21 - Kennebunk / Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport , ME
2004.07 - 2015.08
- Resource teacher & LEA for students K- 3 (Kennebunk 2 years)
- Resource teacher & LEA for students K- 5 (Kennebunk and Kennebunkport 4 years)
- Case management: responsible for Individual Education Plans for identified students and performed duties of LEA, involving students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
Special Education Teacher
Learning Skills Academy (gr 2-4), Dover Schools Gr 5, Raymond High Gr 10
Rye - Dover - Raymond , NH
1996.07 - 2004.06
Case managed and provided intensive instruction to 22 identified students with Language Based Disabilities and Emotional Handicaps.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neuro-diverse students.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Rockingham County Commissioner
Rockingham County
Brentwood , NH
1992.01 - 1995.12
Rockingham County Commissioner - Chairman of the Board
Skills
- Master's of Arts Degree - Certified K-12 Special Education and K-8 Elementary Education.
- Training pertaining to specific student concerns such as ASD, numerous Reading and Math Intervention Programs
- Team Consultation and management: writing IEPs, Special Education Testing, Facilitating meetings with parents and Colleagues
- Conflict Resolution - Safety Care: District CPI trainer
- Team Management & Team Building: Involving supervision/evaluation of paraprofessional staff, coordinating service delivery across Five grades and curriculums and consulting with classroom teachers to ensure successful and productive integration of students with intensive needs into the regular education classroom.
Accomplishments
- Assumed INP vacated position in November of 2021 and implemented a collaborative approach while consolidating two positions into one case management position due to a lack fo staffing.
- Chaired the District Professional Leadership and Development Committee (PLDC) for five years.
- Co-wrote the School District Master Plan and District Employee Handbook
- Serve on the District Diversity Committee
- Helped in the successful execution of the 5th composting program
- Initiated a student focused food donation program during the lunch period to help alleviate the stigma and lack of food for students with food insecurities.
- Served as a Board Member to the Hanover Food Stores Co-op which is the second largest food co-op in the country (73 Million Annually).
- Successfully wrote a grant for $300,000 for Kennebunk Middle School and developing our Middle School computer lab dedicated to Design and Innovation through real world experiences making our school the only Apple Authorized Training facility at a Middle School in the World
- Supervising and managing numerous after school programs
- Wrote grants for and managed numerous after school programs to include a K-8 Violin Program in Kennebunk School System involving as many as 70 students k-5.
- While elected as Rockingham County Commissioner, I served as Chairman and successfully advocated for numerous Diversion Programs for "At Risk" youth.
- Served on the a Statewide Committee to reorganize the courts which eventually produced the NH Family Court System.
Lebanon School District:
Kennebunk - Kennebunkport:
Rockingham County Commissioner:
Timeline
Intensive Needs Teacher - Manager
Lebanon School District
2021.11 - Current
Case Manager and Resource Teacher
Lebanon Middle School
2015.07 - 2021.10
Resource Teacher
RSU21 - Kennebunk / Kennebunkport
2004.07 - 2015.08
Special Education Teacher
Learning Skills Academy (gr 2-4), Dover Schools Gr 5, Raymond High Gr 10
1996.07 - 2004.06
Rockingham County Commissioner
Rockingham County
1992.01 - 1995.12
Similar Profiles
Amanda ProginAmanda Progin
Second Grade Elementary School Teacher at Lebanon School DistrictSecond Grade Elementary School Teacher at Lebanon School District
Kathrine M. PogharianKathrine M. Pogharian
Assistant Principal at Lebanon School DistrictAssistant Principal at Lebanon School District
Kirsten HurleyKirsten Hurley
School Psychologist at Lebanon School DistrictSchool Psychologist at Lebanon School District