Kira Witmer
Layton,UT
Summary
Detail-oriented and organized professional with over 15 years of experience in coordinating and facilitating meetings across various entities. Exceptional communication and organizational skills, with a proven track record in streamlining paperwork processes to ensure compliance and timely completion of tasks. Committed to enhancing operational efficiency and fostering collaborative environments.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Eligibility Specialist
Spectrum Academy
08.2023 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate students' academic skills, cognitive abilities, and behavioral functioning
- Develop and implement individualized assessment plans tailored to the specific needs of students
- Analyze assessment data to identify learning disabilities and other educational challenges
- Collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities
- Provide recommendations for instructional strategies, accommodations, and interventions to support student learning
- Monitor and document student progress, making adjustments to interventions as needed
- Conduct follow-up assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and inform future instructional decisions
- Serve as a resource for educators and parents regarding special education laws, policies, and best practices
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss student needs and determine eligibility for special education services
- Provide training and support to teachers and staff on assessment practices and strategies for meeting diverse student needs.
- Established databases to track, analyze and automate eligibility application processes.
- Trained staff on current eligibility requirements and policies.
- Used computer-aided guidance packages such as skills assessment tools, career planners, psychometric tests, and personal inventories to assist clients in determining strengths and weaknesses.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Tutor
Brilliant Grades
07.2021 - Current
- Prepare for each instructional session by gathering and organizing appropriate materials
- Greet students and initiate instruction to foster personal engagement and connection
- Instruct students in alignment with the program's design and objectives
- Manage students, tasks, and time to create balanced and effective instructional sessions, including maintaining necessary files
- Oversee the conclusion of each instructional session to ensure a smooth transition
- Communicate specific student needs to Center staff to facilitate support and collaboration.
- Motivated students towards learning and studying to build self-confidence and reduce fear of failure.
- Collaborated with students to complete homework assignments, identify lagging skills, and correct weaknesses.
- Supported students with helpful study habits and exam strategies.
- Tutored diverse groups of students to strengthen subject comprehension, boost confidence and build important learning skills.
- Conducted review sessions to help students prepare for tests.
- Created personalized lesson plans to meet needs of diverse learners.
- Assessed student learning needs and provided relevant instruction to close knowledge gaps.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback and support.
- Used variety of teaching methods to successfully help wide range of students.
Special Education Teacher Lead
Ascent Academies of Utah
08.2022 - 02.2023
- Oversee the direction, coordination, and supervision of the special education process within the assigned building, ensuring appropriate identification and placement of students with disabilities
- Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Problem-solve with individual students or large groups to provide direct support to the learning community
- Coordinate the special education process in designated buildings, including screening and referral review, developing evaluation plans, managing notices and consent for evaluations/re-evaluations, conducting formal classroom observations, evaluating, diagnosing, and identifying students' strengths and weaknesses, developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), managing notices and consent for placement
- Serve as a liaison between the building and the Special Education Assessment Team for all eligibility determination meetings related to evaluations and re-evaluations
- Assist in maintaining individual records and files for all students receiving special services
- Facilitate orientation and in-service training on special education topics
- Manage the ordering and receipt of office supplies, ensuring efficient procurement processes.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
Special Education Teacher
Big Sandy Public Schools
02.2019 - 08.2022
- Assess students' skills to identify their needs and develop tailored teaching plans
- Adapt lessons to accommodate the diverse needs of students
- Create Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student, ensuring alignment with their specific requirements
- Plan, organize, and assign activities tailored to each student's abilities
- Provide instruction and mentorship to students in various settings: whole class, small groups, and one-on-one
- Implement IEPs, evaluate student performance, maintain records, and track progress
- Update IEPs throughout the school year to reflect student progress and evolving goals
- Collaborate with parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators to discuss and support student progress
- Supervise and mentor teacher assistants working with students with disabilities.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
Special Education Teacher
North Callaway Public Schools
08.2017 - 02.2019
- Assess students' skills to identify their needs and develop targeted teaching plans
- Adapt lessons to accommodate the diverse needs of students
- Create Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student, ensuring they are tailored to individual requirements
- Plan, organize, and assign activities specific to each student's abilities
- Provide instruction and mentorship in various settings, including whole class, small groups, and one-on-one
- Implement IEPs, evaluate student performance, and track progress effectively
- Update IEPs throughout the school year to reflect student progress and evolving goals
- Collaborate with parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators to discuss and support student progress
- Supervise and mentor teacher assistants who work with students with disabilities
- Administer achievement tests (e.g., Woodcock-Johnson, KTEA) to determine eligibility for Special Education services
- Develop comprehensive Evaluation Reports for each student.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
Special Education Teacher
Marshall Public Schools
08.2014 - 08.2017
- Assess students' skills to identify their needs and develop tailored teaching plans
- Adapt lessons to effectively meet the diverse needs of students
- Develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student, ensuring they are personalized and effective
- Plan, organize, and assign activities that align with each student's abilities and learning goals
- Provide instruction and mentorship to students in a variety of settings: whole class, small groups, and one-on-one
- Implement IEPs, evaluate student performance, and track progress systematically
- Update IEPs throughout the school year to reflect student progress and evolving goals
- Collaborate with parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators to discuss student progress and strategies for support
- Supervise and mentor teacher assistants who work with students with disabilities, providing guidance and support.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Sedalia Public Schools
12.2012 - 05.2014
- Maintain a well-organized classroom environment to support effective learning
- Manage student behavior and engagement to foster a positive learning atmosphere
- Prepare and organize teaching materials to facilitate instruction
- Implement policies, rules, and regulations to ensure a safe and productive classroom
- Take all necessary precautions to protect students' safety and well-being
- Meet the needs of individual students as outlined in their IEPs, in collaboration with special education and regular education teachers.
- Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
- Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Alerted instructor to student behavior or issues requiring intervention.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Established professional relationships with parents and other teachers to increase rapport and support.
- Worked with students to promote learning and pro-social development.
- Observed students' performance and recorded relevant data to assess progress.
- Created positive and inclusive classroom environment by helping students develop social skills and relationships.
- Communicated with teachers and other district personnel to assist in evaluating progress and implementing IEP objectives.
- Collaborated with teachers and specialists to assess student progress.
Community Support Specialist
Pathways Community Behavioral Healthcare
11.2010 - 04.2012
- Work directly with one or more individuals, providing personalized services to foster skill development and increased independence
- Submit monthly progress reports detailing activities related to individual goals and objectives
- Complete monthly service documentation forms to support units of service provided
- Prepare bi-monthly timesheets to reflect hours worked accurately
- Compile and submit travel expense reports as required.
- Liaised with community members, recommending resources and programs.
- Supported clients in developing goals and social skills, improving individual wellness and productivity.
- Assisted in implementation of community support services in alignment with needs.
- Supported clients through development of new life skills, obtaining resources and transitioning back to society.
- Approached issues proactively to best meet current and future community needs.
- Assisted clients with obtaining housing, employment and support resources.
- Kept case files updated, accurate and aligned with requirements.
- Helped clients navigate social services system and access needed resources.
- Coordinated with different service providers to meet clients' individual needs.
- Maintained internal database of service workers, participants, activities and other relevant details.
- Tracked service activities and outcomes against outlined plans and goals.
Instrument and Flight Control Specialist
United States Air Force
07.2003 - 07.2009
- Research airplane parts to ensure they meet specifications and requirements
- Ordered parts using the United States Air Force procurement system, tracked orders from placement to receipt and verified accuracy upon delivery
- Analyze malfunctions in integrated avionic systems, inspecting and performing maintenance as needed
- Supervise the maintenance of avionics and general aircraft servicing and handling.
- Performed general equipment maintenance and repair to minimize downtime.
- Calibrated machines to maintain required productivity levels and adherence to quality standards.
- Collaborated with other departments to optimize production workflows.
- Maintained organized work area by cleaning and removing hazards.
- Inspected products and machines to maintain quality and efficiency.
- Examined incoming materials and compared to documentation for accuracy and quality.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO07.2020
Bachelors of Arts - Psychology
Chapman University
Orange, CA05.2010
Associates in Applied Science - Avionics Systems Technology
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL05.2007
Skills
- Results Oriented
- Detail-Oriented and Organized
- Develops Schedules/Calendars
- Ensures Compliance
- Coordinates and Facilitates Meetings
- Problem Solver
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Publisher, Project, and PowerPoint)
- Proficient in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, GMail, Drive, Meet, Calendar, Slides, Classroom, Forms, and Voice)
- Expense Reporting
Accomplishments
- Held a DOD Secret Clearance
- Student Council Advisor in 2021-2022
- Class Advisor in 2019-2022
- Future Business Leaders of America Advisor in 2016-2017
- Special Olympics Coach in 2014-2017
- Recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service in 2009
- Airmen Leadership School in 2008
References
Available Upon Request
Timeline
Eligibility Specialist
Spectrum Academy
08.2023 - Current
Special Education Teacher Lead
Ascent Academies of Utah
08.2022 - 02.2023
Tutor
Brilliant Grades
07.2021 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Big Sandy Public Schools
02.2019 - 08.2022
Special Education Teacher
North Callaway Public Schools
08.2017 - 02.2019
Special Education Teacher
Marshall Public Schools
08.2014 - 08.2017
Special Education Paraprofessional
Sedalia Public Schools
12.2012 - 05.2014
Community Support Specialist
Pathways Community Behavioral Healthcare
11.2010 - 04.2012
Instrument and Flight Control Specialist
United States Air Force
07.2003 - 07.2009
Master of Arts - Special Education
University of Missouri
Bachelors of Arts - Psychology
Chapman University
Associates in Applied Science - Avionics Systems Technology
Community College of The Air Force
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