Victoria (Tori) Niestrom
Darien,IL
Summary
Experienced educator with specialized background in supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Expertise in designing and implementing individualized educational plans, utilizing sign language, and fostering inclusive learning environments. Strong focus on collaboration, adaptability to changing needs, and achieving positive outcomes for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Known for excellent communication skills, empathy, and reliability in delivering effective teaching strategies.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
American Sign Language (ASL) Teacher
LaGrange Area of Special Education (LADSE)
Darien, IL
08.2023 - Current
- Contributed to school-wide initiatives promoting inclusivity and diversity by conducting workshops on deaf culture awareness fo all students, including faculty and staff.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop innovative approaches for teaching ASL.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Teacher
La Grange Area of Special Education
Darien, IL
08.2023 - Current
- Enhanced students learning by incorporating visual aids and multimedia tools into lessons specifically designed for DHH students.
- Consistently adapted lesson plans and instructional approaches based on regular feedback from students, parents, and colleagues.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through formal assessments, informal observations, and data analysis to inform instructional decisions.
Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Eisenhower Co Op
Crestwood, IL & Homebound Services Chicago, IL
06.2022 - 08.2023
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Served as a mentor for related service providers, sharing expertise on effective teaching strategies and behavior management techniques.
- Utilized various instructional resources, including multimedia presentations and hands-on activities, enhancing the overall learning experience for students.
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
Center on Deafness
Northbrook, IL
08.2021 - 12.2021
- Took over class for regular classroom teacher, managing assignments, student needs, and recordkeeping.
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
- Utilized differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning needs within the classroom effectively.
Pod Leader for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children
SocialWorks
Chicago, IL
08.2020 - 07.2021
- Applied instructional knowledge and methods to support goals based on student's IEP
- Lead activities that developed students' physical, emotional and social growth
- Created learning and content strategies to meet needs of students of all abilities
Preschool Lead Teacher
Indian Boundary YMCA
Downers Grove, IL
08.2019 - 03.2020
- Completed documentation on individual children and teachers for recordkeeping.
- Implemented instructional activities and Creative Curriculum approaches for ages 3-5.
- Built strong relationships with parents, providing regular updates on student progress and addressing concerns promptly.
Education
Professional Educator License - Deaf And Hard of Hearing Specialist
Illinois State University
Normal, IL05-2022
Bachelor of Science - IDS Human And Educational Services
Illinois State University
Normal, IL05-2019
Skills
- Advanced American Sign Language proficiency
- Classroom management
- Excellent communication
- Interactive teaching
- Language development strategies
- Language modeling
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Planning and Coordination
Accomplishments
- Research Team Member in National SIWI at University of Tennessee in Knoxville Fall 2021
- Professional development completed in basic Cued Speech Workshop in 2017
- Passed Sign Language Evaluation for Deaf Educators test in 2016
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
American Sign Language
Full Professional
Timeline
American Sign Language (ASL) Teacher
LaGrange Area of Special Education (LADSE)
08.2023 - Current
Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Teacher
La Grange Area of Special Education
08.2023 - Current
Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Eisenhower Co Op
06.2022 - 08.2023
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
Center on Deafness
08.2021 - 12.2021
Pod Leader for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children
SocialWorks
08.2020 - 07.2021
Preschool Lead Teacher
Indian Boundary YMCA
08.2019 - 03.2020
Professional Educator License - Deaf And Hard of Hearing Specialist
Illinois State University
Bachelor of Science - IDS Human And Educational Services
Illinois State University