Wendy Shepard
Lakewood,CO
Summary
Dynamic Special Education Teacher with a proven track record at Denver Public Schools, enhancing academic success and emotional well-being through tailored IEPs and inclusive education strategies. Expert in fostering community and promoting inclusion, demonstrated by leading initiatives and presenting at Special Olympics Colorado conferences. Skilled in conflict resolution and team-building, ensuring a positive and supportive learning environment.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Denver Public Schools
Denver, CO
08.2011 - Current
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Promoted a positive culture of inclusion by modeling empathy, compassion, and respect for all learners within the school community.
- Assisted in the development of school policies advocating for equity and access to quality education for all learners.
- Improved student social integration by facilitating peer mentorship programs and fostering a sense of community within the school.
Restaurant Manager
La Hacienda Restaurant
1606 Conestoga Court, Boulder Colorado
06.1993 - 06.2009
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
- Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Promoted a positive work environment with proactive conflict resolution strategies and team-building activities.
Special Education Paraeducator
Jefferson County Public Schools District
Golden, CO
08.1988 - 06.1993
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Education of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO12.1992
Skills
- Recipient 2012 Mile High Educator Award
- Presenter Special Olympics Colorado 2023 Conference, Inclusive Youth Leadership at the Middle and High School Level
- Presenter Special Olympics Colorado 2023 Conference, Introduction to Non-Competitive Activities
- Presenter Special Olympics Colorado 2024 Conference, Strategies to Create Successful Unified Programming in Title 1 Schools
- Creates and encourages opportunities for Reverse Inclusion
- Promotes schoolwide Inclusion Assemblies and Awareness Activities
- Promotes Reverse Inclusion
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Denver Public Schools
08.2011 - Current
Restaurant Manager
La Hacienda Restaurant
06.1993 - 06.2009
Special Education Paraeducator
Jefferson County Public Schools District
08.1988 - 06.1993
Bachelor of Arts - Education of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs
Metropolitan State University of Denver