Cara Brooks
New Freedom
Summary
Dynamic educator with extensive experience in inclusive education and data collection. Known for fostering strong partnerships with parents and adapting curricula to meet the unique needs of all learners, enhancing their academic and emotional growth.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Autism Support Teacher
South Eastern School District
07.2023 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans (IEPs) to track and enhance each student's individual needs.
- Used and taught AAC devices to support diverse learners in their communication skills
- Facilitated sensory integration and break activities to help students regulate emotions during instructional periods.
- Utilized differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate the diverse needs of autistic learners within the autism support classroom and in general education.
- Created visual aids and adapted schedules to support daily routines, enhancing students' time management skills and independence.
- Established strong partnerships with parents through daily communication logs, helping create a strong connection between home and school.
- Used data to monitor and track students' progress and help them take control of their actions.
Head Start and PreK Counts Teacher
Capital Area Head Start
08.2021 - 06.2023
- Collaborated with parents and guardians to create a healthy environment for families surrounding the school career.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment that promoted social, emotional, and cognitive growth among young students.
- Designed curriculum materials for special education students, facilitating inclusive learning.
Director of Education and Curriculum
The Goddard School
06.2018 - 06.2020
- Collaborated with families and community partners to promote student engagement and success from birth through age 6.
- Monitored program compliance with state and regulatory requirements.
- Strengthened curriculum design by collaborating with faculty, training and teaching new programs, and overseeing innovative teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated teacher lesson plans for effectiveness, aligning initiatives with The Goddard School goals and standards.
- Trialed new curriculums and technology before use as a whole school.
- Communicated with the Department of Education and Department of Human Services when needed to ensure licensure and continuing education needs were met for staff.
Kindergarten Teacher, Junior Kindergarten Teacher
The Goddard School
05.2017 - 06.2020
- Developed engaging lesson plans fostering student creativity, problem solving, and critical thinking that matched The Goddard School standards.
- Assessed student progress through observation and tailored assessments to ensure growth and state requirements for entering public school.
- Integrated technology into lessons, enhancing 21st century skills for students.
- Promoted learning through play with engaging activities, games and lessons.
Education
Masters in STEM Education -
American College of Education
Indianapolis, IN02-2026
Masters of Literacy Education -
American College of Education
Indianapolis, IN05-2023
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology And Elementary Education
Lycoming College
Williamsport06-2017
Skills
- Emotional regulation
- Inclusive education
- Visual supports
- Social skills training
- Data collection
- Communication strategies
- Curriculum adaptation
- Assistive technology
- Parental involvement
- Direct instruction
- Reinforcement techniques
- Autism spectrum
Certification
PreK-4 Pennsylvania State General Education Certification
PreK-8 Pennsylvania State Special Education Certification
Crisis Prevention Intervention Certification
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Autism Support Teacher
South Eastern School District
07.2023 - Current
Head Start and PreK Counts Teacher
Capital Area Head Start
08.2021 - 06.2023
Director of Education and Curriculum
The Goddard School
06.2018 - 06.2020
Kindergarten Teacher, Junior Kindergarten Teacher
The Goddard School
05.2017 - 06.2020
Masters in STEM Education -
American College of Education
Masters of Literacy Education -
American College of Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology And Elementary Education
Lycoming College