- Swimming
- Gym Workouts
- High-Intensity Interval Training
- yoga
Laurie Collier
Pittsburgh
Summary
Energetic educator with proven skills in teaching diverse subjects and grades. Excelling in classroom management and relationship building with both students and staff in Pittsburgh Public Schools for over 20 years. Diligent and adaptable in meeting individual student needs with warm, safe educational environments. A positive role model and mentor, dedicated to fostering a supportive learning environment for diverse learners.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher
Pittsburgh Public Schools
08.2003 - Current
- 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.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Attended professional development workshops to stay current on best practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Monitored student progress closely, intervening proactively when necessary to ensure steady growth and achievement of learning goals.
- Provided one-on-one support for students struggling in specific areas, resulting in marked improvement in their understanding of the subject matter.
- Assessed student performance regularly using various evaluation tools, adjusting instructional strategies as needed.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistency in enforcing rules.
- Utilized differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles within the classroom setting.
- Boosted student confidence and participation through positive reinforcement and tailored instruction methods.
- Enhanced parent-teacher communication by conducting regular meetings and providing frequent progress updates.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, fostering a comprehensive learning experience.
- Cultivated a positive classroom environment that fostered an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust, and open communication between teacher and students.
- Supported the development of social skills among students by promoting group activities and cooperative learning opportunities.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Met with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress and determine priorities and resource needs.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Enforced classroom rules to encourage positive behavior and distributed rewards for good conduct.
- Served as a liaison between administration and teaching staff, facilitating clear communication regarding instructional expectations and goals.
- Mentored newly hired teachers on instructional best practices, contributing to their professional growth.
- Analyzed student performance data to inform targeted instruction, leading to improved learning outcomes.
- Monitored student progress and implemented intervention strategies to support student success.
- Formulated and implemented school safety and security policies.
- Collaborated with administration staff to develop functional budgets within allocated funds.
Autistic Support Teacher
SECEP (Norfolk Public Schools)
08.2001 - 08.2002
- Facilitated successful transitions between school activities by providing visual schedules and structured routines.
- Supported the development of fine motor skills through targeted activities aimed at improving handwriting, coordination, and spatial awareness.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive student support, including occupational therapists, speech therapists, and school psychologists.
- Coordinated extracurricular programs specifically designed for autistic students to foster socialization outside of the classroom setting.
- Managed challenging behaviors effectively using proactive interventions, reducing disruptions in the learning environment.
- Evaluated student performance objectively through ongoing assessments, tracking progress towards IEP goals.
- Enhanced autistic students'' communication skills by implementing visual and auditory aids in lessons.
- Fostered self-regulation skills among students through the implementation of calming strategies during challenging situations.
- Established strong rapport with autistic students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding of their unique needs.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
Education
MBA - Special Education
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Edinboro, PA12-2002
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary/Special Education
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Edinboro, PA12-2000
Skills
- Classroom management
- Relationship building
- Critical thinking
- Lesson planning
- Parent-teacher communication
- Positive role model and mentor
- Growth mindset
- Conflict resolution
- Small group instruction
- Student rapport
Accomplishments
* ITL at Pittsburgh Arlington for 4 years
* Nominated for Teacher of the Year for PSE by a parent
* National Board Certified 2011-2021
Certification
- Certified Teacher (CT) - National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. (2011-2021)
- Special Education Certification - PA Department of Education.
- Elementary Education Certificate - PA Department of Education.
Interests
Timeline
Teacher
Pittsburgh Public Schools
08.2003 - Current
Autistic Support Teacher
SECEP (Norfolk Public Schools)
08.2001 - 08.2002
MBA - Special Education
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary/Special Education
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
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