Dynamic educator excelling in classroom management and relationship building. I foster engaging learning environments that promote academic as well as functional success. Committed to individualized instruction, I effectively enhance student performance through tailored strategies and open communication with parents (daily notes and frequent phone calls).
I demonstrate strong communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. I bring a positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher
Apollo-Ridge School District
06.2007 - Current
Developed strong relationships with students, parents (daily journals and frequent phone calls), 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.
Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
Worked closely with the Occupational. Physical and Speech Therapists to ensure generalization and carry over of learned skills.
Teacher
Spectrum Charter School
06.2005 - 06.2007
Utilized various teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring all students had equal opportunities to succeed.
Monitored student performance data to identify areas of improvement and adjust instruction accordingly, enhancing overall learning outcomes.
Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent routines and procedures.
Developed strong relationships with parents and guardians, fostering open communication and increased parental involvement in their child''s education.
Assessed student progress through regular evaluations, adjusting instructional strategies as needed for optimal results.
Implemented evidence-based behavioral intervention strategies, promoting a positive learning environment for all students.
Implemented individualized learning plans for students with special needs, promoting academic growth and success.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create comprehensive education plans tailored to each student''s unique needs.
Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
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.
Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
Teacher
Bancroft Neuro-Health/Bancroft School
03.1992 - 06.2003
Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing ongoing support during their transition into the profession.
Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create comprehensive education plans tailored to each student''s unique needs.
Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.
Developed strong relationships with parents and guardians, fostering open communication and increased parental involvement in their child''s education.
Education
Special Education
Penn State University
State College, PA
08-1989
Skills
Classroom management
Relationship building
Critical thinking
Lesson planning
Motivating students
Student engagement
Behavior management
Parent-teacher communication
Accomplishments
Throughout my career, I have supervised team of multiple (as many as 5) staff members (paraprofessionals ) in the classroom setting.
Was a building representative for our local union.
Coached Special Olympics Track.
Chaperoned many school dances and assisted with many after school events/functions.
Athletic Director, Transportation Coordinator, Student Services Director at Apollo-Ridge School DistrictAthletic Director, Transportation Coordinator, Student Services Director at Apollo-Ridge School District