Sydney Schmit
Pittsburgh
Summary
An enthusiastic, caring, and knowledgeable educator searching for a Special Education Teacher role, adept at effectively managing large and small classrooms of young children. Three years of experience specializing in curriculum development, classroom management, IEPs, and differentiating instruction. A strong background
in building relationships with students to aid academic and personal growth. Patient educator who collaborates and communicates successfully with students,
parents, and staff. An educator who believes that every student should learn in an environment which is stimulating, comforting and inclusive to their needs; has
experience in dealing with social, emotional, and academic challenges of students. Assists the teachers in the classroom and adapts lessons in order for all students to flourish.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
New Story School
Monroeville
07.2024 - Current
- Taught seven students with emotional disturbances (K-3)
- Taught all subjects to fit students' academic needs.
- Created classroom expectations and routines.
- Implemented students' IEPs and PBSPs.
- Differentiated instruction for students with different academic levels.
- Communicated daily with parents regarding their child's progress.
- Provided instruction in social and emotional learning.
- Facilitated small group instruction tailored for individual student needs.
- Created a safe environment conducive to learning for students.
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Used school wide token economy to motivate student behavior and success
Special Education Teacher
Centre Ridge Elementary
Centreville
08.2023 - 06.2024
- Created specially designed instruction to fit the needs of ten 1st grade students.
- Collaborated with, and taught alongside, general education teachers.
- Implemented positive reinforcement plans for multiple students to support students’ self-esteem and confidence. Students have become more confident in their academic and social abilities inside and outside of the classroom.
- Led IEP meetings.
- I wrote IEPs and re-evaluation reports to highlight students' strengths and needs. I collected, monitored, and evaluated data on a daily basis to track students' challenges and successes.
- Had constant communication with families and staff members to increase student success.
- Contacted families using "TalkingPoints" (a translation website for families that speak more than one language), phone calls, or via a translator.
- Met with the school social worker, counselor, and teammates to reflect on modifications that can be made to best accommodate each student.
- Created lesson plans to align with IEP goals.
- Coordinated schedules of the general education teacher, speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, deaf/hard-of-hearing teacher, and principal/designee for meetings with students' families.
- Created a safe and welcoming environment for all students to learn and be themselves.
Special Education Teacher
Centre Ridge Elementary
Centerville
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Created specially designed instruction to fit the needs of eight, fourth-grade students.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to ensure curriculum standards were being met
- I took weekly data to evaluate students' academic and social/emotional learning, and made adjustments accordingly.
- Data was used to adjust small group instruction, a positive reinforcement plan, and specific seating in the classroom.
- Implemented positive reinforcement plans for one student to support self-regulation.
- Led IEP and parent conference meetings
- I wrote IEPs and re-evaluation reports to highlight students' strengths and needs.
- Grouped students based on strengths and needs across all subject areas.
- Communicated with families to share student growth and success.
- Scheduled meetings with school staff and families to reflect on student improvement and challenges.
Classroom Assistant
North Hills School District
Pittsburgh
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Assisted seven fifth-grade special education students by enhancing their understanding of their schoolwork throughout the day.
- Experience as a substitute for grades K, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Managed classroom behavior: engaged students during lessons, set expectations for students’ behavior, praised and reinforced positive behavior.
- Supported teachers in the classroom during lessons by managing classroom behavior, grading student assignments, monitoring student progression, managing student brain breaks, providing one-on-one student instruction when necessary, and making accommodations and modifications for students to ensure success.
- Strengthened students' work ethic and passion for learning.
- Teaches Math, ELA, Science, and Social Studies.
- Special accomplishments include increasing focus for learning-challenged students, improving students' test scores with one-on-one teaching, while nurturing their passion to learn.
Paraprofessional
North Hills School District
Pittsburgh
02.2021 - 05.2021
- Assisted ten fifth grade special education students by enhancing their understanding of their schoolwork throughout the day
- Managed classroom behavior
- Strengthened students’ work ethic while building a strong foundation that will lead to academic success
- Built strong relationships with students and staff
Education
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Special Education
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, PA11-2020
Skills
- Individualized education plans
- Case Management
- Interventions
- Positive reinforcement
- Communication with families
- Building relationships
- Managing and taking data
- Behavioral Analysis
- Classroom management
- Small group instruction
- Collaborative teamwork
Certification
- AVMR
January 2024 - Orton Gillingham
January 2023
Accomplishments
These awards were given to me for recognizing my hard work and passion I've put into my job at New Story Schools
- Cheers for Peers - Making an Impact. An award given to me from two colleagues
- Appreciation, I've received three awards for Appreciation from my supervisor
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
New Story School
07.2024 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Centre Ridge Elementary
08.2023 - 06.2024
Special Education Teacher
Centre Ridge Elementary
08.2022 - 06.2023
Classroom Assistant
North Hills School District
08.2021 - 05.2022
Paraprofessional
North Hills School District
02.2021 - 05.2021
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Special Education
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
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