Dedicated special education educator seeking an Instructional Specialist role to coach staff, model evidence-based practices and behavioral supports, and improve IEP-aligned instruction, student outcomes, and independence in self-contained classrooms.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Self Contained Elementary Special Education Teache
West Aurora School District 129
Aurora, IL
2008 - Current
Provided mentorship to both student teachers as well as mentored numerous new teachers, to enhance their teaching skills and professional growth.
Guided student teachers and mentees in mastering IEP implementation, data collection, and behavior intervention planning processes.
Supported healthy mentor–mentee relationships through ongoing communication, problem-solving, and goal setting.
Facilitated curriculum adaptation, classroom structure, behavior support, and instructional planning for students with significant needs.
Assisted in implementing effective behavior management techniques including FBA's and BIPS
Collaborated with administrators, support staff, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure consistent implementation of best practices across classrooms.
Provided ongoing coaching, modeling and feedback for paraprofessionals to support instructional fidelity and positive behavior supports.
Supported collaborative problem-solving with general education teachers to promote inclusion, consistency, and student success.
Contributed to a positive school culture centered on communication, educator support, and student-centered decision-making.
Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills and ability to navigate diverse personalities, perspectives, and professional relationships.
Education
Master of Education - Reading and Literacy (Reading Specialist)
Benedictine University
Lisle, IL
06-2012
ESL Endorsement
Aurora University
Aurora, IL
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Benedictine University
Lisle, IL
05-2008
Skills
Teacher mentoring & support
Behavior intervention (FBAs/BIPs)
Data-informed decision-making
Relationship-building & navigating diverse personalities
Ability to build trust and rapport across roles and settings
Timeline
ESL Endorsement
Aurora University
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Benedictine University
Self Contained Elementary Special Education Teache
West Aurora School District 129
2008 - Current
Master of Education - Reading and Literacy (Reading Specialist)
Special Education Paraprofessional (self-contained) at Aiken County Board Of EducationSpecial Education Paraprofessional (self-contained) at Aiken County Board Of Education
Special Education Elementary Resource and Self-contained MLD with autism teacher at H E Bonner Elementary schoolSpecial Education Elementary Resource and Self-contained MLD with autism teacher at H E Bonner Elementary school
Self-Contained Special Education 6-8 at Colquitt County Board Of Education-CAGSelf-Contained Special Education 6-8 at Colquitt County Board Of Education-CAG
K–2 Self-Contained Special Education Teacher at Mary S. Peake Elementary SchoolK–2 Self-Contained Special Education Teacher at Mary S. Peake Elementary School