Avni Kilicgedik
Chicago
Summary
Experienced educator with over 13 years of teaching experience in general and special education, dedicated to supporting students with disabilities through inclusive, compassionate, and evidence-based practices. Recently completed the LBS1 Focus Program at Northeastern Illinois University, with endorsement currently pending through the state approval process. Holds a Professional Educator License (PEL) with endorsements in Social Studies, History, Geography, Anthropology, and Economics.
Special education is not only my professional field, but also a deeply personal life philosophy centered on advocacy, equity, dignity, and meaningful support for every student. Currently beginning graduate studies in Behavior Management within the Master of Science in Special Education program, with a strong interest in autism support, behavioral interventions, and inclusive educational practices. Passionate about building positive relationships with students and families while creating safe, supportive, and empowering learning environments for diverse learners.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Instructional Paraprofessional
District 97
09.2025 - Current
- Supported classroom activities by implementing individualized learning plans for diverse student needs.
- Collaborated with educators to enhance instructional strategies and improve student engagement.
- Assisted in assessing student progress through regular observations and feedback sessions.
- Facilitated communication between teachers, students, and parents to promote a supportive learning environment.
- Developed and maintained educational resources tailored to assist students with varying abilities.
- Led group activities that fostered teamwork, social skills, and academic development among students.
- Evaluated program effectiveness by collecting data on student performance and participation rates.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to maintain a positive and focused classroom environment.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Prepared instructional materials for group and one-on-one use to comply with established curriculum.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in education and enhance instructional techniques.
Social Studies Teacher
Minestry of Education
09.2011 - 03.2023
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Fostered critical thinking skills through interactive classroom discussions.
- Implemented diverse assessment methods to evaluate student progress.
- Led professional development workshops focusing on innovative teaching practices.
- Improved student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and materials tailored to individual learning styles.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans that connected social studies content to other subject areas.
- Analyzed student performance data to drive curriculum adjustments and improvements.
- Assisted struggling students through targeted one-on-one tutoring sessions, resulting in improved academic performance.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL05.2028
Associate of Arts - Special Education
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, IL12.2025
Special Education LBS1 - Special Education
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL05.2026
Bachelor of Science - Social Studies Education
Inonu Universty
Turkey/ Malatya06.2011
Skills
- Classroom management
- Behavioral support
- Teacher collaboration
- Classroom support
- Motivational skills
- Teacher support
- Documentation
- Teaching techniques
- Student inclusion
- Behavior improvements
- IEP compliance
- Educational assistance
- Student needs support
- Social integration
- Student learning support
- IEP management
- Reporting requirements
- Learning styles
- Special education
- IEP adherence
- Friendly and outgoing
- Verbal and written communication
- Effective communication
- Calm and patient demeanor
- Computer skills
- Positive reinforcement
- Relationship building
- Lesson planning
- Student supervision
- Behavior management
Affiliations
- Council for Exceptional Children
- NEIU Student Community
- Special Education Advocacy & Inclusion Initiatives
Certification
- Professional Educator License (PEL), State of Illinois – Active
- LBS1 Endorsement (Pending), Northeastern Illinois University – 2026
- Social Studies Endorsement, State of Illinois
- History Endorsement, State of Illinois
- Geography Endorsement, State of Illinois
- Anthropology Endorsement, State of Illinois
- Economics Endorsement, State of Illinois
- Paraprofessional License, State of Illinois
Languages
English
Full Professional
Turkish
Native or Bilingual
Kurdish
Native or Bilingual
Interests
- Autism Support & Behavior Management
- Inclusive Education
- Educational Equity
- Multicultural Education
- Language Learning
- Animal Welfare
Timeline
Instructional Paraprofessional
District 97
09.2025 - Current
Social Studies Teacher
Minestry of Education
09.2011 - 03.2023
Master of Science - Special Education
Northeastern Illinois University
Associate of Arts - Special Education
City Colleges of Chicago
Special Education LBS1 - Special Education
Northeastern Illinois University
Bachelor of Science - Social Studies Education
Inonu Universty