Beth Swikart
Gurnee
Summary
Dedicated special education teacher with expertise in differentiated instruction, classroom management, and IEP development. Committed to fostering student success through collaboration and effective communication with parents and educators.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Lake County Schools
Lake County Illinois
08.2024 - 05.2026
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Conducted assessments to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement, informing instructional strategies.
- Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.
- Collaborated with parents and other educators to develop comprehensive support plans, promoting student success.
- Developed and executed behavioral intervention plans, leading to decrease in disruptive behaviors and increase in classroom participation.
- Fostered positive learning environment, reducing classroom disruptions through effective behavior management strategies.
- Implemented individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs, ensuring personalized support.
- Utilized data from student assessments to tailor instruction, resulting in more effective learning outcomes.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet varied needs of students, enhancing educational accessibility.
High School Special Education Teacher
Proviso West High School
Hillside, IL
10.2023 - 06.2024
- Developed individualized education plans to address diverse student needs.
- Implemented evidence-based instructional strategies to enhance learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support student success and well-being.
- Adapted curriculum materials to ensure accessibility for all learners.
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public School
Chicago, IL
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
Special Education Teacher
Cook County School
Berwyn, IL
08.2020 - 06.2022
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago, IL
09.2019 - 06.2020
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
Special Education Teacher
Cook County School District
Cicero, IL
01.2018 - 06.2019
- Trained and mentored new teachers in best practices for inclusive education techniques.
- Advocated for student needs within school systems, ensuring access to appropriate resources and services.
- Designed and facilitated professional development workshops focused on special education best practices.
- Led initiatives to enhance communication between staff, parents, and external service providers for better support systems.
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago, IL
09.2003 - 12.2017
- Developed individualized education plans tailored to student needs and learning styles.
- Implemented evidence-based instructional strategies to improve student engagement and outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate support services for students with disabilities.
- Monitored and assessed student progress, adjusting teaching methods as necessary to promote growth.
Education
Master of Science - School Counseling
Concordia University
River Forest, IL05-2010
Master of Arts - Special Education
National Louis University
Chicago, IL05-2002
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
DePaul University
Chicago, IL05-1999
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans ieps
- Small group instruction
- Co-teaching experience
- Relationship building
- Collaborative teamwork
- Data management
- Motivating students
- Parent communication
- Behavior modifications
- Verbal and nonverbal communication
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Lake County Schools
08.2024 - 05.2026
High School Special Education Teacher
Proviso West High School
10.2023 - 06.2024
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public School
09.2022 - 06.2023
Special Education Teacher
Cook County School
08.2020 - 06.2022
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
09.2019 - 06.2020
Special Education Teacher
Cook County School District
01.2018 - 06.2019
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
09.2003 - 12.2017
Master of Science - School Counseling
Concordia University
Master of Arts - Special Education
National Louis University
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
DePaul University