Bethany Cottle
Benton,IL
Summary
Compassionate educational professional with experience in school social work, student support, and program leadership. Skilled in collaboration, problem-solving, family engagement, and developing systems that promote student success. Dedicated to fostering positive school culture and supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of all students.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
School Social Worker
Elverado CUSD 196
Elkville, IL
08.2021 - Current
- Collaborated with educators to develop individualized education plans for students with social-emotional needs.
- Established partnerships with community organizations to enhance resources available for at-risk students and families.
- Mentored new staff on best practices in social work within educational settings, fostering a collaborative environment.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to develop intervention strategies for students in need of additional support.
- Led IEP, RTI and other related meetings that determined and implemented school-wide policies.
- Worked with teachers to implement behavioral improvement plans based on established assessments.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss individual student needs holistically.
- Provided grief counseling to students and staff, aiding school community in coping with loss.
- Planned and delivered social emotional lessons to students.
- Collaborated with administrators, teachers, families, and community agencies to address complex student needs.
- Coordinated school-wide attendance, behavior, and social-emotional support initiatives.
- Led restorative practices and conflict-resolution efforts to promote a positive school culture.
- Filled in for school principal whenever needed.
School Social Work Intern
Franklin Jefferson Spcl Educ C
Benton, IL
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Conducted individual counseling sessions, addressing emotional and behavioral challenges of students.
- Developed and implemented intervention strategies to support students' social and academic success.
- Collaborated with educators to create inclusive learning environments for diverse student populations.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions promoting peer support and conflict resolution skills.
- Assessed student needs through observations and interviews, informing tailored support plans.
- Monitored progress of students receiving interventions, adjusting strategies based on effectiveness.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings, contributing valuable insights to inform student-centered interventions.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to create a supportive and inclusive school environment for all students.
- Facilitated regular communication between school staff, parents, and community agencies to optimize support systems for at-risk students.
- Worked with educational team to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students.
- Created and implemented a K–8 social-emotional support program that promoted positive behavior, emotional regulation, and student success.
Communities in Schools Intern
Communities In Schools of Tennessee
Nashville, TN
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Coordinated support services for students by collaborating with educators, families, and community partners.
- Facilitated student support team meetings and contributed to data-driven intervention planning.
- Assisted in developing and implementing school-based programs designed to improve student engagement and well-being.
- Advocated for equitable access to educational and community resources.
- Built partnerships between schools, families, and community organizations to address barriers to student success.
- Supported school-wide initiatives focused on attendance, behavior, and social-emotional development.
Children's Ministry Director
Gallatin Church of the Nazarene
Gallatin, TN
05.2019 - 12.2019
- Directed and managed all children's ministry programs serving infants through elementary-aged children.
- Recruited, trained, supervised, and supported volunteer leaders and ministry staff.
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate curriculum, activities, and special events to support children's spiritual growth.
- Coordinated and led weekly programming, vacation Bible school, camps, and family engagement events.
- Managed ministry budgets, resources, scheduling, and program logistics.
- Built strong partnerships with parents and families to support child development and engagement.
- Ensured compliance with child safety policies, volunteer screening procedures, and risk management practices.
- Collaborated with church leadership to align children's ministry goals with the organization's mission and vision.
- Planned and facilitated volunteer training and professional development opportunities.
- Evaluated program effectiveness and implemented improvements to increase participation and engagement.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Carbondale, IL05.2021
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, TN05.2020
High School Diploma -
Benton High School
Benton, IL05.2016
Timeline
School Social Worker
Elverado CUSD 196
08.2021 - Current
School Social Work Intern
Franklin Jefferson Spcl Educ C
08.2020 - 05.2021
Communities in Schools Intern
Communities In Schools of Tennessee
08.2019 - 05.2020
Children's Ministry Director
Gallatin Church of the Nazarene
05.2019 - 12.2019
Master of Science - Social Work
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Trevecca Nazarene University
High School Diploma -
Benton High School
Licenses and Certification
Professional Educational License (PEL)
Recognitions
Benton/West City Citizen of the Year Nominee