Versatile Special Education Teacher with a focus on individual student needs across academic, social, and functional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons, to engage students in meaningful learning activities. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in to foster a classroom environment that builds student independence and academic growth.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Self Contained Special Education Teacher
Elmwood Park Community Unit School District 401
08.2011 - Current
Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create comprehensive education plans tailored to each student's unique needs.
Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
Implemented evidence-based behavioral intervention strategies, promoting a positive learning environment for all students.
Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
coordinated students and teacher assistant schedules to optimize learning and transitions throughout the school day.
Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent routines and procedures.
Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor
Gottlieb Memorial Hospital
01.2023 - Current
Implemented new and creative exercise routines to keep participants motivated.
Designed specific workout systems for individual clients based on performance ability.
Developed customized fitness plans for wide range of clients to expand services.
Explained exercise modifications and contraindicated movements to participants with history of injury.
Recreation Leader
West Suburban Special Recreation Association
07.2001 - 08.2004
Planned, implemented, supervised and evaluated youth summer camp activities.
Supervised participants in special events including overnight camping.
Served as a one to one aid for children who needed support with camp activities.
Communicated with parents and other staff members to best meet student needs.
Enriched students summers through recreation and social activities.
Education
Learning Behavior Specialist 1 - Special Education
Concordia University Chicago
River Forest, IL
12.2010
Skills
Differentiated Instruction
Sensory Integration
Behavior Modification Techniques
Parent communications
Trained in CPI
Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
Classroom Organization
Positive Reinforcement
Personal Hygiene Assistance
Social integration
Visual supports
Timeline
Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor
Gottlieb Memorial Hospital
01.2023 - Current
Self Contained Special Education Teacher
Elmwood Park Community Unit School District 401
08.2011 - Current
Recreation Leader
West Suburban Special Recreation Association
07.2001 - 08.2004
Learning Behavior Specialist 1 - Special Education
Concordia University Chicago
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