John Baloun
Sycamore,IL
Summary
Award-winning educator from Glenbard North High School, Naperville School District 203 and Academy adept in classroom management and differentiated instruction. Fostered inclusive learning environments, significantly enhancing student engagement and success. Recognized for excellence in collaborative teaching and effective parent-teacher communication, embodying a commitment to serving diverse communities and promoting student independence.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Life Skills High School Teacher
Menta Academy Dekalb
06.2021 - Current
- Promoted culture of inclusion, respect and collaboration in classroom.
- Created and maintained safe and orderly classroom environment conducive to learning.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and enhance teaching abilities further.
- Established and maintained professional relationships with students, staff, parents and community members.
- Created engaging lesson plans, fostered culture of discovery and provided well-organized classroom structure to help students succeed in program.
Life Skills High School Teacher
Glenbard District 87
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Supported students in development of skills and strategies to become independent and successful learners.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to both students and parents.
- Planned, developed, and executed lessons reflecting high school curriculum and core educational standards.
- Developed strong relationships with parents, keeping them informed of student progress and involving them in school activities.
Best Buddies Faculty Advisor
Glenbard North High School
08.2001 - 05.2020
- Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement. Created opportunities for one-to-one friendships, student integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Illinois Best Buddies Advisor of the Year- 2017
At-Risk Middle School Teacher
Naperville School District 203
- Provided one-on-one attention to students, while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Kept classroom environments consistent and focused on learning by establishing and enforcing clear objectives.
- Established positive rapport with all students and parents through home calls, emails, and Parent Teacher Club.
- Identified signs of emotional or developmental problems in students.
- Established clear expectations for behavior and academic performance, resulting in increased accountability among students.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
National Louis University
Chicago, IL06-1990
Bachelor of Science - Social Sciences Education
Rockford University
Rockford, IL05.1986
Skills
- Lesson planning
- Teaching strategies
- Classroom management
- Student engagement
- Collaborative teaching
- Parent-teacher communication
- Serving diverse communities
- Differentiated instruction
- Individual education plans (IEP)
- Data management
- Inclusion strategies
- De-escalation techniques
Best Buddies Illinois Advisor of the Year-2017
Glenbard North had one of the largest most successful Best Buddies Chapter in Illinois for many years.
Timeline
Life Skills High School Teacher
Glenbard District 87
08.2021 - 05.2022
Life Skills High School Teacher
Menta Academy Dekalb
06.2021 - Current
Best Buddies Faculty Advisor
Glenbard North High School
08.2001 - 05.2020
At-Risk Middle School Teacher
Naperville School District 203
Master of Science - Special Education
National Louis University
Bachelor of Science - Social Sciences Education
Rockford University
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