Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Melissa Rager

Winnebago

Summary

Dedicated special education professional with over 26 years of experience in elementary, middle, high school, and transition settings. Expertise includes self-contained cross-categorical classrooms, co-teaching, behavior management, instructional strategies, and IEP case management. Proven ability to create inclusive learning environments that foster student growth and development while collaborating effectively with educators, families, and support staff. Committed to empowering students with diverse needs to achieve their fullest potential through building positive relationships and tailored educational approaches.

Overview

2027
2027
years of professional experience

Work History

Transition Services Teacher

RPS 205
Rockford, Il
2016 - Current
  • Integrated 18-22 year old special needs students in community workplace settings by teaching entry-level job skills, soft skills, social skills, interview and resume development
  • Implemented individual accommodations and modifications for success in the workplace
  • Advocated for and assisted students in attaining paid employment
  • Wrote IEP Transition Plans and worked with numerous outside agencies, connecting families to services offered to adults with disabilities

Resource/Instructional/Co-Teacher

Guilford High School-RPS 205
Rockford, Il
01.2020 - 01.2022
  • Case Managed over 20 students while co-teaching and collaborating with 6 different science teachers and classrooms
  • Co-Taught Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
  • Taught Instructional Self-Contained Integrated Science

Special Education Teacher

Harlem Middle School-HSD 122
Loves Park, Il
01.2005 - 01.2013
  • Self-Contained ED 7th-8th grade teacher (3 years at Harlem Middle School)
  • Developed and implemented Behavior Intervention Plans
  • Co-Taught with 7th and 8th grade teams
  • Instructional Level self-contained teacher

Special Education Teacher

Ralston Elementary School-HSD 122
Machesney Park, Il
01.2000 - 01.2005
  • Cross Categorical Self-Contained teacher for 4th, 5th, 6th grade students with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, emotional disorders, autism (2000-2005)
  • Returned to Ralston as Resource teacher for 5th-6th grade teams (2013-2016)

Education

Masters - Teaching and Learning

St. Xavier University
01-2006

Bachelors - Special Education

Illinois State University
01-2000

Bachelors - Speech Pathology and Audiology

Illinois State University
01-1997

Skills

  • Transition Planning
  • Community Resources
  • Behavior Plans
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • CPI Trained
  • PBIS Internal Coach
  • Certification LBS1 K-21

Timeline

Resource/Instructional/Co-Teacher

Guilford High School-RPS 205
01.2020 - 01.2022

Special Education Teacher

Harlem Middle School-HSD 122
01.2005 - 01.2013

Special Education Teacher

Ralston Elementary School-HSD 122
01.2000 - 01.2005

Bachelors - Speech Pathology and Audiology

Illinois State University

Transition Services Teacher

RPS 205
2016 - Current

Masters - Teaching and Learning

St. Xavier University

Bachelors - Special Education

Illinois State University
Melissa Rager