Molly Gerches
Lockport
Summary
Experienced educator with specialized background in supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Expertise in designing and implementing individualized educational plans, utilizing sign language, and fostering inclusive learning environments. Strong focus on collaboration, adaptability to changing needs, and achieving positive outcomes for students. Known for excellent communication skills, empathy, and reliability in delivering effective teaching strategies.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher
District 308
08.2023 - Current
- Utilized sign language to facilitate effective communication with individuals using total communication methods.
- Encourage students to enhance communication skills
- Assist students in advocating for hearing loss and promoting independence with equipment
- Engage with assistive technology
- Collaborated with diverse hearing equipment types
- Collaborate with students experiencing medical fragility
- Encouraged academic growth through differentiated instruction based on each student''s strengths and areas requiring improvement.
- Promoted student self-advocacy and independence by teaching them essential life skills tailored to their needs.
- Maintained a safe and accessible classroom environment by adhering to all relevant regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Collaborate with diverse professionals including TAs, administrators, nurses, and educators.
- Customize educational content using adaptive curriculum to meet individual student skill levels
- Expertise in developing and managing IEPs for students with diverse disabilities
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
Camp Counselor
Camp Lions of Illinois
06.2023 - 07.2023
- Facilitated communication between counselors and campers who are deaf and blind.
- Cared for diverse needs of individuals with dual sensory impairments.
- Collaborated with specialists to develop tailored support strategies.
- Implemented effective communication techniques to enhance interaction.
- Worked with children of varying age, interest, skill, and developmental levels.
- Ensured camper safety by enforcing camp rules, supervising group activities, and responding promptly to incidents or concerns.
- Led groups of children safely through variety of camp activities.
- Acted as a positive role model, demonstrating strong leadership skills and exemplifying the camp''s core values.
Teacher Assistant
District 308
08.2022 - 12.2022
- Assisted lead teacher in managing classroom behavior, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
- Assisted in developing effective classroom management strategies that fostered an inclusive community where all students felt valued and respected.
- Facilitated small-group instruction sessions targeting specific skill gaps among struggling learners for academic success.
- Organized materials in classroom spaces based on lecture plans, activity stations or other requirements outlined by teachers.
- Copied, organized and distributed classroom assignments or other paperwork.
- Developed materials for classroom teachers to support instruction, lab work or in-class activities.
- Met regularly with team of teachers to discuss best practices and develop innovative teaching strategies.
Education
Bachelors Degree - Deaf And Hard of Hearing
Illinois State University
Normal, IL05-2023
Skills
- Deaf culture awareness
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving abilities
- Classroom management
- Lesson planning
- Behavior management
- Goal setting
- Safety monitoring
- Time management abilities
- Early intervention techniques
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Language development strategies
Certification
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) Certification
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Sign Language
Professional Working
Timeline
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher
District 308
08.2023 - Current
Camp Counselor
Camp Lions of Illinois
06.2023 - 07.2023
Teacher Assistant
District 308
08.2022 - 12.2022
Bachelors Degree - Deaf And Hard of Hearing
Illinois State University
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