Molly Raya
Tinley Park
Summary
Dedicated Educator with 7 years of experience supporting individuals with diverse disabilities and academic needs. Developed tailored educational strategies for students across age ranges, fostering growth and potential. Committed to enhancing the lives of students and contributing to the disability community through impactful educational practices.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Autism Academy
Frankfort, IL
06.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) and monitored student progress within those goal areas.
- Enhanced classroom management techniques through mentorship and hands-on instructional experience.
- Supported management of challenging student behaviors by applying behavior intervention strategies and reflecting on effective practices.
- Practiced and improved classroom management techniques under the guidance of mentor teachers as well as through real-time instructional experience.
Student Teacher
Christa McAuliffe Elementary School
Tinley Park, IL
03.2024 - 06.2024
- Effectively collaborated with teachers to create lesson plans with the proper use of differentiated instruction and Universal Design for Learning.
- Learned how to use new curriculum such as Connecting Math, Ed puzzle, IXL, Lexia, and System 44.
- Engaged in professional development opportunities to refine teaching skills and instructional strategies.
- Observed IEP meetings to gain insights into special education processes and documentation standards.
- Observed IEP meeting of a student and how to correctly complete corresponding paperwork.
- Witnessed several student behaviors and approaches implemented on addressing those behaviors for the individual student.
Instructional Assistant
AERO Special Education Cooperative
Burbank, IL
10.2022 - 01.2024
- Engaged students in high school and transition-aged academic settings to foster active participation and learning.
- Supported classroom learning by stepping in as a substitute teacher, facilitating lessons and managing student activities. involving leading classroom discussions and work-related activities. These included daily morning meetings, language arts, and professional development skills.
- Engaged with students among a high school and Transition aged level academic setting.
- Worked one-on-one with students to collect academic data to be used for their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
Instructional Assistant
Southwest Cook County Spec Ed
Oak Forest, IL
08.2019 - 10.2022
- Assisted students of various ages including early childhood, elementary, and Transition. Provided individualized support to students to enhance their learning experience. for students. Roles included helping complete academic tasks and assisting with bathroom needs.
- Engaged in community outings to support students' real-world learning opportunities. outside of the classroom including trips to the grocery store where students practiced shopping and money spending skills.
- Observed students executing job roles to promote independence and work skills. among the community to improve independence and work ethic skills.
Substitute Paraeducator
Virgil I. Grissom Middle School
Tinley Park, IL
05.2019 - 06.2019
- Collaborated with middle school students with learning disabilities to enhance engagement and understanding.
- Facilitated daily learning tasks and activities to promote student independence and skill development.
- Prepared instructional materials in support of lead teacher's lesson plans.
Recreation Leader
South Suburban Special Recreation Association (SSSRA)
Tinley Park, IL
06.2019 - 08.2019
- Facilitated interactive programs for teens and adults, including animal therapy, music therapy, gardening, bowling, and fishing, enhancing participants' engagement and well-being.
- Developed skills in effective communication and collaboration, improving interactions with program participants.
- Gained confidence in supporting individuals with disabilities, tailoring activities to meet diverse needs.
Education
MAT. - Special Education
National Louis University
Chicago, IL06-2024
B.A. - Communication Studies
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA05-2018
Skills
- Skilled in technological platforms such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Google Slides, and Zoom
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Autism Academy
06.2024 - Current
Student Teacher
Christa McAuliffe Elementary School
03.2024 - 06.2024
Instructional Assistant
AERO Special Education Cooperative
10.2022 - 01.2024
Instructional Assistant
Southwest Cook County Spec Ed
08.2019 - 10.2022
Recreation Leader
South Suburban Special Recreation Association (SSSRA)
06.2019 - 08.2019
Substitute Paraeducator
Virgil I. Grissom Middle School
05.2019 - 06.2019
B.A. - Communication Studies
The University of Iowa
MAT. - Special Education
National Louis University