Stephanie Walker
Libertyville
Summary
Qualified educator with solid background in Special Education, providing tailored instructional strategies for diverse learning needs. Successfully implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) to enhance student engagement and progress. Demonstrated expertise in behavior management and fostering inclusive classroom environments
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
The Cove School
Northbrook, IL
08.2025 - Current
- Junior High School (Literacy, Math, Social Studies, and Science) (January 2026- Present)
- Develop and update Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in compliance with IDEA and state regulations; participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and collaborate on curriculum planning and program development.
- Conduct formal and informal assessments to inform programming; design and implement research-based instructional systems using differentiated instruction across diverse disability categories.
- Foster positive, inclusive, trauma-informed learning environments; guide students in self-advocacy and self-awareness; monitor and report progress through IEP tracking, evaluations, and parent conferences.
- Supervise teacher assistants and collaborate with families and related service providers; as well as maintain compliance with School Board policies and all state/federal regulations.
- Non-public therapeutic day school for students with learning disabilities
High School Literacy Student Teacher
08.2025 - 12.2025
- Developed and updated Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) under mentor supervision; participated in multidisciplinary team meetings and collaborated on instructional planning aligned with IDEA compliance.
- Created inclusive, trauma-informed learning environments; supported student self-advocacy and self-awareness; implemented positive behavioral interventions and classroom management strategies.
- Assisted with formal and informal assessments and data analysis to drive instructional decision-making. Supported small group and individual instruction with targeted interventions based on student IEP goals. Implemented accommodations and modifications to ensure student access to grade-level curriculum. Participated in professional development and applied special education best practices in daily instruction.
Substitute Teacher
Mundelein District 75
Mundelein, IL
09.2019 - 05.2025
- Special Education Teacher -3rd-5th grade (July 2024- May 2025)
- Monitor student progress and determine interventions for student who are “at risk”. Manage student behavior to promote learning. Use a variety of assessments to evaluate student strengths and challenges.
- Write IEP goals and ensure teachers are implementing student accommodations and modifications.
- Push into the classroom to provide support as well as teach small group intervention in ELA and Math.
- Other Long-Term Assignments- 2nd grade teacher (3 months), Reading Specialist (3 months), and 7th Grade Social Studies (2 months) Math 8th Grade (5 months) 4th Grade Dual Language (3 months).
- Responsible for lesson planning, presentation, assessment, and classroom management. Prepare and conduct parent conferences. Utilize Google Classroom daily for creating and managing assignments, material, and communication with students. Use PowerSchool daily for attendance and grading.
- Teach grades K-8th. Study and follow the curriculum and lesson plan as provided by the absent teacher or the principal. Assign classwork and homework. Take attendance according to school policy. Report any incidents regarding student behavior in and out of the classroom Create a positive classroom environment consistently.
- Dual Language School District serves K-8th grades
Special Education Instructional Assistant
Hawthorn School District 73
Vernon Hills, IL
09.2016 - 09.2019
- Selected to train in a behavior management program for students with 1:1 requirement. 1:1 for students with medical needs. 1:1 behavioral student trying to adapt to the classroom setting. Led Fine Motor Skills group for kindergarten students. Substitute for teachers as needed.
- Dual Language School District serving K-8th grades
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education- LBS1
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL12-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Columbia College of Missouri
Gurnee, IL06-2013
Skills
- MS Office, Google Classroom, Zoom, PowerSchool, Other educational apps and programs
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
The Cove School
08.2025 - Current
High School Literacy Student Teacher
08.2025 - 12.2025
Substitute Teacher
Mundelein District 75
09.2019 - 05.2025
Special Education Instructional Assistant
Hawthorn School District 73
09.2016 - 09.2019
Master of Arts - Special Education- LBS1
Northeastern Illinois University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Columbia College of Missouri
Prior Experience
10 years of HR Recruiter and Behavioral Assessment to the Executive Level.