Timothy McAlister
Chicago
Summary
Dynamic Special Education Teacher with a successful track record at Chicago Public Schools, adept at developing individualized education plans and executing evidence-based assessments. Proven ability to foster strong relationships with students and parents, significantly enhancing academic outcomes. Strong leadership and crisis management skills contribute to creating inclusive classroom environments for students with disabilities. Actively pursuing endorsements in Secondary History, Psychology, and Sociology to transition into a high school setting by 2025.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public Schools, Willa Cather Elementary
Chicago
08.2024 - Current
- Assisted in the development of IEP goals based on data analysis.
- Enhanced lessons using Smart Board technology and computers.
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Formed deep relationships with parents and students by engaging groups through conferences, emails, texts and phone calls.
- Assisted with classroom observations to identify developmental delays and behavioral issues.
Special Education Tutor
The Chicago Home Tutor
Chicago
02.2022 - Current
- Conduct one-hour virtual tutoring sessions for public and private students from kindergarten to 11th grade.
- Advise parents on IEPs, 504 plans, special education programs, testing, and processes.
- Track semester goals for a caseload of students.
- Worked cooperatively with special education teachers to modify curricula for special education students according to Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
- Encouraged students to set personal goals related to academics, career planning and personal development.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate students' strengths, weaknesses and areas requiring improvement.
Department Head
Walter Payton College Prep
Chicago
03.2021 - 05.2023
- Managed a caseload of 10 students.
- I taught Honors World Studies and U.S. History.
- Designed a modified curriculum for history.
- Served as the Special Education Department Chair.
- Coached Girls Basketball and Boys Volleyball
- Serve on the Instructional Leadership Team to affect instructional change across the school
- Monitored and reported on departmental performance metrics, adjusting strategies as necessary.
- Organized regular meetings with staff to discuss progress and address issues.
Special Education Teacher
North Lawndale College Prep High School
Chicago
09.2021 - 02.2022
- 11th-grade special education teacher in American Literature and Algebra II.
- Taught with the SpringBoard curriculum.
- Maintained a caseload of 25 students with IEPs.
- Appointed to the Illinois Board of Charter School Teachers.
- Cooperating teacher for student teachers at Northeastern University.
- Assisted in the development of IEP goals based on data analysis.
- Facilitated small group instruction tailored for individual student needs.
Special Education Teacher
Jewish Family Services
Chicago
09.2020 - 09.2021
- Write IEPs for a caseload of nine students.
- Taught ELA, Engage NY curriculum.
- I taught Social Studies to current 7th and 8th grade students.
- Scheduled and managed clinical services for all nine students within my homeroom.
- Designed SEL curriculum to ensure classroom community, and student safety.
- Tracked behavioral, academic, and testing data for possible student placement back into home school.
Special Education Teacher
Wendell Phillips High School
Chicago
08.2017 - 07.2020
- Created a math curriculum for self-contained Geometry and Algebra II, along with co-taught English III.
- Used manipulatives, virtual programs, and in-class activities to help struggling learners access grade-level content.
- Differentiated assignments and assessments are designed to meet the needs of the learners within the classroom.
- Completed weekly social and emotional lessons in Geometry and Algebra II classes to support students' personal growth.
- Maintained a caseload of 15 students for IEPs for 9th-12th grade students.
Match Coach
Match Education
Chicago
08.2014 - 06.2015
- Coached high school students in math who had been identified as having at-risk Plan and Explore scores.
- The caseload of eight students had an average increase of 19% in Plan and Explore scores during the next assessment cycle.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington
08.2013 - 05.2014
- Served as the Graduate Instructor for two sections of Gender, Sexuality, and Pop Culture for the Fall 2013 and Spring 2014 semesters.
- I graded all writing assignments and exams for both sections.
- I held a study group during office hours to support student success.
- Provide timely feedback to students about their progress.
- I delivered a lecture in the absence of the professor.
- Adhered to university requirements for student assignments, testing and grading of work.
- Participated in professional development workshops related to teaching pedagogy or technology use in classrooms.
Reading Coach
DePaul University
Chicago
09.2012 - 06.2013
- Worked with K-2nd students in at-risk Chicago Catholic schools.
- Worked with a caseload of six students who were identified for Title I services for reading.
- Collaborated with the classroom teacher and Title I Reading Specialist to provide additional support and practice.
- Conducted assessments of student literacy skills using a variety of measures.
- Implemented research-based best practices for teaching phonemic awareness and fluency skills.
Math Coach
Countdown Math
Chicago
08.2010 - 06.2012
- Planned and implemented a math curriculum to help 4th-8th grade students improve their ISAT test scores and test strategies.
- The caseload of five students had an average increase of 12% in ISAT test scores during the next academic year.
- Worked within schools that were declared turnaround schools within the CPS district.
Education
Master of Arts - Sports Management
Liberty University
05.2023
Master's - Special Education
DePaul University
Chicago, IL05.2018
Master of Arts - Human Development & Family Studies
Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, IN05.2014
Bachelor's - Developmental Psychology
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL05.2012
Skills
- CPR
- Individualized education plans
- Sports coaching
- Crisis management
- Leadership
- Curriculum modification
- Working with people with disabilities
- Special education
- Teaching
- Instructional strategies
- IEP and BIP implementation
- Evidence-based assessment
Certification
- Illinois Professional Teaching License, 07/01/21, 07/31/22
- Learning and Behavior Specialist I, 06/01/18, 06/30/25
- Secondary Social Science - History, 06/2025
- Secondary Social Science - Psychology 05/2025
- Secondary Social Science - Sociology 05/2025
- Crisis Prevention Intervention, 07/01/21, 07/31/22
- Special Education Certification
Personal Information
- Willing To Relocate: Anywhere
- Authorized To Work: US for any employer
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public Schools, Willa Cather Elementary
08.2024 - Current
Special Education Tutor
The Chicago Home Tutor
02.2022 - Current
Special Education Teacher
North Lawndale College Prep High School
09.2021 - 02.2022
Department Head
Walter Payton College Prep
03.2021 - 05.2023
Special Education Teacher
Jewish Family Services
09.2020 - 09.2021
Special Education Teacher
Wendell Phillips High School
08.2017 - 07.2020
Match Coach
Match Education
08.2014 - 06.2015
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Indiana University Bloomington
08.2013 - 05.2014
Reading Coach
DePaul University
09.2012 - 06.2013
Math Coach
Countdown Math
08.2010 - 06.2012
Master of Arts - Sports Management
Liberty University
Master's - Special Education
DePaul University
Master of Arts - Human Development & Family Studies
Indiana University-Bloomington
Bachelor's - Developmental Psychology
Loyola University Chicago
Similar Profiles
Shermetrius BushShermetrius Bush
School Office Clerk at Chicago Public Schools, Brownell ElementarySchool Office Clerk at Chicago Public Schools, Brownell Elementary
Emily SerrEmily Serr
Special Education Teacher at Chicago Public Schools, Walsh ElementarySpecial Education Teacher at Chicago Public Schools, Walsh Elementary
Michael S. Muhammad, LSWMichael S. Muhammad, LSW
Restorative Justice Coordinator at Chicago Public Schools - Thorp Elementary SchoolRestorative Justice Coordinator at Chicago Public Schools - Thorp Elementary School