Valerie Catanzaro
Alsip,IL
Summary
Versatile professional educator with focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Student Teacher
SWCCCASE Transition Services
Oak Forest, IL
08.2025 - Current
- Developed individualized lesson plans to meet diverse student needs and learning styles.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to foster positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with special education staff to adapt curriculum for students with disabilities.
- Conducted assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instructional methods accordingly.
- Supported diverse learners with differentiated instruction strategies tailored to individual needs and abilities.
Paraprofessional
Southwest Cook County Cooperative for Special Education
Oak Forest, IL
08.2017 - Current
- Assist in the implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) by supporting students with diverse learning needs.
- Facilitate day-to-day operations of the PAES Lab, providing hands-on vocational training for students.
- Utilize behavior intervention strategies to support students in developing social-emotional skills.
- Collaborate with teachers and specialists to create engaging and inclusive classroom environments.
- Provide one-on-one and small-group support to reinforce learning objectives.
Mental Health Professional
The Association for Individual Development
Aurora, IL
10.2015 - 05.2017
- Provided targeted therapeutic interventions for clients facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse.
- Connected clients with appropriate community resources, ensuring access to essential services.
- Maintained comprehensive and confidential client records, tracking progress and treatment plans.
- Facilitated group and individual therapy sessions to support emotional and psychological well-being.
Education
JTED Apprenticeship Program - Education
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL05-2026
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Governors State University
University Park, IL01-2015
Skills
- Behavior Management & Intervention Strategies
- Classroom Technology Integration
- Student Advocacy & Support
- Effective Communication & Collaboration
- Special Education Assistance
- Small group and individual assistance
- Effective communication
- Classroom organization
- Teacher support and collaboration
- Progress monitoring
- Disability awareness
Certification
- Illinois Professional Educator License, PEL & LBS1 (ISBE) -Active, K-12, State of Illinois
- Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Certificate – Crisis Prevention Institute
- Substitute Teaching License – Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)
- Certified Paraeducator (CP) - National Resource Center for Paraeducators.
Timeline
Student Teacher
SWCCCASE Transition Services
08.2025 - Current
Paraprofessional
Southwest Cook County Cooperative for Special Education
08.2017 - Current
Mental Health Professional
The Association for Individual Development
10.2015 - 05.2017
JTED Apprenticeship Program - Education
University of Chicago
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Governors State University