Special Education Teacher Resume Example

• Develop and implement lesson plans for a class of pre-kindergarten to second-grade students with high and low functioning autism, emotional disturbances, speech impairment, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities.
• Employ special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory.
• Write and administer tests and evaluations adapted to the abilities of each student Achieved an average of 25% improvement on reading and math exams.
• Engage in regular dialogue with parents, administrators, and various service providers to ensure student success inside and outside the classroom.
• Managed IEP files and documents to maintain compliance with Special Education Law.
• Provide direct and indirect instructional support to students in a positive environment.
• Instruct students in academic subjects using a variety of techniques such as phonetics, multi-sensory learning, and repetition to reinforce learning and to meet students' varying needs and interests.
• Teach socially acceptable behavior, as determined by the students' individualized education programs (IEPs) by employing techniques in an overall positive behavioral support system.
• Modify the general education curriculum for students with disabilities based upon a variety of instructional techniques and technologies.
• Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining an environment conducive to learning for all students.
• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students and colleagues.
• Develop plans for effective communication, monitoring, and follow-up on students in inclusive classroom settings.
• Provide crisis intervention, as needed, for students and those in inclusive classrooms.
• Assist in collection of data for providing appropriate classroom interventions.
• Serve as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Assist in preparation of data for local, state, and federal reports.
• Maintain professional competence by participating in staff development activities, curriculum development meetings, and other professional opportunities.
• Developed IEP to leverage developmental practices and educational theories to achieve educational objectives.
• Eliminated learning gaps and effectively instructed students by using teaching aids and motivational strategies.
• Delivered specialized classroom instruction to students with developmental disorders.
• Developed interesting and interactive learning methods tailored to help students with individual needs.
• Wrote and presented documents for Individual Education Plan conferences.
• Worked with students with specialized needs to accomplish tasks and build practical skills.
• Enhanced lessons using Smart Board technology and computers.
• Implemented specialized tests to evaluate literacy performance.
• Promoted language development skills through reading and storytelling.
• Organized and prepared instructional materials, communiqués and reports to facilitate student learning.
• Transitioned students across grade levels through careful planning and preparation.
• Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
• Facilitated functional life skills development in students with autism through explicit instruction and repetition to entrench skills.
• Participated in week-long intensive leadership training and provided training to colleagues on applied behavior analysis.
• Administered minor first aid to injured students and notified school nurse to render additional aid.
• Supervised field trips to local parks, fire stations and zoos to develop social skills and community awareness.
• Established and communicated clear objectives for lessons, units and projects to students and parents.
• Collaborated with conventional education instructors across multiple departments to optimize student learning.
• Developed individual educational plans designed to promote educational, physical and social development.
• Fostered positive and trusting relationships with students to increase engagement.
• Encouraged student empathy of others to build confidence and improve self-image.

As a self contained Special Education teacher I have learned so much and continue to learn so much each and every day. I have learned to become a leader and tend to children and their needs. I believe each and every child is different and special in their own way and require an individualized, differentiated teaching strategy that works to fit their own specific needs. I have learned that sometimes you are not only a student's teacher but also their mentor and their support system. I have learned that not every child has an advocate in this world and therefore you are always your students' advocate. I have learned that what is best for the parent is not always best for the student and sometimes tough decisions need to be made in order to keep a child safe. Being a self-contained teacher gives me insight into these children's lives and what they are like on a personal level. I have learned so much while working with students with special needs such as patience, kindness and sometimes it's easier just to forgive and forget rather than dwell on the negative.