Sara Duerksen
Special Education Teacher
Enterprise,United States
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate college student pursuing a degree in Special Education, with a strong passion for creating inclusive and supportive learning environments for students with diverse needs. Equipped with foundational knowledge in special education methodologies and differentiated instruction, along with practical experience gained through field placements in inclusive classrooms. Proven ability to design and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) to support students' academic, social, and emotional development. Skilled in fostering positive behavior management strategies and utilizing assistive technologies to enhance learning experiences. Exceptional communicator with a collaborative mindset, adept at building strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. Eager to bring enthusiasm and commitment to contribute to the success and growth of students with disabilities, ensuring that every child reaches their full potential.
Overview
8
8
years of post-secondary education
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Kelly Services
Enterprise, Alabama
03.2023 - Current
- Provided instruction for students in core subject areas.
- Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
- Kept accurate and current attendance records and assignment sheets to maintain file compliance.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
Behavior Coach:Assistant to Principle 30 Hrs/week
Kelly Services
Enterprise, United States
01.2023 - 03.2023
- Responded to emergency situations to resolve immediate safety concerns or direct appropriate personnel for resolution.
- Understood and acclimated to teacher's routine to provide classroom coverage.
- Worked with students to promote learning and pro-social development.
- Observed students' performance and recorded relevant data to assess progress.
- Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies.
- Supervised afterschool program to promote student growth and maintain safety for all attendees.
- Maintained school focus on learning by enforcing rules related to academics, student discipline and class attendance.
Student Specific/Resource Aid-20 Hrs/week
Prairie Elementary, Yelm Community Schools
Yelm, WA
10.2020 - 06.2021
- Monitored and maintained detailed records of student progress.
- Implemented methods to address behavior obstacles.
- Documented student achievements, challenges, and kept detailed records.
- Administered tests and made modifications according to IEP.
- Provided supervision during lunch, physical education, recess, and other school activities.
- Assisted students during high stressful episodes to provide safe and positive intervention methods.
- Provided detailed records and observational input to supervision teacher and other vital team members to help develop IEP and BIPs.
- Observed students physical and emotional needs and addressed appropriately to situation.
Resource Room Remote Learning Assistant-6 Hrs/week
Prairie Elementary, Yelm Community Schools
Yelm, WA
10.2020 - 06.2021
- Taught lesson plans according to supervisor's plan using Zoom and Google Classroom.
- Redirected students through fun engagement strategies.
- Provided technical support to student and parents when technical difficulties presented themselves.
- Initiated phone and video contact with parents and supervisor when students needed encouragement to attend sessions.
- Communicated with team over video for day's goals and education plan before meeting students.
- Worked to maintain outstanding attendance record, consistently arriving to work ready to start immediately
Functional Learning Educational Aid-10Hrs/week
Prairie Elementary, Yelm Community Schools
Yelm, WA
09.2020 - 06.2021
- Create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students with disabilities.
- Provide one-on-one or small group assistance to reinforce lessons and support students' academic and behavioral goals.
- Modify instructional materials and activities to accommodate individual learning needs.
- Implement positive behavior intervention strategies and assist with behavior management plans.
- Offer guidance and support in using assistive technologies and adaptive tools.
- Document student progress and behavior data for IEP planning and decision-making.
- Collaborate with teachers and support staff for effective student support.
- Organize and maintain the classroom environment for optimal learning experiences.
- Assist with personal care tasks, ensuring students' health and safety.
- Facilitate social skills development and peer interactions.
- Receive training in crisis intervention techniques for student safety.
- Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Recognize and reinforce student achievements and efforts to motivate learning.
Special Education Paraeducator - 30Hrs/week
Lackamas Elementary, Yelm Community Schools
Yelm, WA
11.2019 - 06.2020
- Provide tutoring to students in all subject areas.
- Accompanied students and providing supervision during daily school routines.
- Assisted supervising teacher with curriculum and lesson plan management.
- Redirected students when behavioral issues occurred with positive reinforcement strategies.
- Provided input and personal records to help supervisor develop Individual Learning Plans
Substitute Teacher, K-6 - 6 to 30Hrs/week
Indian River Central School District
Philadelphia , NY
03.2017 - 06.2019
- Performed instructional and classroom management for absent teachers for one day or for extended periods as presence was needed.
- Filled in roles of ESL, Special Education, Teacher's Aid, Secretarial Services, General Teaching and other more focused teaching positions.
- Fulfilled any role Principle or Office state requested at moment's notice.
- Insured safety of students, following all classroom and building safety protocols.
- Assumed all responsibilities of a classroom, implementing lesson plans, behavioral plans, and individual or small group lessons left by absent teacher.
School Counselor Intern - 200 Hrs Total
Southworth Elementary, Yelm Community Schools
Yelm, WA
10.2018 - 01.2019
- Reported to School Counselor each day to collaborate about daily schedule and lesson materials being planned for day.
- Performed small group social and emotional learning lessons with School Counselor's lead.
- Provided supervision and positive redirection when needed while supervisor taught social emotional lesson to combined classrooms.
- Imputed data using Excel and performed other clerical duties, such as printing, coping, and putting together mail to be sent home with students.
Education
Master of Education in Special Education - Special Education
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ 04.2023 - Current
Master of Arts - Applied Psychology, Developmental Psychology
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA 05.2018 - 05.2020
Bachelor of Science - Counseling Psychology, Military Resiliency
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA 05.2013 - 06.2016
Associate of Arts - Health Administration
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ 01.2009 - 04.2011
Skills
Reflective
Timeline
Master of Education in Special Education - Special Education
Grand Canyon University
04.2023 - Current
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Kelly Services
03.2023 - Current
Behavior Coach:Assistant to Principle 30 Hrs/week
Kelly Services
01.2023 - 03.2023
Student Specific/Resource Aid-20 Hrs/week
Prairie Elementary, Yelm Community Schools
10.2020 - 06.2021
Resource Room Remote Learning Assistant-6 Hrs/week
Prairie Elementary, Yelm Community Schools
10.2020 - 06.2021
Functional Learning Educational Aid-10Hrs/week
Prairie Elementary, Yelm Community Schools
09.2020 - 06.2021
Special Education Paraeducator - 30Hrs/week
Lackamas Elementary, Yelm Community Schools
11.2019 - 06.2020
School Counselor Intern - 200 Hrs Total
Southworth Elementary, Yelm Community Schools
10.2018 - 01.2019
Master of Arts - Applied Psychology, Developmental Psychology
Liberty University
05.2018 - 05.2020
Substitute Teacher, K-6 - 6 to 30Hrs/week
Indian River Central School District
03.2017 - 06.2019
Bachelor of Science - Counseling Psychology, Military Resiliency
Liberty University
05.2013 - 06.2016
Associate of Arts - Health Administration
University of Phoenix
01.2009 - 04.2011
References
- REFERENCES
- Mindy Watson: (360) 458-3700, mindy_watson@ycs.wednet.edu
- Tracy Schrieber: (360) 458-3700, tracy_schrieber@ycs.wednet.edu
- Shauna Perez: (360) 894-6000, shauna_perez@ycs.wednet.edu
- Tara Longfellow: (360) 402-1503, tara_longfellow@ycs.wednet.edu
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