Penny Cook

I was in the Pathways and Connections classroom for the multi disabled student grades 6-8. I had been at that position for four years. Before that I was an eight grade co-taught English teacher for four years, at WCMS.

Some of my responsibilities included:

• Improved student engagement by incorporating diverse teaching strategies.
• Enhanced classroom environment with tailored resources to support student learning.
• Adapted lesson plans to accommodate varied learning styles and abilities.
• Fostered inclusive classroom atmosphere to promote social and academic growth.
• Collaborated with parents and specialists to ensure comprehensive support for students.
• take my students on Community based instruction (CBI) trips
• Utilized assistive technologies to enhance learning experiences for students.
• Developed positive relationships with students, encouraging their confidence and self-esteem.
• Conducted assessments to identify specific educational needs and progress.
• Improved academic outcomes by setting achievable goals and benchmarks.
• Organized classroom activities to reinforce learning objectives and skills.
• Enhanced student participation with engaging and interactive lesson plans.
• Provided continuous feedback to students to guide their academic progress.
• Managed classroom dynamics to ensure a supportive and effective learning environment.
• Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
• Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
• Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
• Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
• Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
• Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
• Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
• Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
• teach my students daily life skills, laundry, dish washer, trash takeout, sweeping, moping, folding clothes, cleaning up after themselves, etc.
• social skill activities. We would bake and run a coffee cart for the employees to purchase from
• we helped to deliver K and C treats from WCHS to our teachers and staff that they had ordered, etc.
• Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
• Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
• Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
• Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
• Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
• Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students'' understanding of real-world applications for their skills.
• Reduced feelings of isolation among students with special needs by implementing inclusive classroom practices.
• Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.
• Guided students through transition planning processes, preparing them for post-secondary education and employment opportunities.
• Enhanced communication skills in non-verbal students through integration of alternative and augmentative communication systems.
• Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet varied needs of students, enhancing educational accessibility.
• Created culturally responsive classroom environment, acknowledging and celebrating diversity among students.
• Developed and executed behavioral intervention plans, leading to decrease in disruptive behaviors and increase in classroom participation.
• Collaborated with parents and other educators to develop comprehensive support plans, promoting student success.
• Encouraged parent and guardian involvement in educational process, enhancing home-school connection and supporting student achievement.
• Fostered positive learning environment, reducing classroom disruptions through effective behavior management strategies.
• Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
• Implemented individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs, ensuring personalized support.
• Conducted assessments to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement, informing instructional strategies.
• Integrated social skills training into curriculum, facilitating improved peer interactions and social integration.
• Improved reading comprehension among students with learning disabilities by designing and delivering targeted literacy activities.
• Utilized data from student assessments to tailor instruction, resulting in more effective learning outcomes.
• Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
• Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
• Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
• Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
• Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
• Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
• Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
• Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
• Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
• Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
• Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
• Provided emotional support to students and families.
• Applied proven strategies to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills.
• Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.