Profile of  criswellt

Special Education Teaching Experiences

I have taught for 9 1/2 years and worked with children from age 5 to age 21 with a variety of special needs (mild to profound). I first taught students with moderate to severe academic and behavioral special needs at a residential facility for grades K through 8. Then I taught elementary students (K-4)with mild to profound special needs in a school setting that focused on inclusion. While I was in this teaching position, I was responsible for developing an autism program, provide some pull-out services (1-on-1 and small group instruction), and assisted general education staff and paraeducators in making inclusion a possibility for my students. Then I was a middle school (grades 6-8) special educator that worked with students with mild to moderate disabilities. I also assisted with developing new activities to promote a smoother transition from middle school to high school as well as start having students think about their postsecondary plans (what happens after high school). Then I was a level three high school special education teacher that works with students with severe and profound needs for two years. I developed and wrote curriculum that was board approved so that instruction would meet my students needs. I have taught just about anything in the past 9 1/2 years: reading, writing, science, history, prevocational skills, vocational skills, community living skills, daily living skills, and leisure/recreational skills. I have also coached Special Olympics for 2 years in the areas of bowling as well as track and field. Currently I am a stay-at-home mother so that I can be with my four children ages 11 months to 7 years old. This past summer I taught small groups of elementary-aged students with mild disabilities in the areas of reading, writing, and math. Through all of my teaching experiences, I have had great experiences and enjoyed teaching children of all ages and abilities.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor of Arts in December of 1998 from the University of Northern Iowa with a major in moderate/severe/profound K-12 as well as a minor with behavior disorders K-6. I then completed my Masters in Special Education through the University of Northern Iowa in the Summer of 2006. I am certified to teach in the following areas: K-8 Behavior Disorders, K-12 Mental Disabilities: Moderate/Severe/Profound, K-8 Multicategorical Special Class with Integration, K-8 Instructional Strategist 1: Mild/Moderate, K-12 Instructional Strategist II: Mental Disabilities, 5-12 Instructional Strategist 1: Mild/Moderate. Due to my Master's Degree, I am also certified in career/vocational programming and transition emphasis. What does this all mean? I am certified to work with any child/adult with any type of special need grade K-postsecondary.

Parenting Background

I am the parent of four children: a seven year old, a four year old, a two year old, and a 4 month old. My four year old and two year old receive services from our local area educational agency for a variety of skills. My four year old is receiving services for speech through an IEP, and my two year is receiving services for problem solving and language development. I love all four of my children and believe in looking at the child first. As a parent with children with a variety of needs, I believe that knowledge is key.

REFERENCES

• Council For Exceptional Children

  The web site of the Council For Exceptional Children. It provides excellent and detailed information for those seeking information about disabilities and special needs.

• AbleNet

  A resource for assistive technology devices for use by individuals with special needs.