Karen R. John
Petal,MS
Summary
Adaptable Educational Leader offering over 20 years of educational experience in grades Pre-K3-12. Focused on supporting students, inspiring teachers, creating strong partnerships with families, and building a positive school community.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Petal School District
2016.08 - Current
- Self-contained, multi-disability, community-based class with high school students who have IDD and severe/profound autism.
- Provide instructional support in all functional/community-based subject areas in classroom.
- Compile data to make decisions about next steps beyond IEP.
- Collaborated with special education teachers to design and execute comprehensive lesson plans tailored for students with disabilities.
- Enhanced student learning by implementing individualized education plans and adapting teaching methods to suit diverse needs.
- Assisted in development of social skills programs, fostering positive relationships among students and improving classroom dynamics.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with special needs, ensuring they received appropriate accommodations during testing and assessments.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, enabling timely modifications to instructional strategies as needed.
- Utilized variety of instructional techniques, including visual aids and hands-on activities, to engage students with different learning styles.
- Implemented behavior management strategies effectively, reducing disruptions and creating focused learning atmosphere.
- Facilitated communication between parents and school staff regarding student progress, addressing concerns promptly and thoroughly.
- Assisted in planning school-wide events focused on spreading awareness about disability issues, fostering empathy within larger community.
- Supervised and trained para-educators on various strategies for working with students who have disabilities, ensuring consistent approach throughout school.
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
- Developed strong relationships with students through active listening and empathy, promoting trust and open communication.
- Helped feeding and daily living skills to support physical and emotional well-being.
- Kept open and frequent communication with families to provide regular updates on child's academic progress and individualized needs.
Site Director (Academic Teacher II)
Ellisville State School
2014.04 - 2016.08
- Supervised professional staff to provide quality vocational services for employment training centers
- Assess persons with disabilities (ID, DD, LD, Mental Health issues) functioning skill level related to vocational, cognitive, social, and communication
- Complete all necessary end-of-the-month forms for Medicaid billing
- Develop, implement, and monitor person's activity plans, ISP, and career plans
- Provide in-service training to all program staff
- Improve documentation and record-keeping procedures
- Conduct review and feedback sessions and evaluate all assigned staff
- Promote awareness of the programs and services offered to the public.
- Enhanced operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing cost-effective solutions.
- Conducted regular site audits to identify areas for improvement and drive continuous process enhancements.
- Provided leadership and guidance to staff through ongoing training initiatives, boosting employee retention rates.
Special Education Teacher
Lumberton School District
2010.02 - 2014.01
- Self-contained Early Intervention Pre-K-2; 3-6; Inclusion Algebra, Planned and used appropriate instructional and learning strategies and activities.
- Prepared lesson plans according to subject and current educational practice.
- Began school’s first early intervention class for Pre-K3 through second-grade students.
- Developed and implemented appropriate and efficient lesson plans.
- Planned and implemented activities promoting social, physical, and intellectual growth of students ages 3-5.
- Enhanced student engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and cooperative learning strategies.
- Strengthened classroom management skills, resulting in more focused and productive learning environment.
- Promoted positive classroom culture by fostering strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to assess student progress and adjust teaching methods accordingly.
- Incorporated differentiated instruction techniques to meet diverse learning needs of all students.
- Implemented creative problem-solving strategies to address individual student challenges and improve overall performance.
- Developed effective communication strategies to keep parents informed about their child's academic progress and behavior concerns.
- Established clear expectations for behavior and academic achievement, resulting in increased motivation among students.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Assisted in creating safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Elementary Teacher
Bogalusa City Schools
2009.08 - 2010.02
- Prepared lesson plans according to subject and current educational practice
- Planned and implemented mathematical instructions and activities according to school district curriculum
- Planned and utilized appropriate instructional interventions, strategies, and activities
- Partnered with teachers and Math Intervention Specialists for collaborative teaching and coaching models
- Worked towards greater student achievement with school-wide daily intervention program
- Became part of math intervention team.
- Enhanced student motivation and participation through development of diverse, hands-on learning experiences.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular lesson plans, deepening students'' understanding of multiple subjects.
- Promoted positive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations and fostering strong communication between students, parents, and staff members.
- Increased overall student achievement by utilizing differentiated instructional methods tailored to individual learning styles.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through formative assessments, adjusting teaching strategies as needed for improved outcomes.
- Implemented creative classroom management techniques to maintain orderly and focused learning environment.
- Developed strong relationships with students and their families through consistent communication and involvement in school events.
- Contributed to improvement of school-wide curriculum by participating in professional development workshops and sharing insights with colleagues.
Special Education Teacher
St. Landry Parish School District
1999.08 - 2009.08
- EBD 6-8, Self-contained 6-8, Community base 6-8), Developed and implemented appropriate and efficient lesson plans.
- Hands-on experience handling students with emotional disabilities through knowledge of curriculum, differentiated instructional techniques, and ability to manage their behaviors.
- Planned and utilized appropriate instructional interventions, strategies activities.
- Conduct ongoing formal and informal assessments of students' learning.
- Promoted positive learning environment through use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students'' understanding of real-world applications for their skills.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Assisted in creating safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
Education
Specialist of Education - Education Administration
William Carey University
Hattiesburg, MS08.2023
Master of Special Education - Special Education/Emotional Behavior Disorder
William Cary University
Hattiesburg, MS08.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
University of Louisiana At Lafayette
Lafayette, LA05.2004
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS08.1994
Skills
- Specialist of Educational Leadership
- Served on
Mississippi Academic Assessment Program Alternate (MAAP-A) Item Writing Committee for English Language Arts(ELA, Mathematics, Science, and Life Skills
for Mississippi Department of Education - Over 20 years of experience in Special Education
- Whole Faculty/Group facilitation and presentations
- Lesson planning experience in all subjects
- Nominated for teacher of year twice; rated as highly effective
- Additional certifications in elementary education
- Solid communication skills
- Curriculum development
- Safety and security procedures
- Strength in developing relationships with students and parents
- Supportive of administration’s vision and goals
- Development of Social Skills
- Life Skills Development
Certification
- AAA Educational Leadership - Mississippi Department of Education
- AAA Special Education K-12/Emotional Behavior Disorder Endorsment, Mississippi Department of Education
- AAA Elementary Education 1-6
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Petal School District
2016.08 - Current
Site Director (Academic Teacher II)
Ellisville State School
2014.04 - 2016.08
Special Education Teacher
Lumberton School District
2010.02 - 2014.01
Elementary Teacher
Bogalusa City Schools
2009.08 - 2010.02
Special Education Teacher
St. Landry Parish School District
1999.08 - 2009.08
Specialist of Education - Education Administration
William Carey University
Master of Special Education - Special Education/Emotional Behavior Disorder
William Cary University
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
University of Louisiana At Lafayette
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
University of Southern Mississippi
- AAA Educational Leadership - Mississippi Department of Education
- AAA Special Education K-12/Emotional Behavior Disorder Endorsment, Mississippi Department of Education
- AAA Elementary Education 1-6
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