I am currently employed as a Special Education Teacher for Chesapeake Public Schools in the L.E.A.D. Program for students with Autism. I provide instruction during Resource classes, and support my students in their general education classes by providing specialized services and accommodations and building working relationships with their teachers to modify curriculum requirements.Serving as the 504 Chairperson for my building has also been a rewarding experience for the past few years. I am able to connect with additional students, their families, and a wider range of staff members. This position has allowed me to utilize my leadership skills as I collaborate with various groups in the school and support understanding of students with different needs in the general education setting.Within the past five years, I have managed projects that include creating the school coffee shop and delivery cart. Through collaboration with community stakeholders and school staff, our team was able to provide additional transition services to our students in the special education program. During this process I worked with administrators to identify school needs, secure funding, schedule training for students and staff, and develop plans for a curriculum that is now included in an adaptive Education for Employment course.I previously worked as the Lead Teacher for Transition at King's Fork High School for three years during my seven years with Suffolk Public Schools. I was also the JV cheerleading coach. I have tutored students after school for SOLs in a program called SOL blitz, and as a home bound instructor. I have taught elementary age students over the summer in an Autism Extended School Year (ESY) program for Suffolk Public Schools, and have provided instruction at the middle and high school levels.Specialties: Endorsement in Special Education K-12, General Curriculum; Educational Leadership and Supervision; Master's Degree in Educational LeadershipI have been a mentor for new teachers, and participated on the school's data team to evaluate how we can best implement school improvement strategies. I completed the instructional coaches academy with Learning Forward. As the Lead Transition Teacher, I provided professional development to teachers and service providers at the district, building, and department levels. I also planned and facilitated presentations for parents with information on post-secondary transition options. This included collaboration with community stakeholders and outside agencies.