Brian O’Connor
Lawrence
Summary
Dynamic Special Education Teacher with proven success at Winchester Public Schools, adept at developing individualized education plans and fostering inclusive classrooms. Skilled in differentiated instruction and relationship building, I effectively enhance student engagement and academic growth, utilizing data-driven strategies to support diverse learners and promote positive outcomes.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Winchester Public Schools
Winchester, MA
08.2023 - Current
- Created personalized education plans based on student needs and learning preferences.
- Supported positive classroom environments by implementing effective behavior management strategies.
- Worked with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate student progress and modify teaching methods.
- Performed assessments to identify learning obstacles and monitor student advancement.
- Designed and delivered engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards for special education.
- Evaluated program effectiveness, recommending improvements based on student outcomes and feedback.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- 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.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
Autism Program ESP
Winchester Public Schools
Winchester, MA
11.2021 - 07.2023
- Assisted in lesson planning and resource preparation for classroom activities.
- Facilitated small group discussions to enhance student engagement and understanding.
- Provided individualized support to students, addressing diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with teachers to implement effective instructional strategies and assessments.
- Monitored student progress, offering feedback to promote academic growth.
- Participated in professional development sessions to refine teaching techniques and methodologies.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, creating a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic success.
- Helped with grading assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to students based on results.
- Provided additional support for students with special needs, ensuring they received appropriate accommodations and resources.
- Partnered with teacher to plan and implement lessons following school's curriculum, goals, and objectives.
- Facilitated activities in small groups to reinforce concepts taught by class teacher.
- Assisted the lead teacher in developing comprehensive lesson plans tailored to individual student needs and abilities.
Building Substitute Teacher
Andover Public Schools
Andover, MA
01.2020 - 03.2020
- Implemented lesson plans to facilitate student learning in diverse classroom environments.
- Adapted instructional materials to meet varying student needs and learning styles.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, promoting a positive learning atmosphere.
- Collaborated with teachers to ensure continuity of education during absences.
- Assisted students with assignments, reinforcing comprehension and retention of material.
- Engaged students through interactive activities that enhanced participation and interest.
4th Grade Classroom Student Teacher
Andover Public Schools
Andover, MA
08.2019 - 12.2019
- Prepared lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Implemented engaging classroom activities, fostering a positive and interactive learning environment.
- Assisted in assessing student progress through formative evaluations and feedback mechanisms.
- Collaborated with mentor teachers to refine instructional strategies and improve student engagement.
- Facilitated parent-teacher conferences, effectively communicating student progress and development.
- Developed differentiated instruction methods to accommodate diverse learning styles within the classroom.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
Merrimack College
North Andover, MA12-2019
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Merrimack College
North Andover, MA05-2017
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans ieps
- Small group instruction
- Relationship building
- Co-teaching experience
- Collaborative teamwork
- Data management
- Inclusion strategies
- Team collaboration
- Group and individual instruction
- Motivating students
- Parent communication
- Instructional strategies
- De-escalation techniques
- Social skills development
- Verbal and nonverbal communication
- Literacy intervention
- Visual supports
- Behavior modifications
- Assistive technology
- Emotional support
- Positive role model
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Winchester Public Schools
08.2023 - Current
Autism Program ESP
Winchester Public Schools
11.2021 - 07.2023
Building Substitute Teacher
Andover Public Schools
01.2020 - 03.2020
4th Grade Classroom Student Teacher
Andover Public Schools
08.2019 - 12.2019
Master of Arts - Special Education
Merrimack College
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Merrimack College