Erin Harris
Special Educator
Medway
Summary
Experienced special education teacher with a 12-year proven track record of guiding and supporting students aged 18-22 in achieving their post-secondary and vocational aspirations. Passionate about creating inclusive learning environments that foster growth, independence, and self-advocacy. Skilled in developing individualized education plans and implementing effective teaching strategies to address diverse learning needs. Committed to empowering students to overcome challenges, build confidence, and maximize their potential for success in real-world settings.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Natick Public Schools
09.2018 - Current
- Developed and maintained evolving schedule of opportunities to fit up to 12 student needs
- Organized, executed and maintained schedules involving employers, community sites, transportation, job coaches, paraprofessionals and students
- Provided opportunities for Interagency collaboration for post-secondary transition planning
- Maintained relationships within the community (employers, community sites, recreation/leisure opportunities)
- Coordinated with First Congregational Church regarding building and facility needs in regards to our rental agreement
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- 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.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Organized community-based experiences that enriched students' understanding of real-world applications for their skills.
- Guided students through transition planning processes, preparing them for post-secondary education and employment opportunities.
- Encouraged parent and guardian involvement in educational process, enhancing home-school connection and supporting student achievement.
- Enhanced students' understanding of complex topics by incorporating interactive technologies and hands-on learning experiences.
- Organized and led professional development sessions for colleagues on transition based services and supports
- Organized and led professional development sessions for colleagues on student led IEPs
- Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.
- Fostered positive learning environment, reducing classroom disruptions through effective behavior management strategies.
- Co-developed and executed our in house "Achievable Printing" student led business
- Worked with job coach to develop an invoicing system for receiving payment for printing jobs
- Coordinated with Boston Business Technology and job coach for printer training, repair and maintenance
Assistant Coach, Unified Track and Field
Natick Public Schools
03.2019 - Current
- Collaborate with head coach to develop and maintain team schedule and practices to enhance preparedness.
- Provide students with and without disabilities an opportunity to participate in a team sport
- Encourage all students to support each other in competition while allowing them to see their success on and off the athletic field
- Promote inclusion within the building and district by educating students and faculty about the unified program and its inclusive practices
- Communicate with Special Olympics of Massachusetts regarding implementation and progress of the Unified Champion School Programming
- Attend annual Special Olympics Unified Conference
Special Education Teacher
Town of North Attleboro, Public Schools
01.2014 - 09.2018
- Provide transition planning services to students who have completed their high school opportunities and are able to stay in the district to receive special education services until age 22
- Develop and instruct lessons based on students' IEP goals and adapted the lesson for learners with diverse needs and diverse goals
- Communicate with families on a regular basis to report progress, develop appropriate post-secondary supports, create person centered plans, develop student visions, address parent concerns
- Identify connections within the community that support student centered goals to provide any of the following: vocational development, post-secondary education, independent living, community engagement
- Empower students by teaching self-advocacy skills, ADA laws, human rights and responsibilities, and promoting self-determination
- Support student involvement in post-secondary programming at both Attleboro Enterprises at Fisher College and Bridgewater State University transition programs: Transitions at Bridgewater(T@B) and Self Advocacy Leadership Series (SALS)
- Plan Transitions at Bridgewater yearly curriculum with a team of special educators under the direction of Mary Price
- Provide evaluations and support for students in vocational settings
- Design and implement behavior intervention plans
- Create IEPs and progress reports using X2(Aspen)
- Conduct and report on 3 year re-evaluations for a students using appropriate testing protocol for a variety of different student needs
- Responsible for transportation logistics for students to access community based transition skills
- Transport students to work, volunteer, or post-secondary opportunities and to/from home
- Connect with interagency supports to plan and develop transition from school to adult service providers
- Support and encourage student participation in developing transition goals
- Support students in travel training and navigating the community safely
- Record and monitor data to ensure instruction is effective and students are progressing
- Manage a team of 4-5 support staff working with different students who have a variety of needs
- Chair Annual IEP Team meetings and 3-Year re-evaluations for special education services
Education
Special Education
Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater, MA 05.2015 - 12.2017
Bachelor of Science - Special Education, Severe Disabilities, History
Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater, MA 09.2009 - 12.2013
Skills
- Problem Solving
- Collaborative Leadership
- Communication
- Interagency Collaboration
- Person Centered Planning
- Professionalism
Technology Skills
Certification
Profesional Licensure, Severe Disabilities
Degree
M.Ed.
Title
Transition Specialist
Timeline
Assistant Coach, Unified Track and Field
Natick Public Schools
03.2019 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Natick Public Schools
09.2018 - Current
Special Education
Bridgewater State University
05.2015 - 12.2017
Special Education Teacher
Town of North Attleboro, Public Schools
01.2014 - 09.2018
Bachelor of Science - Special Education, Severe Disabilities, History
Bridgewater State University
09.2009 - 12.2013
Profesional Licensure, Severe Disabilities
Transition Specialist Endorsement
SEI Endorsement
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