Karen Dryden Walker
Buena Vista
Summary
Professional educator with proven track record of fostering academic success and inspiring love for learning. Adept at developing personalized lesson plans, utilizing effective teaching methods, and leveraging strong communication skills to engage students. Known for collaboration, adaptability, and consistently achieving measurable results in diverse educational settings.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Tutor/Substitute Teacher
Buena Vista City Public Schools
08.2023 - Current
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Conducted regular assessments to monitor student progress and adapt strategies accordingly.
- Collaborated with teachers to align tutoring sessions with classroom curriculum and objectives.
- Provided substitute teaching services across multiple grade levels and subjects, maintaining educational continuity in absence of regular teachers.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
Paraprofessional
Buena Vista City Public Schools
02.2020 - 05.2023
- Supported students with diverse learning needs in classroom settings.
- Assisted teachers in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs).
- Advocated for student needs, ensuring access to necessary educational services and accommodations.
- Partnered with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other related service providers to ensure comprehensive support for each individual student's growth and progress.
Early Interventionist
Babies Can't Wait
03.2017 - 12.2017
- Developed individualized intervention strategies to support children with developmental delays.
- Collaborated with families to implement effective home-based activities for skill enhancement.
Children's Assessment Specialist
Easterseals West Georgia
10.2013 - 04.2017
- Conducted intakes for new participants to determine appropriate placement within the programs offered for children with special needs.
- Performed assessments to determine developmental levels and used the results to write individualized plans for instruction, including goals for social, academic, self care, and motor skills.
- Coordinated with therapists, families and direct care staff to ensure that the goals were being implemented.
- Served on the administrative team to plan, coordinate, and maintain all organizational functions.
- Worked as the community liaison and representative for events and resources involving developmental disabilities.
Special Education Teacher
Harris County School System
08.2006 - 05.2013
- Developed individualized education plans to meet diverse student needs.
- Implemented behavioral interventions to enhance classroom engagement and learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support student progress and development.
- Designed adaptive learning materials utilizing assistive technology resources.
- Served as lead teacher, designing class schedules and budgets for the department and supervising IEP development for all students with IEPs.
Special Education Teacher
Muscogee County School District
08.2003 - 05.2006
- 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.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
Special Education Teacher
Meriwether County School System
08.2001 - 05.2003
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Georgia Southwestern State University
Americus, GA05-1997
Timeline
Tutor/Substitute Teacher
Buena Vista City Public Schools
08.2023 - Current
Paraprofessional
Buena Vista City Public Schools
02.2020 - 05.2023
Early Interventionist
Babies Can't Wait
03.2017 - 12.2017
Children's Assessment Specialist
Easterseals West Georgia
10.2013 - 04.2017
Special Education Teacher
Harris County School System
08.2006 - 05.2013
Special Education Teacher
Muscogee County School District
08.2003 - 05.2006
Special Education Teacher
Meriwether County School System
08.2001 - 05.2003
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Georgia Southwestern State University