JoLeen Branca
Grand Rapids
Summary
Dynamic Special Education Teacher with a proven track record at Inclusive Learning Academy, enhancing student engagement through effective IEP development and inclusive teaching methods. Skilled in collaboration with therapists and adaptive learning strategies, I foster an environment that supports diverse needs and promotes academic success.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Deer River Public Schools
Deer River, MN
08.2019 - Current
- Oversaw case management for students across all disability categories.
- Delivered comprehensive education in academic subjects and essential social skills to enhance student growth.
- Led paraprofessional training
- Assisted in district-wide adoption of special education curriculum. Supported fellow special education teachers in implementing new curriculum effectively.
- Performed all ASD initial evaluation testing for the district.
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations across all disability areas.
- Wrote and implemented IEP's
- Fostered collaborative relationships with staff and caregivers to enhance teamwork and communication.
- Increased student academic achievement on district and state testing
Student Support Specialist
Duluth Edison Charter School
Duluth, MN
09.2010 - 06.2019
- Designed and implemented an integrated Social Thinking program for middle school level 3 ASD students.
- Provided social-emotional learning in whole group, small group and individual settings and co-taught with a special education teacher for all academic areas.
- Increased inclusion time for 100% of students
Paraprofessional
Duluth Public Schools
Duluth, MN
09.2005 - 06.2010
- Assisted teachers in implementing individualized education plans for diverse learners.
- Supported classroom management to create a positive learning environment.
- Facilitated small group instruction to enhance student engagement and understanding.
Education
Learning Disabilities Licensure - Special Education
Concordia Universiy, St. Paul
St. Paul, MN 12-2024
Master of Arts - Special Education, Autism
Concordia University, St. Paul
St. Paul, MN06-2022
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
College of St. Scholastica
Duluth, MN 05-2003
Skills
- Create individualized education plans
- Conduct evaluations
- Teach all core academic areas
- Teach social skills
- Create and implement behavior plans
- Teach executive functioning skills
- Gather, interpret, and use data to modify instruction
- Form strong collaboration with students, families, other special education teachers and general education teachers
Accomplishments
- Created district-wide language arts curriculum adoption plan and training
- Increased MCA scores so that 83% improved to partially meeting or meeting
Certification
- Autism Spectrum Disorders B-12
- Learning Disabilities K-12
- Elementary Education K-6
- Science 5-8
- Social Studies 5-8
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Deer River Public Schools
08.2019 - Current
Student Support Specialist
Duluth Edison Charter School
09.2010 - 06.2019
Paraprofessional
Duluth Public Schools
09.2005 - 06.2010
Learning Disabilities Licensure - Special Education
Concordia Universiy, St. Paul
Master of Arts - Special Education, Autism
Concordia University, St. Paul
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
College of St. Scholastica