Nicole Solsvig
Stillwater,MN
Summary
Special education professional with proven track record of fostering inclusive learning environments and implementing effective instructional strategies. Strong emphasis on team collaboration and achieving positive educational outcomes, adaptable to changing classroom dynamics. Skilled in behavior management, curriculum development, and student advocacy, bringing reliability and flexibility to role.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
South Washington County School District
Woodbury, MN
08.2025 - Current
- Implemented adaptive teaching strategies to enhance learning outcomes for students with disabilities.
- Developed individualized education plans tailored to meet diverse student needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create supportive educational environments.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted instructional techniques based on assessment data.
- Fostered inclusive classroom culture through differentiated instruction and peer mentoring programs.
- Increased parent engagement through regular communication, building strong relationships and fostering a supportive learning environment at home.
- Supported social-emotional growth by incorporating SEL activities into daily routines, fostering a positive classroom climate conducive to learning.
- Improved student comprehension by implementing differentiated instruction strategies tailored to individual learning needs.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop and integrate interdisciplinary lesson plans, broadening student understanding of various subjects.
- Mentored new teachers in the Special Education department, sharing best practices and providing guidance on effective instructional methods.
- Promoted a culture of inclusion by adapting lessons for diverse learners, ensuring equal access to educational opportunities for all students.
- Empowered students with self-advocacy skills through targeted lessons on communication, problem-solving, and goal-setting techniques.
- Facilitated successful transitions for students entering high school or transitioning between grade levels by coordinating orientation programs and creating personalized transition plans.
- Reduced behavior issues by implementing proactive intervention strategies such as check-in/check-out systems and individualized behavior plans.
- Evaluated student progress using formative assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed to maximize learning outcomes.
- Contributed to IEP development and implementation, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to provide appropriate accommodations and modifications for special education students.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
Program Lead Teacher
Lionsgate Academy
N. St. Paul, MN
08.2017 - 06.2025
- Collaborated with teachers to enhance instructional strategies for special education students.
- Conducted training sessions for staff on best practices in special education compliance and support.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted interventions based on data analysis and feedback.
- Facilitated communication between families, educators, and service providers to ensure comprehensive support.
- Led multi-disciplinary teams to address complex cases and improve educational outcomes for students.
- Managed a caseload of special education students, ensuring timely completion of required documentation and IEP meetings.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings focused on identifying unique strengths and challenges faced by each child while developing effective solutions.
- Evaluated special education staff through classroom observation, feedback and recommendations.
- Supported general education teachers and administrators in implementing strategies to meet needs of students with IEPs.
- Organized professional development workshops focused on special education topics, increasing staff knowledge and expertise in the field.
Special Education Teacher
District 192
Farmington, MN
01.2010 - 01.2011
- I was hired as a substitute teacher, and took over for two women whom were on maternity leave. Here, I managed a DD classroom for 4 months of the school year. I was recommended by district 917, after I left them to stay at home with my children. I finished my time in that classroom during winter break, and was asked to come back to manage another classroom working with students who are severe to profound.
Special Education Teacher
District 917
Hastings, MN
01.2005 - 01.2010
- I taught and managed a classroom of children diagnosed in the severe to profound range of disability. In this classroom, I organized multiple schedules with mainstream teachers, along with social workers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech and language therapists. Together we developed an individual education plan/road for each student.
Education
Master of Science - ABS
University of St. Thomas
Saint Paul, MN05-2024
Bachelor of Science -
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MN05.2004
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans
- Small group instruction
- Relationship building
- Co-teaching experience
- Lesson planning
- Data management
- Team collaboration
- Inclusion strategies
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Behavior intervention plans
- Social skills development
- Trained in CPI
- Verbal and nonverbal communication
- Behavior modifications
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
South Washington County School District
08.2025 - Current
Program Lead Teacher
Lionsgate Academy
08.2017 - 06.2025
Special Education Teacher
District 192
01.2010 - 01.2011
Special Education Teacher
District 917
01.2005 - 01.2010
Master of Science - ABS
University of St. Thomas
Bachelor of Science -
St. Cloud State University