Kelsey - Special Education Teacher

Kelsey B.

ADHD

ADD/ADHD stands for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. This is a common neurobehavioral disorder in children. There are three different types of ADHD. ADHD can be mainly inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined. ADHD-I (inattentive) means that the child possesses attention problems. ADHD-H means that the child is overly active and impulsive for their age. ADHD-C or combined, is a combination of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADD refers to attention difficulties. There are different ways to treat ADD/ADHD. For some, medication is best, for others intervention during school can help with the management of ADD/ADHD. I have personal experience in working with ADHD as I have cared for two children with ADHD-H while babysitting; I currently have a Little Sister (Big Brothers/Big Sisters) with ADHD-C; I have had a Little Sister with ADHD-I; I struggle with learning challenges and attention problems myself; I have had field experiences in high school and college working and teaching students with ADD/ADHD.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a identified as a disability under IDEA. It affects many aspects of a person’s life including social interactions, academic performance, information processing, and sensory needs. For the 2018-2019 school year I was the sole teacher in Frank Jacinto Elementary’s Autism unit (although I’ve always taught students with Autism in other classes during my teaching career). I learned so much about helping these particular students that year. All of my students had moderate to severe ASD and were non-verbal. ASD is a very unique disability as if affects people in so many different ways to varying degrees. I am certified to teach special education (K-12).

Bible Studies

I am proud to be a follower of Jesus. I have been involved in church (youth and worship leader, choir director, children's ministry teacher, Vacation Bible School leader, AWANA leader) for my entire life. Throughout my life I have learned and studied the Bible and Christianity. For my undergraduate degree I attended a private Christian university where I took 3 Bible classes (Old Testament, New Testament, & Theology).

Proofreading

One of the main things I teach to my writing students in the K-12 setting is how to proofread, edit, and revise their written work.

Reading

I’ve been teaching special education for the past 6 years, helping students reach their IEP goals in reading among other areas. I have taught self contained as well as resource room classes for reading. I have received training in the Wilson Reading System which is specific to helping students who have dyslexia.

Special Needs

I have been teaching students with special needs for the past 9 years. My undergraduate degree is in special education. Special needs of the students I have worked with include Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, specific learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, cerebral palsy, cognitive/intellectual disorders, Down Syndrome, dyslexia, and various medical needs. Working with students with special needs requires much patience, understanding, and familiarity with the child's specific needs. Each child in the realm of special education is unique. As a result, just because a strategy was effective with one student with Autism, does not at all mean it will be effective with another student with Autism.

Trumpet

I began playing the trumpet when I was 10 years old. Since then, I have continued my education and trumpet performance skills by participation in various symphonic, concert, marching, honors, & jazz bands; community, church, & pit orchestras; competitions; music camps; private lessons; completing coursework toward a music minor from Malone University. I have furthered my teaching/tutoring skills by providing small group trumpet instruction to 6th & 7th grade students at a local middle school.