Alena L.

Meet Alena

• Early Childhood Special Education Certification
• Special Education Certification
• Speaks English
• Comfortable with pets
• Has a car

I am a special education teacher in Chicago Public Schools. Helping others and learning and growing with them is a passion of mine. I am looking for work after school hours (3:30pm-10:00pm), weekends, and during the summer months of July and August to provide care and friendship to kids/young adults both with or without disabilities. Growing up, I have always been drawn to helping others and finding joy in the happiness of those around me. My mother was the legal guardian of my great aunt, whom we called Bubbles, since I was born. I grew up caring for Bubbles and wishing that others would see her from my own eyes – seeing all of her accomplishments, her hilarious sense of humor, and loving heart. She was the main inspiration that pushed me towards special education, because I knew that I could see every individual through those same eyes that I Read more saw my great aunt. Therefore, I could encourage students to see the potential they have within them, that they may have never seen themselves. Teaching Experience Laughlin Falconer Elementary School, Chicago, IL (02/05/18-Present) Fifth Grade Special Education Teacher Grover Cleveland Elementary School, Chicago, IL (08/17-12/17) Student Teaching Experience (5 days per week clinical experience): Instructional Setting – Primary Autism, Diverse Student Population: Urban, 80% Low Income Francisco Madero Middle School, Chicago, IL (01/17-05/17) Field Base Experience (4 days per week clinical experience): Self-Contained Instructional Setting - Learning Disabilities, Co-Taught Mathematics, Diverse Student Population: Urban, 98% Low Income Normal Community High School, Normal, IL (8/16-12/16) Practicum Experience (2 days per week clinical experience): Half-day Daily Living Skills, Half-day Co-Taught Chemistry, Diverse Student Population: Urban, 26% Low Income Relevant Experience Direct Support Professional (01/16-12/16) MarcFirst, Normal, IL Personal Respite Care (05/15-Current) Bourbonnais, IL Children’s Home + Aid, Parent’s Care and Share (09/14-05/15) Bloomington, IL • Provided a comfortable and safe place for children to talk about problems • Promoted parent discussions through games and activities

Trust & safety

Experience

References

• Former Employer Join to contact reference
• Family Join to contact reference