Calm and Structured

Hi! I'm Kristie - a dedicated special education teacher based in Texas. My career in education began in 2014 as a paraprofessional in a self-contained structured academic classroom at the junior high level, working with 7th and 8th grade students. In 2018, I transitioned into my current role as a self-contained teacher at the elementary level, supporting students from Kindergarten through 4th grade.

My classroom is best described as calm, structured, and supportive - a space where both students and staff thrive. From the moment you walk in, the environment is predictable and peaceful, with mood lighting, clean organization, adn visual supports intentionally placed to guide independence and success. Every student and adult follows a visual schedule, and consistent routines shape our day, creating a sense of safety and belonging. Fostering independence is at the heart of my teaching. I give students all the tools they need to complete tasks on their own- like structured task boxes at independent work stations. By teaching each step within our routines, students gain the confidence to work without needing constant prompting. I've seen students who once struggled to stay on task become completely engaged simply because the structured makes expectations clear and attainable. Above all, I believe that relationships come first. Students need to feel loved, valued, and safe before they can truly learn. I lead with respect, model it daily, and expect it in return. I also love figuring out what makes my students laugh and connecting through joy. My classroom truly is my home away from home, and I strive to make it feel that way for every student who walks through the door.

Over the years, I've taken on leadership roles both on my campus and within my district. I serve as the lead teacher for all self-contained units at my school, and I frequently mentor first-year teachers - especially in creating a structured classroom environment, organizing classroom systems, writing IEP's, and collecting meaningful student data. I'm known for crafting thorough, data-driven Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFPs) and writing individualized, measurable goals that truly reflect student needs. My classroom has been referred to as a "model classroom" by both administrators and district learning specialists. During Extended School Year (ESY), I've hosted teacher observations to demonstrate evidence-based practices such as Discrete Trial Training (DTT), Pivotal Response Training (PRT), and Functional Routines. I've implemented the STAR Autism Support Program with fidelity, consistency, and care, and although I'm not yet an official STAR Coach, I've been personally recommended for the role by a district trainer.

I earned my Bachelor of Music in Music Education. I hold Texas educator certifications in Core Subjects Early Childhood-Grade 6 (EC-6) and Special Education Early Childhood Early Childhood-Grade 12 (EC-12), which allow me to support diverse learned across a wide age range. In addition to my formal education, I am also certified in the following: - Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Certified: Trained in evidence-based strategies for de-escalation and crisis prevention, focusing on creating safe and respectful environments for students and staff. - Ukeru Systems Trained: Completed training in Ukeru, a trauma-informed, restraint-free crisis management approach that emphasizes the use of protective blocking techniques to ensure safety without the use of physical restraints. - STAR Autism Support Program: Currently implements the STAR (Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research) program with fidelity, utilizing structured teaching and applied behavior analysis principles to support students on the autism spectrum. - Goalbook: Utilize Goalbook to develop individualized education program (IEP) goals that are aligned with standards and tailored to each student's unique needs, ensuring data-driven and measurable objectives. - n2y Curriculum: Employ the n2y curriculum, a comprehensive suite of tools designed for students with special needs, to deliver differentiated instruction that meets the learner's abilities and goals. This blend of academic preparation and specialized training equips me to create a structured, supportive, and engaging learning environment where all students can thrive.

When I'm not in the classroom, you can usually find me outside enjoying the sunshine, spending time with my family, curled up with a good book, or practicing some much needed self-care. I'm also known for labeling everything (seriously-everything), and I get way too much satisfaction from making sure everything in my classroom is perfectly aligned and organized. 😊 If you're looking for resources that are thoughtful, calming, and designed with both structure and heart - you're in the right place. I'm so glad you're here!