NATALIA VAN CAMP
Evanston
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate special education teacher with extensive experience teaching students with diverse disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, and other health impairments. Skilled in designing and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs), delivering functional life skills instruction, and applying evidence-based strategies such as discrete trials and Positive Behavior Support (PBS) to foster academic, social, and functional growth. Proven ability to create inclusive, engaging, and structured self-contained classroom environments that promote independence, social-emotional development, and active participation. Strong collaborator with multidisciplinary teams and committed advocate for students, ensuring access to the resources and support necessary to achieve meaningful outcomes.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Winnetka School District #36
Winnetka, IL
08.2022 - Current
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Mentored new educators in effective special education practices and compliance standards.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
Special Education Teacher
Kenwood Elementary School
Champaign , Illinois
07.2019 - 07.2022
- Provided push-in and pull-out instruction for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), supporting academic growth in reading, writing, and math for students performing 1–4 grade levels below expectations.
- Developed and implemented customized lesson plans, collaborating with general education teachers to align curriculum and ensure accessibility for all learners.
- Applied differentiated instructional strategies, incorporating technology and adaptive techniques to meet diverse learning needs.
- Implemented behavior management strategies and progress monitoring to support positive student outcomes.
- Created, updated, and maintained IEPs, ensuring individualized goals were effectively addressed.
- Maintained regular communication with parents and families to provide updates on student progress and engage them in the learning process.
- Assisted in planning and facilitating grade-level activities to promote inclusion, engagement, and social development.
- Fostered an inclusive classroom environment that supported neurodiverse learners and enhanced participation and achievement.
Special Education Teacher
Edison Middle School
Champaign, IL
08.2016 - 05.2019
- Co-taught math, reading, and writing in inclusive classrooms (2016–2017) and provided targeted pull-out instruction for students performing three or more grade levels below expectations (2017–2019).
- Developed and implemented lesson plans tailored to diverse learning needs, collaborating with general education teachers to align instruction and curriculum.
- Modified general education curriculum using differentiated instructional techniques and adaptive technologies to support students with special needs.
- Applied Positive Behavior Support (PBS) strategies to redirect students and foster a positive, productive learning environment.
- Created, updated, and managed IEPs, defining individualized learning objectives and instructional strategies to support academic and functional skill development.
- Conducted ongoing progress monitoring and assessments to evaluate student growth and adjust interventions for maximum learning outcomes.
- Maintained consistent communication with parents and families to share student progress and coordinate support.
- Assisted in planning grade-level activities to promote inclusion, engagement, and social-emotional development.and areas requiring additional support.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
Special Education Teacher
Edison Middle School
CHAMPAIGN, Illinois
01.2013 - 05.2016
- Designed and implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with autism, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, and other health impairments, resulting in measurable growth in academic, social, and functional skills.
- Delivered functional life skills instruction—including money management, street safety, functional math, cooking, recreation, and social communication—boosting student independence and confidence.
- Applied evidence-based strategies such as discrete trials and Positive Behavior Support (PBS) to reduce behavioral incidents and enhance classroom engagement.
- Utilized verbal and nonverbal communication techniques to provide encouragement, reinforcement, and support, fostering positive relationships and increased student participation.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate interventions and ensure progress toward IEP goals.
- Conducted ongoing assessments and monitored student progress to inform instructional adjustments and promote continuous growth.
- Created inclusive, engaging classroom environments that encouraged active participation, peer interaction, and social-emotional development.
- Advocated for resources and support services to expand educational opportunities and access for students with special needs.
Education
Master in Education - Education Policy, Organization & Leadership
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL08.2021
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL12.2013
Associate of Arts -
Parkland College
Champaign, IL12.2008
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Inclusion strategies
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Small group instruction
- Co-teaching experience
- Behavior intervention plans
- Verbal and nonverbal communication
- Literacy intervention
- Visual supports
- Relationship building
Certification
SLANT System Certified Structured Literacy and Dyslexia Specialist.
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Winnetka School District #36
08.2022 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Kenwood Elementary School
07.2019 - 07.2022
Special Education Teacher
Edison Middle School
08.2016 - 05.2019
Special Education Teacher
Edison Middle School
01.2013 - 05.2016
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Eastern Illinois University
Associate of Arts -
Parkland College
Master in Education - Education Policy, Organization & Leadership
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Personal Information
Title: Special Education Teacher