Sean Jian Wakatake
Huntington Beach
Summary
A highly motivated and dedicated individual with hands on experience working with children in school settings with developmental disabilities including autism, Down’s syndrome, and cerebral palsy. Experienced in leading activities with individuals as well as in group settings.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Substitute Teacher
Orange Unified School District
01.2025 - Current
- Substitute teacher for various students and classrooms in a K-12 school district.
- The roles of substitute teacher included teaching academic lessons left by the absent teacher, utilizing classroom management, and emphasizing creativity in teaching.
- Improved classroom management skills by ensuring students are compliant with school rules and behavioral expectations.
- Developed teaching skills in teaching various academic material to students by using thorough explanation and adaptation to help improve understanding of instructional material.
- Improved time management skills by teaching and providing assignments for students to complete by a certain time frame.
Student Teacher
Irvine Unified School District
Irvine
08.2025 - 12.2025
- Student teacher on behalf of Master’s in Education + Credential program in Special Education.
- Developed skills as a teacher by teaching lessons to a group of 8-10 students with special needs various curriculum subjects of reading, math, life skills.
- Taught in two different school settings under the supervision of a host cooperating teacher to oversee my progress to becoming a teacher.
- Developed understanding of how to create IEP reports and implement recommendations that foster the development of a student’s goals.
Instructor
ReImagine of Orange County
10.2022 - 08.2024
- Classroom Instructor at an adult day program for individuals with neurological delays from acquired disabilities.
- The roles of a classroom instructor included implementing and presenting classroom activities to a group of 20-25 clients.
- Developed understanding of the cognitive delays that result from acquired neurological accidents such as strokes and traumatic brain injuries.
- Produced monthly curriculum plans with the appropriate classroom activities to meet the developmental needs of each client.
- Acquired teamwork skills by collaborating with other instructors in the division to plan events and new teaching methods.
Activity Leader
Ability First
Long Beach
10.2017 - 10.2022
- Lead a wide range of group recreational activities for people with developmental disabilities to achieve their functional capabilities.
- Participant disabilities include Autism, Down’s Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy with ages ranging between adolescence and older adulthood.
- Programmed recreational activity lessons in a group setting for a 50 minute duration ranging from sports, art, and music.
- Produced monthly reports on the developmental progress of each participant’s individual achievement and future goals.
- Applied different strategies to help each student develop new capabilities depending on their level of functioning and cognition.
- Resolved challenging behaviors from a student by applying preventative actions for recurring behaviors and providing positive reinforcement for desired outcomes.
- Lead offsite field trips for a group of at least 5 participants in community outdoor settings such as shopping malls and entertainment centers.
- Long Beach, CA
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education & Extensive Support Needs Teaching Credential
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA12-2025
Bachelor’s of Arts (BA) - Human Development
California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, CA08.2017
Skills
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Planning
- Recreational Activities
- Documentation
- Developmental Progress Tracking
Certification
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, 05/01/25, 05/01/30
Timeline
Student Teacher
Irvine Unified School District
08.2025 - 12.2025
Substitute Teacher
Orange Unified School District
01.2025 - Current
Instructor
ReImagine of Orange County
10.2022 - 08.2024
Activity Leader
Ability First
10.2017 - 10.2022
Master of Arts - Special Education & Extensive Support Needs Teaching Credential
Azusa Pacific University
Bachelor’s of Arts (BA) - Human Development
California State University, Long Beach