Ruth Reyna

Elementary Special Education Teacher

contact: ruth.n.reyna@gmail.com

Professional Summary: Special Education Teacher with over 14 years of experience in Education. Experience teaching in private and public schools in the United States, China,Morocco, Kenya, and South Korea. Certified to teach Special Education and ESL K-12 through the state of North Carolina.

Education

 Walden University 2011 - 2013 Master of Science in Education, Special Education

 Gardner-Webb University 2005 - 2009 Bachelor of Arts in ESL Education, Minors in Professional Education & French

Certifications

North Carolina Professional Teaching License for ESL K-12 and Adapted Curriculum K-12

Completed Kagan Certification in September, 2019.

Professional Development

Visualizing and Verbalizing October 2024-April 2025 

  • Reviewed DVDs and curriculum materials in preparation for covering a Middle School Learning Support teacher, ensuring a thorough understanding of content and instructional methods.
  • Observed an experienced teacher implementing these strategies in the classroom, gaining insights into best practices for supporting diverse learners.
  • Successfully integrated observed strategies into my own teaching, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes in the Learning Support environment.

Handwriting Without Tears (Learning without Tears) April, 2023

Handwriting Without Tears® Print Virtual Workshop

Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Training (ReMyndTM) April, 2023

ABA In Education Training Beyond Time Out - Using ABA Strategies to Support Typical
Classroom Behaviors

Experience

December 2023- Present

International School of Beijing, Substitute Teacher - Beijing, China

Pursued substitute teaching as a flexible, temporary role to stay engaged in education while managing family responsibilities after the birth of my second child.

My role as a substitute teacher:

  • Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability by providing instructional support across all grade levels, from kindergarten through 12th grade, in diverse classroom settings.
  • Quickly adjust lesson plans and activities to cater to the varying needs and learning styles of students, ensuring effective educational continuity during teacher absences.
  • Create a welcoming and engaging classroom atmosphere that encourages student participation and collaboration.
  • Employ effective classroom management techniques to maintain discipline and foster a safe and productive learning environment.

October-March 2025 Long Term Substitute cover for 7th Grade Middle School Learning Support.

As a long-term substitute teacher in the Middle School Learning Support program, I was responsible for:

  • Developing and implementing individualized lesson plans for diverse learners.
  • Utilizing multi-sensory strategies to enhance student engagement and retention.
  • Differentiating instruction through targeted support in resource and co-teaching settings.
  • Collaborating with special education and general education staff to maintain an inclusive environment.
  • Monitoring student progress and providing necessary interventions and accommodations.
  • Implementing Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) goals to track student development.
  • Fostering a supportive classroom atmosphere to build student confidence.
  • Communicating regularly with parents and guardians about student progress.

July 2022- July 2023 

Beijing International Bilingual Academy,  Learning Support Teacher- Beijing, China

Collaborate with homeroom teachers, learning support teachers, and parents to best support      students inside the classroom and at home. My role was primarily focused on Kindergarten students at BIBA. There were 6 Kindergarten classrooms with varying needs, mostly language, but some academic needs.

Create individualized academic plans for students based on their specific needs to promote learning and social development. Communicate educational plans to parents and teachers. Assist teachers with modifying their class assignments, tests, and homework to help students reach their full potential. Facilitate annual meetings to review and discuss individualized plans with parents, teachers, and administrators. 

Collaborated with the early childhood program curriculum coordinator and principal in regards to students they were concerned about. Especially students who would be joining the Kindergarten classroom the following year. 

Participated in the mentorship program at BIBA by mentoring my learning support colleague. It was a great opportunity for us to collaborate, learn, and grow together as professionals.

July 2019-June 2022 

Dalian American International School,  PreK Teacher - Dalian, China 

Prepare and implement daily lesson plans for students. Provide hands-on, multi-sensory,  and developmentally appropriate lessons. Collaborate with other Early Years Teachers including our Montessori Teacher. 

Pursued substitute teaching as a flexible, temporary role to remain engaged in education while managing family responsibilities after the birth of my first child. Subsequently served as a long-term substitute for a Kindergarten teacher from January to May 2021.

Returned to my original PreK position in August 2021.

 July 2015 - May 2019 

West Nairobi School, Elementary Special Education Teacher - Nairobi, Kenya

Provide academic instruction to students in a variety of subjects using techniques such as multi- sensory learning, repetition or phonetics.             

Create individualized education plans for students based on their specific needs to promote learning and social development. Communicate educational plans to parents, teachers, and administrators. Coordinate and communicate with local educational psychologist(s) and parents. Assist teacher with modifying their class assignments, tests, and homework to help students reach their full potential. Facilitate annual meetings to review and discuss individualized education plans with parents, teachers, and administrators. Instruct students in one or more subjects using discussions, demonstrations and other instructional tools. Provide opportunities after school for students to come and get extra help with their homework.

August 2014 - May 2015

Iredell-Statesville School System, ESL Teacher - Middle School, North Carolina, USA

  • Provided instruction guided by WIDA standards.
  • Maintained updated ‘Language Education Plans’ for students from Haiti, Mexico, Japan, Honduras, and Laos.
  • Advocated for students by communicating with classroom teachers.
  • Collaborated with ESL teachers to provide information for parents about the ESL program.

July 2012 - June 2014

George Washington Academy, Kindergarten Teacher - Casablanca, Morocco

Prepare and implement daily lesson plans for students. Provide hands-on, whole class, and small group instruction for each student to be able to grow and thrive. Assist with the transition from AERO standards to Common Core standards.

July 2011 - June 2012

Helium Academy, English Teacher - Uijeongbu, South Korea

Tutored elementary and middle school students in English through provided curriculum and online resources. Through my background with using WIDA I also used these skills in my role at the academy.

July 2009 - July 2011

International Christian School Uijeongbu, French (6-12) and Resource (K-6), South Korea

Ensure that classroom teachers follow the I.E.Ps which military students had in place prior to ICSU. Used interactive metronome program students who exhibited signs of ADHD. Taught French I, II, and III to middle school and high school students.

Extra Curricular Responsibilities

Tutoring: 2023-2024 Tutored an elementary student with diagnosed dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyslexia and sensory needs. 

BIBA: Helped with the Teacher Well Being Committee and Child Safeguarding committee 2022- 2023. Participated in the Mentorship Program 2022-2023.

WNS: After School Homework Club and Assistant Coach of Swim Team, WNS, 2017-2019

ICSU: Spring Semester of 2011 Varsity Soccer Girls Assistant Coach, Middle School Girls Soccer Coach, Elementary Soccer Coach, Middle School Student Council - Teacher Sponsor.