Amber Meinhardt
Willard
Summary
Compassionate Special Education Teacher with 11 years of experience supporting students with disabilities in self-contained settings. Demonstrated expertise in behavior management, academic interventions, and individualized instruction aligned to diverse learning needs. Highly effective at building collaborative relationships with students, families, and colleagues to create a structured, supportive learning environment. Committed to empowering students with disabilities to achieve academic success and apply skills to real-world settings.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Republic School District, Price Elementary
07.2016 - Current
- Delivered explicit, evidence-based instruction resulting in increased student achievement and measurable progress toward IEP goals.
- Developed and implemented meaningful, compliant IEPs with appropriate accommodations and modifications aligned to student needs.
- Designed and implemented behavior support plans (BIPs) that reduced problem behaviors and increased on-task behavior.
- Successfully supported students transitioning from a self-contained functional skills program to the general education setting, with multiple students achieving sustained academic success.
- Maintained strong classroom management practices emphasizing relationship-building, positive reinforcement, clear expectations, staff consistency, visual supports, and structured routines.
- Used progress monitoring and assessment data effectively to drive instructional decisions and targeted interventions.
- Collaborated effectively with general education teachers, administrators, related service providers, and families to promote student growth and independence.
- Earned consistent NEE evaluation scores reflecting high instructional effectiveness and professional practice.
- Served as a Lighthouse Team Member and an Action Team Coordinator for Staff Action Teams.
Special Education Teacher
Monett School District, Monett Elementary School
07.2015 - 05.2016
- Served as a first-year Special Education Teacher in a self-contained classroom supporting students with disabilities from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Developed and implemented IEPs, supported students with challenging behaviors, and promoted student independence.
- Supervised and supported seven paraprofessionals to ensure consistent practices and effective behavior implementation.
Special Olympics Track Head Coach
Republic School District, Price Elementary
01.2020 - Current
- Responsible for providing athletes with comprehensive sport training and preparation for multi-level sport competitions.
- Continually assess each athlete for participation in appropriate activities within and not challenged beyond their capabilities.
- Provide proper planning for each step of training and competitions and maintain accurate records.
Education
Master of Science (M.S.) - Special Education
Missouri State University
01.2015
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Psychology
Ashford University
11-2011
Skills
- IEP and BIP implementation
- Excellent classroom management
- Differentiated instruction
- Social skills development
- Relationship building
- Trained in CPI
- Behavior modification
- Data collection
Certification
- K-12 Mild-Moderate Disabilities/Cross-Categorical
Timeline
Special Olympics Track Head Coach
Republic School District, Price Elementary
01.2020 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Republic School District, Price Elementary
07.2016 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Monett School District, Monett Elementary School
07.2015 - 05.2016
Master of Science (M.S.) - Special Education
Missouri State University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Psychology
Ashford University