Kathleen

M. Suomi
3929 Liberty Boulevard
Westmont, IL 60559

kmsuomi.weebly.com

708-476-7760
suomikathleen@gmail.com

EDUCATION
Concordia University Chicago

River Forest, IL
Fall 2013-Summer 2015
Masters in Education in Differentiated Instruction
Illinois State University


Normal, IL
Fall 2005-Spring 2009
Bachelor of Science in Special Education
Illinois Type 10 License, Learning and Behavioral Specialist I

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Emerson Elementary School, Berwyn, Illinois 5th Grade Special Education Teacher

Fall 2009-Present
Co-taught fifth grade classroom with a general education teacher for seven years, collaboratively planning
instruction across all content areas to meet the needs of all learners
Developed Individualized Education plans utilizing online program, Service Tracker, with the writing of annual
reviews, re-evaluations, and updating of goals
Participated as a team member on Initial Case Studies, Re-evaluations, Annual Reviews and 504 Plans
providing information gathered through diagnostic, standardized, and criterion referenced assessments
Provided instruction with accommodations and modifications to students with variety of exceptionalities
including: Learning Disabilities, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, Visual Impairment, Cognitive Delay, and
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
RTI Co-Core Leader for Emerson School 2013-2014responsible for monthly district meetings and
implementation of RTI at the building level.
Increased student Fountas & Pinnell instructional reading levels through the implementation of the Readers
Workshop model including guided reading, RTI Interventions, differentiated instruction, and small
group/individual modifications to instruction
Utilized Pearson Realize Math curriculum and Common Core Standards to create self paced, differentiated
units incorporating various teaching strategies and utilizing technology whenever possible
Integrated technology daily into learning through the use of 1:1 MacBook Airs and the SMARTboard
interactive white board to promote higher order thinking skills and increased engagement.
Piloted Responsive Classroom for grade level team by incorporating daily morning meetings, utilizing positive
teacher language, and using interactive modeling to encourage positive behavior and clear expectations
Participated in District workshops, District committees, institute days, grade level planning, building
committees, and building leadership positions
District 100 Fab 40responsible for supporting and training staff and students with utilizing technology
4-5th Grade Teacher Team Leader from 2012-2015; responsible for meeting with team bi-monthly to discuss
questions and concerns, then reports to administration to provide feedback and get clarification
1:1 Site Visit Classroomhosted numerous visiting school district representatives to observe implementation
of 1:1 MacBook Airs in a co-taught fifth grade classroom
Emerson School Accelerated Learning Coach 2015-16 School year; responsible for monthly district meetings
and implementation of Accelerated Program at the building level. Provided extended learning activities and
differentiated projects for students identified in the gifted/accelerated learning program; also facilitated after
school club.
Southside Occupational Academy, Chicago, Illinois Student Teaching (2nd Placement)

Spring 2009
Instructed juniors and seniors in a functional setting emphasizing work skills in an authentic work setting.
Arranged partnerships with local businesses to create work experience for students within their community.
Kinzie Elementary School, Chicago, Illinois Student Teaching (1st Placement)


Spring 2009

Instructed 5-6th grade students in self-contained math class and provided 1:1 assistance for students in
resource setting.
Collaborated and assisted general education teacher to modify lessons and assessments for included special
education students.

ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS
District 100 Technology Fab 40
District 100 Technology Professional Development Presenter
4-5th Grade Teacher Team Leader
iEngage Ed Tech Conference Presenter: Using Technology in the (Almost) Paperless Classroom
School Improvement Plan Team
Look-2-Learn Team
Teacher Coach for iSWAT Club (Im a Student Willing to Assist with Technology); SIT Conference Volunteer
Accelerated Learning Coach/Core Leader leading at building level and district team 2015-16
Responsive Classroom (Level I Trained, Summer 2013)
Eager to participate on committees and will seek leadership opportunities

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS
Microsoft Software (Word, Powerpoint, Excel)
Apple Software on MacBooks and iPads (Pages, Numbers, Keynote, iMovie, iBooks Author, iPhoto,
PhotoBooth, Garageband)
Smart Technology (Notebook, Interactive SMART Board, Smart Exchange)
Google Applications for Education (Google Drive, Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms) & Google Classroom
Web-Based Programs (Schoology, Blendspace, Lexia, myON, Pearson Realize, Mathletics, Symphony Math, IXL,
Newsela, Spelling City, and Todays Meet)
Quicktime, Comic Life, EduCreations, Explain Everything, Evernote, Notability
Created, developed, and maintained classroom webpage through Weebly

HONORS AND AWARDS
Golden Apple Scholars Program
Selected from among 1,500 applicants as 1 of 100 Golden Apple Scholars who were awarded in 2005.
Awards $20,000 scholarship contingent upon commitment to teach in an Illinois school of need for five years
post graduation.
Participated in Golden Apple Summer Institutes that provided additional experiences, networking, and lessons
from the award-winning teachers attending over 40 professional development workshops and seminars prior
to student teaching.
District 100 Fab 40
Selected as 1 of 40 teachers across the district who excel at integration of technology in the classroom
Completed Apple Training on Challenge Based Learning
Responsible for providing professional development on the MacBook computers regarding general operation
of the device to in depth explanations of specific programs and how to integrate the technology into
instruction.
SMART D100
Chosen to be a member of the SMART D100 team where I will be responsible for administering surveys as part
of an action research project.
Focus of the committee is to gather data on the use of technology in the district, as well as information
regarding which level the technology is implemented according to the SAMR model.
Provided professional development to staff members on development of lessons on levels of the SAMR model.
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST