Open to opportunities

Cara Bellew

@carabellew

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Special education teacher with nearly a decade of experience building effective IEPs and supportive classrooms.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking to continue supporting students with moderate to severe needs by developing strong IEPs, using evidence-based behavior and communication tools, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—while building safe, supportive classrooms where every child can grow.

I’m a dedicated and compassionate Special Education Teacher with nearly a decade of experience supporting students with diverse learning needs. I focus on helping children reach their fullest potential through safe, supportive, and engaging learning environments.

In my current role as a Special Education Teacher (K–3 Moderate/Severe Disabilities) from 2023–Present, I manage a caseload of 9+ students and develop, implement, and monitor IEPs aligned with student goals and state standards. I use evidence-based approaches to support student growth and progress.

I also lead student success through practical behavior and communication supports, including Conscious Discipline, CPI training, Zones of Regulation, PECS, and communication boards. I foster social-emotional development, communication, and daily living skills so students can participate more confidently in the classroom.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked closely with multidisciplinary teams—including speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and adaptive PE specialists—to deliver holistic support. Before teaching, I served as a Paraeducator (2015–2022), supporting teachers with classroom management and individualized supports, and I bring that collaborative mindset to every student and family I work with.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Special Education Teacher (K-3)

Current

Wheatland Elementary School District

Jan 2023 - Present (3 years 4 months)

Manage a caseload of 9+ students with moderate to severe disabilities, developing and monitoring IEPs aligned to student goals and state standards. Use Conscious Discipline, CPI, Zones of Regulation, PECS, and communication boards to support behavior, communication, and daily living skills, collaborating with related service providers.

IEP Development Case Management Special Education Instruction Behavior Management Conscious Discipline Zones Of Regulation PECS Communication Boards

Current

Special Education Teacher

Current

Wheatland Elementary School District

Jan 2023 - Present (3 years 4 months)

Manage a caseload of 9+ students with moderate to severe disabilities by developing, implementing, and monitoring IEPs aligned to student goals. Support behavior and communication using Conscious Discipline, CPI-trained strategies, Zones of Regulation, PECS, and communication boards.

IEP Development Case Management Special Education Instruction Behavior Management CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention)Conscious Discipline Zones Of Regulation PECS Communication Boards

Special Education Teacher

Yuba County Office of Education

Jan 2022 - Jan 2023 (1 year)

Designed and delivered individualized instruction to students with special needs, applying evidence-based practices to improve academic and social outcomes. Partnered with families and specialists to support student success.

Family & Specialist Collaboration Academic Skill Development

Paraprofessional / Paraeducator

Yuba County Office of Education

Jan 2015 - Jan 2022 (7 years)

Supported teachers with classroom management and the implementation of IEPs, providing one-on-one assistance for students with various disabilities. Helped students with academics, behavior regulation, and communication to promote consistent progress.

Disability Support Data Driven Support (Implicit)

Paraeducator

Yuba County Office of Education

Jan 2015 - Jan 2022 (7 years)

Supported classroom teachers by assisting with classroom management, IEP implementation, and student instruction for learners with disabilities. Provided one-on-one academic, behavior regulation, and communication support to students as needed.

Student Accommodation Team Collaboration

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

National University

Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education

Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from National University.

Mayville State University

Coursework, Kinesiology

Studied kinesiology coursework at Mayville State University (ND).

Mayville State University

Master’s coursework, Extensive Needs Skills

Activities and societies: IEP Development & Case Management; Behavior Management & Conscious Discipline; CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention); Zones of Regulation; Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies; PECS & communication boards; multidisciplinary team collaboration.

Completed 32 units toward a master’s in extensive needs skills and related certifications.

Mayville State University

Graduate coursework (32 units toward Master's), Kinesiology / Extensive Needs Skills

Activities and societies: IEP Development & Case Management; Behavior Management & Conscious Discipline; CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) Training; Zones of Regulation; Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Strategies; PECS & Communication Boards; Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Teams

Studied Kinesiology and completed 32 units of graduate coursework toward a Master’s in Extensive Needs Skills. Completed coursework/certifications in IEP development, case management, and behavior management.