Open to opportunities

Ekin Mitchell

@ekinmitchell

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Special education teacher specializing in autism, IEP-driven instruction, and supportive classroom behavior.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a supportive school community where I can deliver IEP-driven instruction for students with autism and special needs, use strong behavior supports, and collaborate to improve literacy, independence, and measurable learning growth.

I’m a dedicated child advocate and Special Education Teacher with a strong focus on the individual needs of identified Special Education students. I’m kindhearted and empathetic, and I stay flexible in designing inspiring, hands-on lessons using wide-ranging manipulatives and IEPs to support an adaptable learning environment.

For years, I’ve led Autism Specific Special Day Class instruction (4th–6th and 2nd–3rd grades), and I’ve also taught students with Autism Spectrum Disorders with Behavior Intensive Program needs (ages 17–22). I bring firm, consistent behavioral management techniques and excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build strong rapport across the school community.

I also support broader learning goals through roles including Independent Living Skills instruction (9–12th grades) and English/ELA teaching and preparation (including CAHSEE Prep). With credentials spanning special education and general education (English, Reading/Language Arts, Social Studies, and Multiple Subjects), plus training in assessment and literacy programs, I’m committed to helping students grow with targeted, standards-aligned support.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Autism Special Day Teacher

Current

Twin Rivers Unified School District

Jan 2015 - Present (11 years 5 months)

Taught autism-specific special day classes for grades 4–6, delivering individualized instruction using IEPs, hands-on manipulatives, and structured supports. Applied firm behavior management techniques while building strong rapport with students and the school community.

Behavior Management Classroom Rapport Building

Autism Special Day Teacher

Elk Grove Unified School District

Jan 2014 - Jan 2015 (1 year)

Served as an autism-specific special day class teacher for grades 2–3, focusing on individualized educational needs. Designed adaptable, hands-on lessons and applied behavior management strategies to support student learning.

Behavior Management Instructional Materials (Manipulatives)Communication

Behavior Intensive Program Teacher

Placer County Office of Education

Jan 2013 - Jan 2014 (1 year)

Taught students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in an intensive behavior program at Secret Ravine School for ages 17–22. Implemented targeted behavior supports and instructional programming to address individual learning and behavioral needs.

Transition Age Instruction Data Informed Support Structured Learning Environments

Independent Living & English Teacher

San Juan Unified School District

Jan 2012 - Jan 2013 (1 year)

Provided independent living skills instruction for grades 9–12, including CAHSEE prep and English teaching responsibilities. Developed and delivered classroom instruction tailored to student needs within secondary special education and test-prep contexts.

Independent Living Skills CAHSEE Preparation Lesson planning Classroom Management Curriculum Aligned Teaching

Special Education Substitute Teacher

Placer County Office of Education

Jan 2010 - Jan 2012 (2 years)

Served as a K–12 special education substitute teacher, covering assignments across varied classroom settings. Supported students using classroom routines and instruction aligned to special education needs.

Special Education Support Classroom Management Lesson Continuity K 12 Instruction

Special Education Substitute Teacher

San Juan Unified School District

Jan 2010 - Jan 2012 (2 years)

Worked as a K–12 special education substitute teacher, supporting instruction across varied grade levels and student needs. Helped maintain classroom continuity by implementing planned supports and instructional routines.

Special Education Support Classroom Management Lesson Continuity Instructional Support

Teacher of English (ESL)

Samsun M. Kemal School

Jan 1998 - Jan 2002 (4 years)

Taught English and ESL to students in grades 4–12. Planned and delivered language instruction to support developing English proficiency.

ESL Instruction English language teaching Lesson planning Language Support Classroom Management Language Instruction

Law Translator (Notary)

3rd Notary, Republic of Turkey

Jan 1996 - Jan 2002 (6 years)

Provided English–Turkish and Turkish–English translation services in legal/notary contexts. Supported accurate interpretation of written materials to enable communication between parties.

Legal Translation Notary Document Support Bilingual Communication Translation Proofreading Terminology Accuracy Language Interpretation