Denise A. Beck, M.Ed.

Educational Background and Research Proficiency

Havre de Grace MD 21078
db845528@westpost.net
443.910.3368

Formal Learning Experiences

* Doctoral Candidate at Walden University in Special Education - Third Year Pre-
Dissertation
* Master's Degree in Special Education/Physical Education from the University of
Maryland at College Park. (Severe and Profound emphasis in coursework submitte
d from the Johns Hopkins University).
* B.S. In Physical Education from Towson State University in Baltimore Maryland.

Other Formal Education and Certifications

* Advanced Professional Certificate license from both Maryland and Delaware.
* Highly Qualified per NCLB in areas of:
Special Education
Reading, Math, Social Studies, and Science
* Certification: Woodcock-Johnson test certified, 30 hours of coursework provid
ed by the Office of Professional Development Southwest Cluster.
* 2004-2005 Coursework - University of Virginia CaseNex.
Reading and Literary Instruction - Fall 2004
Literary Instruction for At-Risk Populations - Winter 2005
Group Dynamics - Spring 2005
* 2004-2005 Professional Development Baltimore County Schools.
Formal and Informal Assessments: 12 hours
Creating Effective and Correct IEP Development: Writing IEP Goals and Objectives
- 12 hours
SeeItRight, Office of Technology - 3 hours
Models of Inclusion - 3 hours
* 2006 Technology Training - Technology in the Science Classroom
* Continuing Education Units: Villanova University, Ring the Bell for Education
Reform, Villanova, PA.
* Summer 2004 : Scholarship Winner ($3,000) Strategic Management of Schools In
itiative - Hauser Center for Non-Profit Organizations - Harvard University - Joh
n F. Kennedy School of Government.
* Therapeutic Options Certification: Includes Passive Restraint and De-Escalati
on.
* Spring 2006 Instructor: University of Virginia CaseNex - Graduate Behavior Ma
nagement Courses (online).

Current Position
Special Education Teacher employed by Columbus Educational Services, a private c
ontractor supplying Special Education professionals to schools in Baltimore City
. Current position centers on inclusion education. Position includes all acade
mic formal and informal testing per city guidelines and collaboration with all
stakeholders in the student IEP requirements by organizing, leading, presenting
, and following up on the IEP process. Position requires writing of and maintai
ning IEP's for caseload and maintaining the continuity of services and communic
ation with families. Also includes processing third-party billing which documen
ts all special education services, making recommendations for continued or revis
ed services, and maintaining daily contact with caseload. In addition requireme
nts include creation and management, and revision of behavior management plans,
BIP's, and medical requirements/medication management in cooperation with medica
l personnel or nurse. Meeting all deadlines for quarterly reports as required
by federal law and collaborating with classroom teachers is a major requirement
of position. September 2007 to current.
Previous Teaching Positions

* Maryland School for the Blind - teacher of students in both the Upper and Lowe
r Division and the MHU Unit (multiply handicapped). I taught Physical Education
to blind students, some of which were highly functioning adolescents; and other
s who were severely disabled. Director of the Therapeutic Swim program and the
Director of Special Olympics.
* The Children's Guild, a Non-Public Intensity V school for severely emotionally
disturbed children ages 2-8.
* Diagnostic/Prescriptive teacher - Sylvan Learning Systems. Various times for
5 years, partime evening.
* Special Education teacher - Baltimore City Jail/Detention Center/Pre-Trial Div
ision.
* Special Education teacher - New Foundations - Intensity V Non-Public School fo
r severely emotionally disturbed male students ages 12-21.
* Special Education teacher - Villa Maria School - Intensity V and residential N
on-Public School for severely emotionally disturbed youth ages 5-16. Temporary
employee.
* Special Education Teacher. Sheppard Pratt Hospital (Forbush School). Sheppard
Pratt is America's premier hospital with respect to behavioral health.
* Baltimore County Schools - Inclusion Teacher (Middle Grades) -
* Special Education teacher Delaware Autism program, Newark, Delaware.

Prior Experience Designing and Executing Research

* While a student at the University of Maryland, thesis topic included an invest
igation of reaction time with respect to blind students. Advisor directed that
the research was of publishable quality.
* Recent completion of Doctoral coursework including Research Methods, Qualitati
ve Research and Quantitative Research.
* Author of copyrighted document for use in development of public charter of sch
ool.
Strengths revolve around a great desire to help kids who have little chance of
success, or have already come to the end of the road and may have experienced in
carceration. This includes behavior management techniques. Great compassion fo
r these kids whose lives seem so complicated that they need alternative placemen
ts/and or creative teaching methods.
Documentation concerning any part of this resume available.
Reference Spring 2007:
Mrs. Beck comes to you highly qualified and demonstrates outstanding skills in w
orking with students of various disability levels. Mrs. Beck has performed in a
very valuable and professional manner with the Baltimore City Public School Sys
tem. She has excellent rapport with children, staff, and office personnel. She
shows sincere interest in all individuals and is consistently fair and professio
nal with the public. Mrs. Beck's positive attitude is beyond reproach always mo
deling optimism about life and our program. I consider Mrs. Beck to be capable
and dedicated to the teaching profession. She is ambitious and I recommend her
without reservation.
Sincerely,
Johnetta W. Neal, Ed.D
Assistant Principal