Personal History
I'm Brian Cassels,
I am a professional educator, and a tireless learner. I was raised in the Panhandle of Oklahoma, once referred to as "No Man's Land". I attended the University of Oklahoma where I earned a bachelor degree in Education with an emphasis in Social Studies.
After a five-year stay in the Nashville area, I made my way to sunny Los Angeles in 2000. I was fortunate to find my way into this rewarding career when in 2006, I began teaching full-time. A year later, I met my amazing wife, Jane, with whom I share two boys and a pair of dogs.
I am dedicated to becoming a better instructor. I believe that it is a teacher's job to be a student, too. By that, I mean that I am focused on understanding and developing the methods and skills that will make me a better educator. I recently completed my coursework for my credential for teaching at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Education
September, 2017
University of California Los Angeles-Extension,
Los Angeles, California
Completed the Education Specialist Induction Program,
Curriculum/Instruction Track Series.
May, 1994
University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
Earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education,
Social Studies.
May, 1988
Guymon High School, Guymon, Oklahoma
High School Diploma.
Teaching & Instructional Experience
Special Education Classroom Instructor
2006 - Present
Exceptional Children’s Foundation - Kayne Eras Center
Culver City, California
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Provides specialized instruction aligned with California Content and Common Core Standards for Curriculum
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Successfully teaches modified and accommodated secondary-level curriculum to students with special needs
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Provides a safe and supportive learning environment with rigorous instruction and expectations for all learners
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Employs a positive behavior support system to address challenging behaviors and promote student growth
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Generates regular reports evaluating students’ progress to support recommendations for further student development.
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Maintains frequent contact with families, support providers, paraprofessionals and other stakeholders to promote and ensure student success.
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Incorporates learning strategies for learning disabled students encompassing self-questioning, rehearsal and review, positive behavior support, cognitive behavior modification, differentiation, organization, memory strategies and modeling.
NPA Special Education Instructor
2017 - Present
S.T.A.R. Academy - Haynes Family of Programs -
La Verne, California
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Independent contractor providing direct specialized academic instruction to clients with special needs.
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Develops strategies and learning exercises to assist students in meeting IEP goals.
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Generates progress reports documenting the area of focus, instructional strategies used, and any progress the client has made towards his/her IEP goal.
Substitute Teacher - Certified
2004 - 2006
Teachers On Reserve
Studio City, California
1997 - 1998
Holland Employment
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
1993 - 1994
Oklahoma City Public Schools
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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Classroom management, execution of lesson plans and evaluation of student progress
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Long and Short Term Assignments in a variety of school settings and student demographics
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Collaborated with Teachers and Administrators
Small Groups Instructor
1997 -1998
Sylavan Learning Center
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
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Instructed groups ranging from two to five students
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Monitored and recorded student progress
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Selected learning materials appropriate for students’ individual learning needs and objectives
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Utilized positive reinforcement to incentivize student learning
Qualifications
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Autism Spectrum Disorder added authorization (AAAS)
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Special Instruction for English Language Learners (ELA1)
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Administering & Scoring Academic Assessments, K-12 (R3MM)
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SPED Instruction - mild-to-moderate disabilities (MM)
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Small Group Planning (Homogeneous & Heterogeneous
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Formative & Summative Assessment
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Positive Behavior Support
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CPR/First Aid Certified
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CPI Crisis Management Certified for non-violent intervention
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Welligent / SEIS trained
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IEP PLoP, Goal, Transition Plan & Behavior Support Plan writing
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WASC School-wide Curriculum Committee Chair
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Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) certified instructor