Karen Sanders
Columbia
Summary
Compassionate Special Education Teacher with a proven track record in developing and implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) tailored to each student's unique needs. Skilled in fostering positive relationships with students and their families while creating effective lesson plans that support diverse learning requirements. Committed to promoting lifelong learning and addressing the academic, social, and emotional needs of students with disabilities.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Richland School District Two
Columbia
07.2025 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans for diverse student needs.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to support student progress.
- Implemented behavioral interventions to promote positive classroom environments.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student learning and development.
- Facilitated small group instruction to reinforce key concepts.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
- Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs.
- Collaborated with other educators and professionals to design instructional plans.
- Established positive relationships with students and their families.
Special Education Teacher
Richland School District Two
Columbia
01.2022 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans for diverse student needs.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to support student progress.
- Implemented behavioral interventions to promote positive classroom environments.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student learning and development.
- Facilitated small group instruction to reinforce key concepts.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
- Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs.
- Collaborated with other educators and professionals to design instructional plans.
- Established positive relationships with students and their families.
Special Education Teacher (Resource)
PACE Academy
Columbia
01.2013 - 01.2022
- Provided daily reading intervention using multisensory systematic phonics-based reading instruction.
- Designed and implemented lessons for differentiated learning on multiple tiers.
- Collaborated with general education and other staff to provide appropriate levels of service for students with IEPs.
- Collected data on students' academic, social/emotional, and behavioral needs.
- Wrote IEPs that meet Federal, State and District regulations and address each student's individual needs.
- Assessed student needs to provide and support necessary classroom accommodations.
- Acted as liaison between students, parents, teachers, and staff to facilitate IEP requirements.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Columbia College
Columbia, SCMaster's - Curriculum and Instruction w/focus on the Inclusive Classroom
IMSE Multisensory Teaching Training -
IMSE Writing Strategies Training -
Honors Awards Accomplishments
- Richland School District 2 Innovation Project, 2021
- Richland School District 2 Lead UP, 2020
- Richland School District 2 Innovation Project, 2019
- Kappa Delta Epsilon, Treasurer, Spring 2010
- Order of the Purple Seal, Spring 2010
- President's List, Fall 2009 - Spring 2011
Professional Organizations
- Kappa Delta Epsilon, Education Fraternity, Fall 2009 - present
- Palmetto State Teachers Association, Fall 2009 - present
- Council for Exceptional Children, Fall 2009 - present
- SC Autism Society, Fall 2008 - present
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Richland School District Two
07.2025 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Richland School District Two
01.2022 - Current
Special Education Teacher (Resource)
PACE Academy
01.2013 - 01.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Columbia College