Nina M.

Kurfman
927 Village Park Way Savoy, IL 61874 (309) 531-3669 nina.m.j11@gmail.com

Objective

To support struggling learners and their families by creating a positive learning environment in my classroom that emphasizes opportunities for differentiated instruction for diverse learners and promotes independence. To encourage students to develop awareness of their strengths and weakness, becoming advocates for themselves in all settings. Master of Education: Special Education, Learning and Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1) University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Bachelor of Science: Speech and Hearing Science, Speech Pathology University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Expected May 2014 May 2011 Expected May 2014 Expected December 2014

Education

Certification

Illinois Special Teaching Certification (K-21), Type 10 Initial Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Work Experience

Paraeducator, Cunningham Childrens Home - CIRCLE Academy, Urbana, IL December 2011- May 2012 Assisted teacher in all classroom management aspects- lesson planning, behavior management, and instruction Oversaw classroom responsibility when teacher was absent Collected data of students behavioral goals and managed students behavioral sheets sent to home school districts Milieu Counselor, Cunningham Childrens Home, Urbana, IL May - December 2011 Maintained a safe, positive, therapeutic environment for clients Responsible for the physical and emotional well being of clients through the supervision of growth and development and provided mental health services specified in treatment plans Trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), First Aid, and CPR

Field Work

Practicum Student, Washington Elementary, Monticello, IL August - December 2013 Reading resource classroom, fourth-fifth grades Conducted a functional behavior assessment and implemented a behavior intervention plan to replace problem behavior Conducted progress monitoring using AIMSweb Implemented various reading programs within a Response to Intervention (RTI) framework Co-taught a literacy unit to fourth and fifth graders Practicum Student, Thomas Paine Elementary, Urbana, IL January - May 2013 Cross-categorical resource classroom, kindergarten-first grades Created a longitudinal curriculum program for a student with severe disabilities, analyzing domestic, leisurerecreational, and community domains Delivered literacy and math instruction to students using direct instruction programs Evaluated the quality of research-based supplemental and intervention reading and math programs Practicum Student, Jefferson Middle School, Champaign, IL September - December 2012 Reading and English Language Arts resource classroom, sixth grade Aligned math and reading lessons with Common Core Standards Surveyed and collected observational data on the schools climate and developed a report recognizing the strengths and ranking possible improvements Collaborated with general education teacher to provide appropriate accommodations and modifications to students with high-incidence disabilities

Internships

Intern, Community Choices, Urbana, IL Present Partnership with individuals with disabilities in Champaign County to further their independence Developed and co-taught lessons regarding social skills and community connections to a small group of young adults with disabilities Intern, The Autism Program (TAP), University of Illinois January May 2013 Service network for information on autism spectrum disorders for families and professionals Informed novice audiences about autism spectrum disorder, treatment options, and evidence-based practices Created customized picture schedules, social stories, and other resources for families and professionals using Boardmaker software program Intern, Center of Educations in Small Urban Communities, University of Illinois August December 2012 Liaison for school university partnership Assisted in organization of the 2012 Youth Literature Festival, collaborating with administrators in planning author visits to local schools Aided in professional development and outreach activities serving area schools Soybean Production Intern, Pioneer Hi Bred International, Woodhull, IL May 2008 - August 2008 Obtained a competitive internship as a freshman, assisting the plants agronomist in the production of soybeans Performed field scouting and Integrated Pest Management duties including: supply research studies, economic injury thresholds evaluation, weed and disease identification, and crop progress reporting

Grant Experiences & Research

Masters / BCBA / Student Research, College of Education, University of Illinois Present Conducted literature review and research design planning for a study on the function of challenging behavior in students with severe disabilities (research to be conducted in spring 2014) Evaluated the quality and identified limitations of published research, proposing a need for further research in an area of education Analyzed printed studies into a literature review and developed a methodology for an original project centered around evidence based practices Service Learning Project, Rantoul High School, Rantoul, IL March - May 2013 Co-taught lessons on character development to a class of diverse learners, prompting inclusion and selfdetermination skills Chicago Public Schools Externship, Chicago Public School, Chicago, IL January 2013 Assisted classroom teacher and worked one-on-one with students with severe and profound disabilities in the Chicago Public schools Reflected on the use of best practice for students with severe and profound disabilities Research Assistant, College of Applied Health Science, University of Illinois January 2010 - May 2011 Performed transcription, consensus, and data coding of project material focused on conversational narrative, especially concentrated on individuals with aphasia and their communication partners Oversaw schedules and tasks of three student researchers to ensure progress and efficiency of projects, and assisted when questions arose

Activities & Leadership

ConvoPartner Program, Intensive English Institute, University of Illinois September 2009 December 2011 Mentored four international students in the practice of everyday English conversation and learning of American culture Met with students of the Intensive English Institute for one hour every week for English conversation and social activities Attended social events with students Co- Reception Chair, National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, UIUC Arranged graduation reception for Speech and Hearing Science graduates Participated in fundraising and volunteering activities Member since January 2009 August 2010 - May 2011

Volunteer, Champaign County Nursing Home, Champaign, IL January 2010 - May 2011 Communicated as a conversational partner to the residents of the nursing home Observed the Speech Language Pathologist during daily therapy sessions and evaluations with residents Participated in therapy activities with SLP and residents Alumnae Relations Board, Alpha Phi Sorority University of Illinois Chapter Planned and organized events for alumnae on campus Reviewed printing of quarterly newsletter for alumnae Aided in the fundraising efforts of the Chapter Initiated into Alpha Phi in September 2007 August 2008 - May 2009

Co Representative of Department of Crop Sciences, ExplorACES, UIUC August 2008 - May 2009 Planned and organized open house with other department student representatives to inform incoming students about the College of ACES Collaborated with faculty to create exhibits for the Department of Crop Sciences to attract prospective students to the Department Crop Science Student Ambassadors, University of Illinois August 2008 - May 2009 Aided in the recruitment of prospective students through callings and campus visits Served as a mentor to new students coming into the Department of Crop Sciences Guided visiting high school and community college students around campus and Department, answering questions and concerns that would arise

References
Mrs. Susan Talbott University Supervisor 379 Education Building 1301 S. 6th St. Champaign, IL 61820 (217)-778-0935 suetalbott@illinois.edu Dr. Lisa Monda-Amaya Associate Professor, Special Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 284B Education Building 1320 S. 6th St. Champaign, IL 61820 (217)-333-0260 lmonda@illinois.edu Mrs. Helen Edwards Special Education Teacher Thomas Paine Elementary 1801 James Cherry Dr. Urbana, IL 61801 (217)-369-1081 hedwards@usd116.org