Linda Cousins
Tempe
Summary
Experienced educational professional with an expertise in special education, and special education program development. With proven ability in team collaboration, teaching and training new educators, and transitioning students into new educational environments, I hope to change the world one student at a time.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher/Department Chair
Mesa Public School District
2014 - Current
- Position is a self contained classroom for elementary students with eligibility in emotional/behavioral disabilities.
- Program purpose is to support student needs to transition them back into least restrictive environment.
- Actively developing individualized education plans tailored to diverse students needs (through IEP's).
- Implementing behavior management strategies to promote positive classroom environments.
- Collaborating with multiple department teams to enhance and promote student support services.
- Training and mentoring new special education teachers on best practices and resources.
- Bringing new information and ideas from the school district and sharing it with the special education team.
- Answering questions and supporting the special education team on campus.
Instructional Aide/Lead Instructional Aide
Chrysalis Academy
2003 - 2013
- Supported classroom activities by preparing instructional materials and resources.
- Assisted teachers in implementing individualized special education plans for diverse learners.
- Facilitated small group instruction to enhance student engagement and understanding.
- Collaborated with educators to assess student progress and identify learning needs.
- Trained new instructional aide's on position responsibilities and requirements.
Habilitation & Respite Provider
HOPE Group
1995 - 2003
- Provided compassionate care and support to individuals with disabilities, enhancing quality of life.
- Developed personalized activity plans to promote engagement and social interaction among clients.
- Collaborated with families to understand client needs and preferences.
- Monitored client progress and reported changes in behavior or condition to facilitate timely interventions.
Team Member/Supervisor
Harkins Theather
1992 - 1994
- Greeted guests and sold tickets from within the box office.
- Prepared/Served food for the concession stand, operated the Point-Of-Sale system.
- Cleaned and maintained the movie theater (bathrooms, theaters, concession stands)
- Trained, hired, and supervised staff, ensuring key responsibilities were completed.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
Northcentral University
01-2018
Post-Baccalaureate - Special Education
Rio Salado Community College
Tempe, AZ01-2013
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ01-2001
High School Diploma -
Tempe High School
Tempe, AZ01-1994
Skills
- Classroom Management
- Lesson Planning
- Teaching and Training
- Writing and Implementing IEP's (Individual Educational Plans)
- Communication
- Team Collaboration
- Differentiated Instruction
- Child Development
Timeline
Special Education Teacher/Department Chair
Mesa Public School District
2014 - Current
Instructional Aide/Lead Instructional Aide
Chrysalis Academy
2003 - 2013
Habilitation & Respite Provider
HOPE Group
1995 - 2003
Team Member/Supervisor
Harkins Theather
1992 - 1994
Master of Arts - Special Education
Northcentral University
Post-Baccalaureate - Special Education
Rio Salado Community College
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Arizona State University
High School Diploma -
Tempe High School