Priyanka Shukla

Dedicated and passionate Special Education Teacher with five years of experience in creating inclusive and supportive learning environments for students with diverse needs. Committed to promoting individual growth, academic achievement, and social development. Seeking a challenging position where I can utilize my skills and experience to make a positive impact on the lives of students. Master's Degree in Cognitive Science (Applied Psychology) from Allahabad University with 10 years of experience in Special Education, Student Counselor/ Mental Well Being, Student Life Counselor, Student Welfare. Certified Mental Health Counselor. Learning Diversity and Inclusion Certification from IBICUS, UK. Certified Career Counsellor, MINDLER. Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE). Trained and certified in Child Safeguarding, TAISI and UNICEF. 

As a Special Education Needs Teacher and a Counsellor at Pathways World School Gurgaon, India (July 2018 – June 2023): 

1.  Student Counsellor:

• Conducted individual counselling sessions with clients from diverse backgrounds, including children, adolescents, adults, and couples.
• Utilized evidence-based therapeutic techniques and approaches, tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of each client.
• Provided a safe and non-judgmental environment for clients to explore their feelings, thoughts, and concerns.
• Conducted comprehensive assessments to gather relevant information and develop personalized treatment plans.
• Assisted clients in identifying and resolving personal, emotional, or behavioural issues, such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief, and trauma.
• Implemented various therapeutic interventions, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), mindfulness techniques, and psychoeducation.
• Facilitated group therapy sessions focused on specific topics or populations, fostering a supportive and empowering group dynamic.
• Collaborated with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, social workers, and school counsellors, to provide comprehensive care and referrals when necessary.
• Maintained accurate and confidential client records, progress notes, and treatment plans in accordance with ethical and legal standards.
• Participated in ongoing professional development activities, including workshops, seminars, and supervision, to enhance counselling skills and stay updated on best practices.
• Actively engaged in self-care practices to maintain personal well-being and prevent burnout.

1. Special Education Needs Teacher:

• Developed and implemented Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities, focusing on academic goals, behavioural strategies, and accommodations.
• Collaborated with general education teachers, administrators, and parents to create inclusive learning environments and support student success.
• Utilized various teaching strategies and instructional materials to meet the diverse learning needs of students, including visual aids, manipulatives, and technology-based tools.
• Conducted ongoing assessments and progress monitoring to evaluate student performance and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
• Provided differentiated instruction and support in small group and individual settings to address individual learning goals and challenges.
• Implemented behaviour management techniques and positive reinforcement strategies to promote a positive and inclusive classroom environment.
• Coordinated and facilitated team meetings with parents, school staff, and outside specialists to discuss student progress, interventions, and transition plans.
• Collaborated with related service providers, such as speech therapists and occupational therapists, to integrate therapies and support into the classroom setting.
• Attended professional development workshops and conferences to stay updated on the latest research and best practices in special education.
• Maintained accurate and up-to-date records, including attendance, grades, IEP documentation, and progress reports.
• Actively participated in school-wide initiatives and committees to promote inclusive practices and advocate for students with special needs.
• Committee member in implementation of the school's SEN strategy and inclusion policy. Liaise with professionals outside of the school - such as psychologists, health care providers, speech therapists, and occupational therapists. 
• Executing in-house tests/liaising for testing and reports from external agencies for access arrangement for IBMYP Assessment. 
• Child Safeguarding lead for MYP at PWS, Gurgaon. 
• I have all the necessary skills to be a special education teacher such as proficient ICT skills, maintaining confidentiality of student information, achieving timelines, collaboration and independent work.  

Assistant Director Student Housing and Welfare: O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, India (Oct 2016 till May 2018): 

• Involved in planning, co-ordinating and implementing policies and procedures so as to ensure holistic development/ welfare of students. Organising events and activities throughout the year to promote maximum student engagement. Understanding the critical issues of every individual student and provide best of support. Staff training for soft skill development, Basic IT operations and communication skills. Regular follow up on students who require counselling support. Assisting students for their academic difficulties by providing them all possible support. Handling all the Security and safety related issues of student in student accommodation/ on campus and ensuring discipline in co-ordination with Security team. Providing confidential listening and referral service. To arrange for maintenance of students’ discipline in the University. Keeping the Student Council members informed of all matters related to student welfare. Representing student welfare in all University committees in relation to student welfare. To work with different departments such as Sports, Hostel Wardens, Cultural Officer, Health centre for all matters related to students’ Welfare. Coordinating different activities of Sports, Literary, Cultural, Placement and Counselling. Supervising the Students’ Council activities to allow them to work in a democratic setup to solve the genuine problems of the students and to bridge the gap between the students and University administration.   

• Office Co-ordinator for Counselling Services and Senior Hostel Warden: Shiv Nadar University, Noida, India (Oct 2013 to Oct 2016): Providing best University experience to all the students on campus by co-ordinating all the student activities, motivating them and dealing with their day to day emotional issues, handling academic difficulties of students by monitoring closely their performance and providing them best support possible. Providing all the students a safe, supportive and confidential space in which we help them to look at problems they are facing in a non-judgemental way. Closely working with students to organise and execute events, functions, cultural festivals etc.

Managing and supervising University student accommodation. From the start of admission process till the settlement of student in University effectively involved in planning and execution of all the pre orientation, orientation and moving in process of new students. Recording and reporting of student residential records. Preparing students handbook and guidelines for new students as well as old students. Training new Wardens and Assistant Wardens. Management and training of all the Facility Supervisors. Hence I was integral part of making students experience at SNU thoroughly enjoyable one whilst also providing a conducive place for study.

• Special Educator (Middle School): Pathways World School, Aravali, India (June 2013 to October 2013): Worked with students having speech and language difficulties such as dyslexia, mental disability such as autism, emotionally vulnerable, behavioural difficulties or a combination of these disabilities. Worked on aspects of identifying individual needs of a student and creating a safe, stimulating and supportive learning environment. Individual education plan for learning disable children.
• SEN/ Individual Educational Plan Co-ordinator/Counsellor and Girls Hostel Warden: India First Foundation School, Karjat, India (September 2012 to June 2013): Job role involves supervising the work of hostel staff and maintaining overall ambience of the hostel premises, communicating with parents/guardians of students, monitoring hostel students' leave records, In and Out movements, helping in canteen hygiene related issue and daily menu, student counselling and making individual educational plan for students.
• Welfare Office Sub-warden: University of Leicester, Leicester, UK (April 2008 to July 2011): Facilitation of  effective running of the University accommodation in conjunction with the management, including the one-to-one student support and administration, emergency first aid and fire-safety. 

• Career Counsellor cum Centre Manager: Centre for Animation and Business Administration (CABA), New Delhi, India (2005-2007): Taught English to TOEFL applicants. I have scored 270 out of 300 in TOEFL CBT.

• Graduate Researcher/ Psychology Teacher: Department of Psychology, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India (2002-2004): Involved in neuropsychological assessments of individuals with brain damage and injury, taking a comprehensive history by interviews with the person affected by encephalitis and their close relative, gathering appropriate information from the medical records, use of standard psychological tests to examine how specific functions of the brain are working. Teaching Psychology and supervising research projects of undergraduate students in Psychology.  

• Completed P.G. Diploma in Mental Health, IGNOU, 2022.
• M.A. Cognitive Science (First Class/Top Merit), University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India (2002-2004). 
• Modules included: Cognitive Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence, Brain Anatomy, and Quantitative Research Methods. 
• Dissertation Project: Effect of chronic malnutrition in executive functions in children.         
• B.A. Psychology and English Literature, Ewing Christian College, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India (1999-2002). Awards: Top merit in Psychology and Best student of the year. Alumni Awards Received for Psychology. 
• I have scored 270 scores out of 300 in TOEFL CBT.

WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING:

• Microsoft Certification in Education (MCE) – May, 2023
• Complete UNICEF Child Safeguarding Training Certification – May, 2023
• Done IBICUS Workshop on Learning Diversity and Inclusion, 11-13 November, 2023.
• Completed Inclusive Classroom Programme, Optimus Learning, UK, June, 2022. 
• Completed TAISI Legal Literacy Certification Training for Educators, 2021. 
• Pursued Training Program on Communication Skills for Managerial Success” starting at Indian Institute of Management, Indore from December 04 - 06, 2017.