JESSICA KEEFHAVER
University of Kansas SPED 898 Transition Portfolio
My purpose in life is to help to prepare students for future success and all of the possibilities that life holds. I do this with compassion, dedication, integrity, humor and love. I strive to model life-long learning and emphasize the idea that it is never too late to pursue a goal.
PLEASE NOTE: This site has been edited to reflect changes since it was originally published in the spring of 2018 as part of a culminating project for my master's degree.
A LITTLE ABOUT ME
Transition is about growth
I have worked with individuals with disabilities since 2001. I began my career working as an aide in a pre-kindergarten program for students with moderate to severe physical and intellectual disabilities at a specialized school. I have worked with elementary aged youth, transition age youth, and young adults with a wide range of support needs. I have provided respite services, and worked as a personal skills trainer providing supports for individuals with disabilities in their home and the community. I have worked as a Family Advocate, teaching parents about early child development and age-appropriate behavior for children from birth to three years of age. I worked for the same district in a variety of roles for 17 years. For six years I taught at a Title I high school, working with 14-to-21-year old students with mild-to-moderate intellectual disabilities. I am currently the Academic Coordinator for the Path to Independence program at the University of Nevada, Reno.
In my free time I enjoy outdoor activities, and spending time with my husband and our two pound puppies.
PROFICIENCIES
BUILDING RAPPORT
I work very hard to build relationships with my students, and their families. This is done through asking for their ideas and input, by honoring their culture, and by communicating in a way they feel most comfortable. I am functionally bilingual (though not fluent) in Spanish, I ask parents for their preferences regarding communication style and frequency, and I treat students with compassion and respect.
PROFESSIONAL DEDICATION
Exceeding expectations is important to me. I want to be the best. I work in a constant state of reflection, evaluating the functionality and effectiveness of my classroom activities and instruction. I will do everything in my power to support my students, and to ensure I am constantly challenging them to improve.
WORK EXPERIENCE
ACADEMIC COORDINATOR, PATH TO INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM; UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO
August 2018 - Present
I provide academic support and case management services for students with intellectual disabilities attending the university as part of the Path to Independence (P2I) program. Students are typically between the ages of 17-26 years old. I also hire and provide training to Educational Coaches (other college students) who provide in-class supports to students in the P2I program. I coordinate and provide supplemental materials and curriculum for independent living courses designed specifically for P2I students, collaborate with two school districts who support dual-enrollment for some students in the program, and support university instructors to facilitate full inclusion for P2I students in traditional university courses.
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER, HUG HIGH SCHOOL
August 2012 - July 2018
I taught Comprehensive Life Skills (CLS) in a Title I high school. CLS is a self-contained program, which focuses on functional academics, life skills, vocational skills, and social skill development for students with intellectual disabilities. I developed program and curriculum, collaborated with colleagues to develop various lessons and activities in the self-contained classroom setting and community. I also collaborated with school district paraprofessionals to develop job training experiences for students on campus and in the community. I designed and implemented Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and provided case management for students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities who were 16-22 years old.
MY EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY
WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
While working full-time as a Family Advocate for the local school district, I was able to fulfill my dream of obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from Western Governors University. Through this program I was able to obtain dual licensure in the state of Nevada. I am qualified to teach in the general education setting at the elementary level, and in the special education setting from elementary through high school. My parents (pictured) and my husband were incredibly supportive as I led the double-life of being a full-time employee and a full-time student. My mom is a retired special education teacher. My dad is a retired mechanic. They taught me the importance of education and raised me with a strong work ethic.
UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
When deciding upon a school to further my education, it was important to find a program that would improve my practices as an educator and diversify my resume as a professional. The University of Kansas offered a program which fulfilled that criteria and was also available in an online format, allowing me to remain in the classroom. This website and e-portfolio are a result of the vast amount of knowledge obtained through the Master of Science in Education in the area of Special Education with an emphasis in Secondary Special Education and Transition offered at KU. I graduated in May of 2018! Rock Chalk Jayhawks!