Louis Justman

I am an experienced and dedicated education professional with a passion for supporting and empowering students with special needs. Throughout my career, I have honed my expertise in special education and instructional technology, developing a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when teaching students with diverse learning needs.

In my work as a special education teacher, I have built a reputation for my compassionate and student-centered approach, always striving to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. I am skilled at designing and implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), adapting instruction to meet the unique needs of each student, and collaborating with families, fellow teachers, and other professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for my students.

My experience in instructional technology has further enhanced my ability to support students with special needs. I am proficient in a range of technology tools and platforms, and I have a proven track record of integrating technology into my teaching practice to enhance student engagement and achievement. Whether working with assistive technology to support students with disabilities or incorporating digital resources to help all students access and master challenging content, I am committed to leveraging technology to improve educational outcomes for every student.

My ultimate career objective is to obtain a Ph.D. in the field of innovation in special education. I am passionate about exploring and researching novel assistive and instructional technologies that can be used to enhance the learning experiences of students with diverse needs. Additionally, I am highly interested in exploring Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and applying them to the development of innovative teaching strategies that benefit all learners. I also have a strong desire to help train future educators. I believe that by sharing my knowledge and expertise, I can help prepare the next generation of teachers to create inclusive and accessible learning environments that meet the needs of all students.

Overall, I am committed to contributing to the field of education by designing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based practices that promote accessibility, equity, and inclusivity. I am excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of students with diverse needs and to help shape the future of education through my research and teaching.

Recommendations

Skills

Special Education

Differentiated Instruction

Assistive Technology

Case Management

IEP Development

Child Find Process and Procedure

General Education

Curriculum Development

Project-based Learning

Social and Emotioinal Learning

Gamified Instruction

Fundraising / Advising

Technology

Distance Learning

Spreadsheet / Database Management

Web & Graphics

Network Management

Computer Repair / Troubleshooting

Other

Grant Writing

Budget Management

Broadcast Journalism

501(c)(3) Knowledge

Sales Experience

Curriculum Vitae

9 Years of Experience

Education

2024-Present
The University of Kansas

Doctor of Philosophy - Special Education

  • Specialization: Instructional Design, Technology & Innovation
2017-2019
Northern Michigan University

Master of Arts in Education - Learning Disabilities

  • Graduated with a 4.0 Grade Point Average.
2013-2015
Northern Michigan University

Secondary Education Teaching Certificate

  • Certifications: Social Studies (RX); Journalism (BC)
2007-2011
Northern Michigan University

Bachelors of Science in Electronic Journalism (with honors)

  • The Outstanding Graduate of the Communications and Performance Studies Department
  • Recipient of the Northern Michigan University “National Academic Award” scholarship

Education Experience

2019 - Present
Burt Township School District

Special Education Coordinator

  • Coordinated, case-managed, and delivered services to students with Individual Education Plans
  • Collaborated with public and private agencies to offer mental health and social-emotional learning services and programs to a rural at-risk student body 
  • Wrote district Special Education policies, including the Child Find Process and Procedure
  • Worked collaboratively with general education teachers, support staff, and families to ensure that students with disabilities receive appropriate and effective support and services
  • Crafted and delivered professional development related to special education services to members of the educational team and families
2017 - Present
Burt Township School District

Technology Director

  • Researched, purchased, and managed all district instructional and assistive technology including one-to-one student and staff devices and educational and maker lab equipment
  • Pivoted the district to remote and virtual learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, overcoming unique connectivity needs for an extremely remote area
  • Acquired grant funding for student devices and home internet service via the FCC Emergency Connectivity Fund and the MiConnect programs
  • Designed and managed multiple network modernizations, including the switch from copper to fiber-based internet services by obtaining funding through the Schools and Libraries Program (E-Rate)
  • Formulated and Instituted a strategic technology plan including budget management and resource allocation
2017 - Present
Burt Township School District

7-12th Grade Social Studies Teacher

  • Developed, implemented, and evaluated curriculum, instructional materials, and assessments to align with state standards, district goals, and student needs
  • Introduced community-centric project-based learning experiences that challenged students to think critically, solve problems, and collaborate with peers
  • Emphasized knowledge of Universal Design for Learning principles and strategies to differentiate for the diverse learning needs of students in a mixed grade level rural setting
  • Planned, organized, and fundraised for educational field trips and experiences for students in grades 7-12, including coordination of transportation, admission tickets, and scheduling
  • Committed to creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment that supports the social-emotional well-being of all students
  • Taught a wide range of content areas to 7-12 grade students, including U.S. world history, geography, government, and economics, English, journalism, technology, and life skills
2015 - 2017
The Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac

Middle School Social Studies Teacher

  • Experience using data to inform instruction and improve student achievement, including analyzing formative and summative assessments and using student data to drive instruction
  • Demonstrated ability to differentiate instruction and provide culturally responsive teaching to meet the unique learning needs of students in an urban Title I school setting,  including those who faced additional challenges related to poverty, trauma, and cultural differences
  • Launched a new inquiry based curriculum for digital native students using bring your own device
  • Actively involved in extracurricular activities and events, including advising student clubs and organizations and attending school-sponsored events
  • Participated in professional learning communities (PLCs) working with colleagues to analyze data, develop lesson plans, and share strategies for supporting student learning and success

Projects

Summer 2024
Mathematics Potential Lab, University of Missouri

WTG: Diffusion of Research on Supporting Mathematics Achievement for Youth with Disabilities through Twitter Translational Visual Abstracts

Volunteer Activities

2019 - Present
Camp New Day UP

Board of Directors - Board Member

  • Worked alongsidea diverse board towards the organization mission to provide children of the incarcerated a one-week camp in a safe environment that promotes and nurtures self worth
  • Managed the budget and expense accounts for a registered 501c3
  • Conducted staff interviews and made hiring decisions for camp staff
  • Modernized camp technology systems and record keeping

Awards

2019
Grow & Lead: Community and Youth Development

Excellence in Education Award/Grant

  • Maker Lab work with students including 3D Printing, coding, and use of the LAUNCH cycle
2017
Grow & Lead: Community and Youth Development

 Excellence in Education Award/Grant

  • Photography classwork with students
2015
WUPX - Radio X

Lifetime Achievement Award

  • For years of service and staff mentoring

Other Experience

2013 - 2015
WUPX, Marquette - Radio X

General Manager

  • Managed and organized a paid and volunteer staff of more than 50
  • Showcased knowledge of all facets of radio and online news production, including writing for the web, editing, graphic design, photography, and audio/visual production
  • Developed personalized internship opportunities for college seniors to fill gaps in the university’s curriculum
  • Balanced the organization’s budget in compliance of university policy
  • Partnered with campus and community organizations and represented the station in the public eye
2011 - 2012
Walt Disney World Resort

Merchandise Cast Member – Mickey’s of Hollywood at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  • Delivered exceptional guest service constantly in high-volume areas for a Fortune 100 company
  • Trained and mentored new cast members starting work on duties I already excelled in
  • Put into practice effective problem-solving and decision-making skills on a daily basis
  • Created innovative ways to bring Disney magic to merchandise guests of all ages

Noteworthy Professional Development

July 2023
Michigan Technological University

GenCyber Camp

The GenCyber program provides summer cybersecurity camp experiences for students and teachers at the K-12 level. The goals of the program are to help students understand safe on-line behavior, learn fundamental cybersecurity knowledge, increase interest in cybersecurity careers, and improve pedagogical methods for delivering cybersecurity content in K-12 curricula. https://www.mtu.edu/gencyber/

March 2023
The Council for Exceptional Children

CEC 2023 Convention & Expo

Each year at the CEC Convention & Expo, thousands of special education professionals from around the world come together to learn, share, grow, and connect. With hundreds of sessions on just about every topic in the field, the CEC Convention & Expo is THE professional development event for special educators to find research, tips, and strategies you can actually apply to support students with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. https://cecconvention.org/2023

Portfolio

My Works
Virtual Learning Environments’ Effect on Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Virtual Learning Environments’ Effect on Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Coursework, Research
The Effects of Gamification on Motivation in the Secondary Classroom

The Effects of Gamification on Motivation in the Secondary Classroom

Coursework, Presentations, Research
Theoretical Understandings Project

Theoretical Understandings Project

Coursework, Presentations
Learning to Love Math Think-Tac-Toe Project

Learning to Love Math Think-Tac-Toe Project

Coursework
Treating Explosive Kids

Treating Explosive Kids

Coursework, Presentations
Case Study – Behavior

Case Study – Behavior

Coursework, Research
Emergent Literacy and Decoding Skills Project

Emergent Literacy and Decoding Skills Project

Coursework
Strategies for Success: From Theories to Teaching Strategies

Strategies for Success: From Theories to Teaching Strategies

Coursework
An Overview of the Assessment Process

An Overview of the Assessment Process

Coursework, Presentations, TeacherEd
An Overview of the Foundations of Special Education

An Overview of the Foundations of Special Education

Coursework, Presentations, TeacherEd
Case Study – Reading

Case Study – Reading

Coursework
Case Study – AD/HD

Case Study – AD/HD

Coursework
Case Study – Written Language

Case Study – Written Language

Coursework