About Me: Background and Resume

Mrs. Ellen O’Rourke

Special Education Teacher/Tutor

  I am an experienced, passionate teacher who thrives on the opportunity to facilitate the learning of all students.  I hold North Carolina Teaching Licenses in Special Education (K-12 Adapted and General Curriculum), English Language Arts (6-12), Psychology (9-12), and Elementary Education (K-6).  Since 2020, I have been seeking opportunities to help families, students, and schools navigate the educational needs of early learners, special education students, and those not yet at grade expectancy.  

I grew up in Michigan and, after being offered an academic scholarship to Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York, received dual Bachelors of Science degrees in Psychology and English (summa cum laude.) I then received a scholarship to Iona College in New Rochelle, New York, where I completed a Masters of Science in Teaching program with honors.  I have also completed post-masters graduate credits in special education and earned additional certifications in that area. 

I have been teaching for  more than 17 years in a variety of positions, including classroom teacher, resource teacher, and self contained teacher.  I have worked extensively with students with varying levels of needs, abilities, and diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disabilities, speech/language impairments, intellectual disabilities, and developmental delays.   My expertise and professional experience has allowed me to fill leadership positions and work with a variety of task forces and committees within schools, including team leader, LEA, and mentor.  

Working as an educator has been the most rewarding experience of my life. In my years as a teacher, I have developed solid lesson planning and differentiation skills that allow me to effectively meet the needs of students with all learning styles and abilities, while catering to the strengths and interests of each child. I operate with a strength based approach: focusing on strengths and interests to work toward greater skills and knowledge. I am highly adept and comfortable with researching and accessing a variety of resources and technologies to support the instructional needs of students. As a result of my vast experience, I am well versed in common core, extended state standards, and instructional practice on multiple grade levels.  I take a data driven approach to every step of the teaching process, from planning to assessment and reflection. Most importantly, I believe that all students can and will learn when provided with the appropriate support and access points to the curriculum. 

My passion is directed toward helping my students meet and achieve their potential.  I strive to exercise empathy, compassion, and responsiveness in all that I do.  Education is one of the most meaningful professions I can imagine, and it is certainly one to which I feel called.

I look forward to discussing your student's needs and to developing a plan to help support your family or school.  Please reach out by email or telephone, or by completing an interest form. 

All the best,

Ellen O'Rourke

mrs.orourke4@gmail.com

Google Voice (call/text): 919-285-1697