Hello, Welcome to my Educational Portfolio!

My name is Maura McNamara. I am engaged to be married on June 25th, 2021. I love to attend country concerts, read books, spend time with family and friends and I have recently taught myself how to crochet during the pandemic. My sister Bridget who was born with Down Syndrome is my biggest motivator and supporter in my schooling, work and life.

I have worked as a paraprofessional in Special Education from 2015-2020. For four years I was employed in the Pathways Autism Program at Elim Christian Services. During my time at Elim in 2017, I also worked as an In-Home Personal Support Worker through a company called ACES$ to a 14-year-old boy with Autism. In October 2019, I became employed at the Southwest Cook County Cooperative as a 1:1 aide to a student in the Communication Development Program. During the Fall of 2020, I completed my student teaching at Elim Christian Services in a tier 3 High School classroom in the Bridges Program. Through this, I have gained the confidence and experience to teach in person and fully remote. In December of 2020, I happily accepted a teaching position at Turning Pointe Autism Foundation as one of their high school special education teachers beginning in the 2021-2022 school year.

I eagerly look forward to the day that I step into my own classroom. I will strive to assist students to reach their fullest potential and to be their guide in education. Teaching is more than just a career; I want to be the teacher that helps my students explore their passions and support them in achieving their goals. I truly believe I was called to light the path for students and guide them along the way.

To learn more about me, please review my portfolio, references, resume and my projects. This portfolio contains artifacts composed during my time at Trinity Christian College that displays my competence in meeting the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards. This portfolio also provides ample evidence that I will be a compassionate well-rounded educated teacher.