Samantha Bear

Experience

• 

  Jewish Community Center Whitefish Bay

  Sept 2006 - Nov 2010

  Lifeguard
• 

  Nota Bene Shoes

  Aug 2009 - May 2012

  Nanny

  My responsibilities varied on a day to day basis. The overall responsibilities that I had included but were not limited to: cooking, cleaning, organizing, child transportation, homework help, animal care, home care, lawn care, specialized projects, and more.

• 

  Global Brigades, Inc.

  Jun 2011 - Aug 2011

  Research and Evaluation Intern

  Worked in the capital, Tegucigalpa, and rural communities of Honduras C.A. Communicated and worked cohesively with permanent staff and community members in Honduras to investigate and evaluate the needs of various areas. Input data retreived from rural communities into an online data base that is used to determine statistics and needs in each area.

• 

  Milwaukee Public Schools

  Sept 2012 - May 2014

  Special Eduation Teacher- Autism Unit

  Work with students with disabilities, specifically Autism Spectrum Disorder. These students have been placed in a Most Restricitve Placement. Throughout the day, I work with them in the subjects of math, reading, writing, transition skills, vocational skills, health, and functional living skills.

• 

  Masa Israel Journey

  Sept 2014 - Jun 2015

  Israel Teaching Fellow

  Masa Israel Teaching Fellows aim to close the achievement gap on Israel's education system by placing English-speaking college graduates in schools throughout Israel. Fellows provide small group instruction and tutoring to elementary and middle school students, while reducing class sizes so full-time teachers can work more effectively. The fellowship is a joint initiative of Israel's Ministry of Education, Masa Israel Journey and The Jewish Agency for Israel to improve English learning outcomes for Israel students, which are key indicators for students' success in higher education and beyond. Fellows must have experience as educators and must demonstrate the ability to excel in challenging, cross-cultural environment. Show less

• 

  School District of Menomonee Falls

  Aug 2015 - Aug 2017

  Special Education Teacher- Transition 18-21

  Work with students with various disabilities in a classroom and community working on functional skills, employ-ability skills, behavior management techniques, and other skills related to post secondary independent living. Students and staff will be working and learning both within the school classroom as well as various work sites and volunteer opportunities within the community.

• 

  Bethesda Lutheran Communities

  Aug 2017 - Aug 2021

  Adult Living Skills/Community Living Instructor

  The Bethesda College of Applied Learning is a unique, two-year post secondary certificate program where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can realize their dream of receiving a college education. Students enrolled in Bethesda College live on the CUW campus in integrated residence halls. At CUW they can build lifelong friendships, practice their faith and participate in clubs and student activities. Bethesda College’s faculty members are always available to support each student and help them get the most from their college experience.The Bethesda College of Applied Learning is built on an inclusive model focused on academics and employment. Combining a liberal arts focus with skills development coursework, Bethesda College’s curriculum is a blended model designed to help students grow intellectually, vocationally, socially, personally and spiritually.*Derived from: https://bethesdalutherancommunities.org/services/educational-supports/Here at Bethesda I will be the lead instructor for two core program components - adult living skills and community living. This includes classroom instruction as well as directing practicum activities, moving the learning process forward from theory to practice. Along with this lead instructors as well as be a part the administrative team for the Bethesda College program.Essential Job Functions:~Teach six Bethesda College core classes~Arrange practicum and assignments ~Supervise and mentor student instructors ~Direct assessment procedures ~Support administrative team in program business decisions and curriculum improvement ~ Provide support to residence life staff ~Meet with student instructors assigned to life skills instruction weekly to set goals, procedures, tools for instruction and assessing progress, discuss student progress and issues. ~Network in the campus community to support the students; inclusion on campus ~Network in the community to support service projects Show less

• 

  Cedarburg Mercantile and Blossom IDD

  Sept 2021 - now

  Executive Director

  Cedarburg Mercantile is a hub for local artisans with unique talents and various disabilities to show, share, and sell their one-of-a-kind artwork. At the Cedarburg Mercantile we will not only be selling products, we will be working with vendors and exceptional vendors (individuals with disabilities) to sell their goods and highlight their talents. Along with that, we will be employing individuals with disabilities in the store as well. Providing an opportunity for inclusive employment and an area where individuals can grow their employability skillset. The Mercantile works in tandem with BLOOM IDD to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to hone their individual talents and gifts, and give them a platform to bloom into one of our valued community members here in Ozaukee County and beyond. Bloom IDD will serve as a resource hub. Providing workshops, seminars, classes, activities, travel opportunities, and more for individuals within the IDD community. Show less

• 

  Cedarburg Mercantile

  Sept 2021 - now

  Executive Director at Blossom IDD & Co-Owner of The Cedarburg Mercantile
• 

  Blossom IDD

  Sept 2021 - now

  Executive Director

  Executive Director Blossom IDDA nonprofit in the Ozaukee County area of WI, Blossom IDD provides adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families the guidance they need to excel beyond barriers in their life and ‘blossom’ anywhere they choose to plant themselves. • Leading the team with all disability related accommodations and modifications. • Work with all vendors with intellectual and developmental disabilities. • Plan, coordinate, and implement strategic programming for the IDD community and their families.• Research and share invaluable resources to all in the area to ensure access is available for everyone. Show less