About Maura Keogh Shafer

Maura Keogh Shafer MEd, Masters in Education, is a proven team teacher, interventionist, diagnostician, educational consultant, and special education advocate.

Established track record driving up standardized testing scores and working collaboratively with teachers to increase student achievement, engagement, and positive behaviors.
Demonstrated success in person and through multiple virtual settings.
Twenty five years in the field of special education as a teacher, evaluator, case manager, interventionist, collaborator, and advocate.

Advocating for students-

Evaluated student skill levels, strengths, and barriers utilizing standardized tests.
Advocated for students through participation in evaluation teams.
Developed goals targeting barriers to success and reported on standards-based IEP goals.
Created asset-based individual education plans.
Experience with the following students: twice-exceptional, SLD, NLD, APD, dyslexic, autistic, ADHD, EBD.

Intervening for students -

Trained and experienced in evidence-based practices: Structured Literacy, HELPS Reading Fluency, Math Recovery - AVMR 1, Wilson Reading Intervention, Leveled Literacy Intervention, Bridges Math, Reader’s/Writer’s Workshop, Notice and Note, Tier 2 PBIS.
Experience with Response to Intervention (RTI) and progress monitoring 1-1, small group, and large group.

Consulting with staff -

Trained and implemented rollout of Tier 2 PBIS including checkin/checkout and brief FBA/BIP.
Consulted with staff to implement a proactive system of support by focusing on positive behaviors to extinguish negative behavior patterns.
Analyzed behavior through antecedents, consequences, and function.
Certified and experienced in CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention.

Collaborating with staff -

Co-taught reading and math in inclusive classrooms.
Utilized the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) model when planning with staff so all students could access material and demonstrate knowledge.
Reflected on engagement and impact of lessons on all students and altered plans accordingly.

Contact: burstingbarriers@gmail.com