Kaley Noone
Special Education Director
Dunmore (Penn.) School District
Began Career as Emotional Support Teacher
After earning my undergraduate degree in elementary education with a minor in psychology and a concentration in special education, I began my career as an emotional support teacher at Scranton High School. I found the position to be both challenging and rewarding. From my very first teaching experience, I was fascinated with behaviors and figuring out how to reach each and every student.
Being in a self-contained classroom with a limited number of students left me wanting more. After two years as an emotional support teacher, I transitioned to learning support. As a learning support teacher, I specifically taught a reading class which hosted students of all abilities.
I had the opportunity to work with students receiving autistic support, life skills support, emotional support, and learning support throughout my day. Building a positive rapport and making a connection to each and every student was always something I strived to do and I feel that strategy has brought me much success with all of my students.
Even with all of the successes, I always felt like I was missing some training and expertise, especially when it came to behaviors. After six years in the classroom, I decided to apply to a graduate program in the area of special education administration and supervision.
Earned Master's Degree in Special Education Administration
While in this program, I wanted to gain as much knowledge of the field as I possibly could and added a principal’s certificate to my to-do list. I found both my coursework and fieldwork to be extremely valuable in preparing me for future endeavors.
Hired as Special Education Director in Dunmore School District
Six months after graduating with my master's degree and two post-graduate certificates and after 10 years in the classroom, I applied and interviewed for various positions in the area. I was ultimately hired as the special education director in the Dunmore School District.
During my last six years as special education director, I have thoroughly enjoyed improving our programming and giving my students the best possible education. I have also come across a few roadblocks, including support for behaviors and mental health.
Decided to Enter Scranton's Applied Behavior Analysis Program
In order to become more of an expert in my field, I decided I would like to receive training in applied behavior analysis. My training would be something that could be utilized in the Dunmore School District on a daily basis in order to better support our students. The field of special education is very broad and I love to gain as many skills as I can in order to do what’s best for my students.
The post-graduate certificate program in applied behavior analysis at the ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ was a wealth of knowledge. I had amazing professors to guide me through the 21-credit program and all of the testing and licensure requirements after graduation. I found the program to be very manageable to maintain while working full time and raising two children. The flexibility of online assignments and the face to face meetings being virtual allowed me to complete the program during any pocket of time I could find available. My professors were always readily available whenever I had a question.
Even after graduation when I was studying for my BCBA exam, I could reach out with questions and was always greeted with a warm response and a wealth of knowledge. Upon completion of the program I was able to pass my board exam and I can now add BCBA to my areas of expertise. I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in learning more about applied behavior analysis.