Rachel Jorgensen
Email: rra35368@bethel.edu
Job Titles
-
Adjunct Instructor
Teacher Coordinator of Work-based Learning License, Graduate School
Special Education (M.A.), Graduate School
Associate of Science (A.S.) College of Adult and Professional Studies -
Adjunct Instructor of Education
Education, College of Arts and Sciences
Highlight
Rachel Jorgensen is a leader in work-based learning with experience in both general education and special education work-based learning programs. She also has expertise in the area of special education and parental support for students with disabilities. She is the author of two books published by Routledge. The first, Loving Your Job in Special Education: 50 Tips and Tools, is a resource on burnout prevention to help educators find lasting peace and joy in their work as special educators. The second, Supporting Your Child with Special Needs: 50 Fundamental Tools for Families, is designed to support parents/guardians of students with special education services as they navigate the system and support their young learner. Rachel currently a teacher coordinator of work-based learning for students with special education needs in the Twin Cities Metro Area. In her spare time, she enjoys presenting seminars for the Bureau of Education and Research and spending time with her wonderful family. Her life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.
Started at Bethel
2017
Education
- Augsburg College - B.A. in Education, 2004
- Augsburg College - M.A. in Special Education, E/BD and SLD, 2006
Biography
Rachel is a current coordinator of work-based learning for students with special needs at the high school level. She has been in the field of special education for approximately 20 years, and has also served as an instructional coach for special education teachers during this time. As a special education teacher, Rachel instructed students across multiple disability areas in subjects such as reading, writing, social skills, and study skills. As instructional coach, Rachel served as a coach for a caseload of 90 special education teachers facilitating reflection and professional growth. At the heart of Rachel's philosophy is the belief that student empowerment is the goal of education. Her hope is to instruct Bethel education students in strategies to bolster independence, self-determination and lifelong success in their future students. She also hopes to support the cultivation of a strong work ethic and a positive career experience for students in the individualized internship program. Rachel is tremendously grateful to be a part of such a loving, nurturing and service-centered community at Bethel University!
Click HERE to learn more about the Teacher Licensure of Work-Based Learning Program!
Courses Taught
EDUC 705, History and Advancement of Work-Based Learning
EDUC 707, Designing School-Based Instruction for Work-Based Learning
SPED 618, Foundations of Instructional Strategies
SPED 623, Consultation, Collaboration and Resources
Associate of Sciences Individualized Internship Courses
Publications
Book:
Loving Your Job in Special Education: 50 Tips and Tools, Routledge, 2022
Guest Contributor:
Presentations
Loving Your Students and Loving Your Self to Beat Burnout in Special Education, Plenary Speaker Presentation, Bethel University, June 15, 2022
Certificates and Licenses
General Education, K-8, Communication Arts Focus, 2001
Special Education, E/BD, SLD, 2003
Teacher Coordinator of Work-Based Learning, 2016
Certified in Cognitive Coaching
Google Educator Certification
Crisis Prevention and Intervention Certification
Professional Organizations, Committees, and Boards
Work-Based Learning Advisory Board, Anoka-Hennepin Public Schools
National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training Collaborator
MN Association for Career and Technical Education Cohort Participant
Hobbies and Interests
In her free time, Rachel loves cheering her children on at their sports (football, basketball, soccer, and cross country running).
Rachel loves to read books about education to keep growing and discover new 'light bulb' moments.
She's also an avid writer and enjoy researching/writing on educational topics related to work-based learning and special education.
Areas of expertise
Work-Based Learning Experiential Learning Burnout Prevention in Special Education
Research interests
Differentiated Instruction in K-12 and Higher Education Settings Evidence-Based Practice in Special Education Universal Design for Learning
Teaching specialty
Work-based Learning Experiential Learning Special Education
Quote
"Be kind, for everyone is fighting a hard battle." -Plato