Dirk van Leeuwen
Senior Educational Paraprofessional | Special Needs & Classroom Instruction Support
Amsterdam
Professional Summary
Dedicated and patient Senior Educational Paraprofessional with extensive background supporting inclusive primary and lower secondary classrooms in the Netherlands. Skilled in implementing individualized educational plans, facilitating behavioral interventions, and adapting learning materials to foster pupil autonomy and academic engagement.
Professional Experience
De Vondelstroom Inclusive Learning Academy
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Senior Educational Paraprofessional
Aug 2018 – Present
- Facilitate small-group and one-on-one differentiated instructional support across primary grade levels, serving 14 pupils with diverse learning accommodations.
- Partner with lead instructors and multi-disciplinary teams to execute individual educational plans (IEPs) and monitor developmental benchmarks.
- Guide positive behavioral intervention strategies that reduced classroom disruptions during transition periods by 35 percent.
- Mentor junior teaching assistants on pupil de-escalation techniques, assistive learning software, and structured classroom observation documentation.
Amstel International Primary Campus
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Classroom Paraprofessional
Sept 2012 – Jul 2018
- Delivered focused literacy and numeracy remediation to multilingual pupils requiring foundational academic reinforcement.
- Adapted core curriculum materials into structured visual schedules, tactile activities, and simplified task outlines.
- Maintained comprehensive daily progress records and contributed targeted observations during quarterly parent-teacher consultations.
Education & Training
ROC van Amsterdam
MBO Level 4 Diploma (Onderwijsassistent) · Educational Support and Pedagogy · Amsterdam, Netherlands · Pass with Distinction · Sept 1982 – Jun 1985
Completed certified vocational training focusing on classroom administration, learner developmental psychology, and remedial instructional strategies.
Key Initiatives
Sensory-Inclusive Classroom Initiative
Oct 2022 – Jun 2023
- Designed and introduced standardized sensory break stations across four junior classrooms to support emotional self-regulation during independent study.
- Authored an illustrated handbook detailing structured sensory coping mechanisms for educational support staff.
Core Competencies
Individualized Educational Plans (IEP)
Classroom Management Support
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Behavioral De-escalation
Literacy & Numeracy Remediation
Assistive Learning Technologies
Differentiated Instruction
Pupil Observation & Documentation
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
Visual Scheduling Systems
Languages
Dutch
C2
English
C1
Certifications & Licensure
Certified Emergency First Aid and BHV in Education
Nederlands Instituut voor Bedrijfshulpverlening · Apr 2024
Certificate in Inclusive Classroom Support Methods
European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education · Nov 2019
Community Involvement
Stichting Taal en Toekomst Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands · Jan 2021 – Present
- Volunteer Literacy Mentor
- Provide weekly one-on-one reading coaching to primary school pupils needing foundational literacy support.