Tasha Wells-Jones
Summary
Education professional with a proven track record at the Delaware County Intermediate Unit. Known for fostering collaborative environments and adapting to dynamic educational needs. Proven experience in educational leadership, fostering strong parent communication, curriculum development, staff training, and student assessment. Highly adaptable, dependable, and driven to meet educational goals and exceed expectations. Demonstrating a strong work ethic and teamwork, I've effectively mentored staff and improved student outcomes through innovative strategies.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher (Early Intervention)
Delaware County Intermediate Unit
01.2024 - Current
- Cultivated positive interdepartmental connections (EI/HS) and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Coordinated with Head Start administration, general education teachers, classroom assistants, and floating staff to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Provided extensive consultation to new Head Start teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general (creative) curriculum for students with special-needs using various instructional techniques and specially designed instruction.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
SERVICE COORDINATOR (Interim)
Delaware County Intermediate Unit
04.2021 - 12.2023
- Monitored adherence to all PA state and federal Early Intervention (EI) laws, guidelines and regulations pertaining to service coordination and service delivery; ensuring a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
- Created Notice of Recommended Education Placement (NOREP) legal documents that outlined the proposed educational placement for individual students with special needs, detailing the services and supports they will receive given parent approval.
- Monitored data entry of staff, to ensure they are entered in a timely manner and are substantive; ensure the compliance of child records in order to ensure accurate and standards aligned reliable data.
- Established strong relationships with parents through regular follow-ups, keeping them informed about progress updates regarding services or concerns raised.
- Maintained accurate records and full compliance with government regulations and agency guidelines.
- Streamlined service coordination evaluation report processes for improved team productivity and response times.
- Provided successful onboarding of new hires within the Service Coordinator role, offering mentorship and guidance as needed.
- Addressed and resolved service-related issues, restoring parent confidence and preventing potential removal from programming.
- Facilitated informal meetings and mediation, securing favorable terms and ensuring clear communication with the range of services.
- Maintained database systems to track and analyze operational data.
- Reviewed staff comprehensive evaluation reports and individualized education program documents providing coaching as needed to improve quality.
Special Education Teacher (Itinerant/Classroom)
Delaware County Intermediate Unit
08.2012 - 03.2021
- Provided community practice-based coaching and direct support to assigned early childhood settings within Delaware County to maintain a supportive presence, build collaborative relationships, and ensure quality service delivery
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Completed evaluation reports and developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
THERAPEUTIC STAFF SUPPORT
West Oak Lane Charter School
09.2010 - 06.2011
- Worked effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Provided implementation & collaborative restructuring of the Individual Education Plan.
- Provided daily reinforcement of physical, occupational, and speech therapy instruction.
- Collaborated in the creation of an individualized life skills program.
- Modified and implemented a Positive Behavior Support Plan.
- Prepared student and materials for PASA.
- Escorted to class and created developmentally appropriate alternatives in the regular education classroom.
- Completed daily communication logs between parents and staff.
Teacher Assistant
ST. MARY'S VILLA FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
09.2009 - 06.2010
- Provided specialized instruction to at-risk youth with a history of truancy, emotional disturbance, family conflict and difficulties in the community.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by effectively managing classroom behavior and addressing individual needs.
- Assisted teachers in preparing instructional materials, ensuring alignment with curriculum objectives.
- Supported teachers in monitoring students during lunch periods, recess, and other non-instructional times to maintain safety and orderliness.
- Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
- Contributed to increased student success by providing one-on-one support for struggling learners.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing visual aids and hands-on activities during lessons.
- Supported teacher evaluations by gathering data on student progress through formative assessments.
- Addressed school refusal, strengthened family relationships and support systems while developing age appropriate social skills.
- Provided FAPE to adolescents experiencing trama, including children discharged from psychiatric hospitals not able to be reunified with their families or placed in a less restrictive level of care immediately.
- Implemented individualized plans to adequately prepare each student for public school re-entry, higher education admissions or job placement following graduation.
LEAD TEACHER (PRE-K)
Brightside Academy
07.2004 - 08.2009
- Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.
- Incorporated culturally responsive teaching practices into curriculum design and delivery models promoting inclusivity within the educational setting.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Maintained patience and level-headedness in diverse situations to support student development and family involvement.
- Mentored new teachers on best practices for classroom management and instructional techniques, contributing to their professional growth and effectiveness in the classroom.
- Used data-driven decision-making processes to analyze student performance trends and adjust instructional practices accordingly, leading to improved outcomes.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
- Planned and implemented different daily activities to enhance overall development and growth of every student.
Education
Master of Science - Educational Leadership And Management
SAINT JOSEPHS UNIVERSITY
5600 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA 1913105-2021
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education/Special Education
TEMPLE UNIVERSITY (College of Education)
1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave. Philadelphia, PA 1912205-2012
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education
THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF PHILADELPHIA
1700 Spring Garden Street Philadelphia, PA 1913005-2007
High School Diploma -
THE PHILADELPHIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS'
1400 W Olney Ave, Philadelphia, PA 1914106-1999
Skills
- Educational leadership
- Parent communication
- Teacher evaluation
- Special education
- Strong work ethic
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving abilities
- Organizational leadership
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Professional ethics
- Staff supervision
Certification
*Administrative I Principal PK-12
*Supervisory Supvr Curriculum & Inst PK-12
*Supervisory Supvr Special Education PK-12
*Instructional II Elementary K-6
*Instructional II Special Education PK-12
Timeline
Special Education Teacher (Early Intervention)
Delaware County Intermediate Unit
01.2024 - Current
SERVICE COORDINATOR (Interim)
Delaware County Intermediate Unit
04.2021 - 12.2023
Special Education Teacher (Itinerant/Classroom)
Delaware County Intermediate Unit
08.2012 - 03.2021
THERAPEUTIC STAFF SUPPORT
West Oak Lane Charter School
09.2010 - 06.2011
Teacher Assistant
ST. MARY'S VILLA FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
09.2009 - 06.2010
LEAD TEACHER (PRE-K)
Brightside Academy
07.2004 - 08.2009
Master of Science - Educational Leadership And Management
SAINT JOSEPHS UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education/Special Education
TEMPLE UNIVERSITY (College of Education)
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education
THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF PHILADELPHIA
High School Diploma -
THE PHILADELPHIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS'
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