Amanda Taylor Donaldson
Summary
Compassionate Special Education teacher dedicated to creating safe, structured, and emotionally supportive environments where diverse learners can thrive. Experienced in leading a middle-school Behavior Unit and providing individualized academic and behavioral interventions grounded in developmental psychology, ABA principles, and trauma-informed practice. Motivated to pursue graduate study at Auburn University to deepen instructional expertise, strengthen leadership capacity, and continue advocating for students with disabilities, particularly those facing behavioral, social, or environmental challenges.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Samson Middle School & High School at Geneva County Schools
08.2025 - Current
- Began the school year teaching Special Education at Samson High School before being entrusted to develop and lead the 6th–8th grade Behavior Unit at Samson Middle School.
- Teach students with autism, emotional/behavioral disorders, intellectual disabilities, trauma histories, and significant developmental needs.
- Implement Alabama Alternate Achievement Standards (AAA), individualized instruction, behavior intervention plans, and trauma-informed, structured routines.
- Provide differentiated academic instruction, functional skills, social-emotional learning, communication practice, and regulation strategies.
- Manage IEP development, data collection, progress monitoring, behavioral documentation, and compliance requirements.
- Collaborate with administrators, general education teachers, paraprofessionals, district SPED leadership, and families to support student success.
Registered Behavior Technician
Great Gains Behavioral Solutions, LLC
04.2022 - 08.2025
- Delivered 1:1 behavioral and academic support for children with autism and developmental disabilities across home, clinic, and school settings.
- Implemented BCBA-designed intervention plans, communication programs, emotional regulation strategies, and skill-building lessons.
- Completed session documentation, data collection, and treatment progress summaries.
- Built foundational ABA and behavior-support skills that directly inform current SPED teaching practice.
- Implemented individualized behavior intervention plans to improve client outcomes.
- Trained and mentored new staff on behavior analysis techniques and protocols.
- Conducted data collection and analysis to monitor progress toward behavioral goals.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care for clients.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients and families to enhance engagement.
- Observed, monitored and recorded problem behaviors through accurate behavior-consequence data collection, graphs, and anecdotal notes.
Educational and Behavioral Support Provider
Private Family
04.2021 - 07.2025
- Supported children ages 2–17 with academic routines, emotional regulation, and structured daily schedules.
- Assisted with homeschooling and enrichment activities for autistic children.
- Supervised daily activities and ensured safety of children in home environment.
- Developed age-appropriate educational and recreational activities to enhance child development.
Early Childhood Development Teacher
Mothers Day Out Program Philadelphia Baptist Church
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Led early learning routines for infants—age 3 including sensory activities, communication practice, social interaction, and motor development.
- Built foundational experience in behavior guidance, structure, and early childhood education.
- Fostered a nurturing environment promoting emotional and social development among children.
Residential Assistant
The Baptist College of Florida
01.2020 - 2022
- Supported residents ages 17–22 with academic, emotional, behavioral, and social needs.
- Implemented safety plans, monitored student wellbeing, and responded to crises using de-escalation strategies.
- Facilitated conflict resolution, peer mediation, accountability systems, and a supportive community culture.
- Strengthened leadership, communication, and crisis-management.
- Facilitated communication between residents and administration, enhancing resident satisfaction and engagement.
- Developed and implemented community-building activities to foster a supportive living environment.
Distance Education & Attendance Secretary to Dean
The Baptist College of Florida
01.2020 - 2022
- Maintained academic records, attendance documentation, and student files.
- Supported students and parents in navigating online learning platforms and communication systems.
- Increased clarity, accountability, and administrative efficiency.
- Managed daily attendance records and ensured system accuracy for student enrollment tracking.
- Coordinated communication between faculty, students, and parents regarding attendance policies and procedures.
- Facilitated orientation sessions for new students, enhancing their transition to campus life.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Baptist University of Florida
Graceville, FL12-2022
High School Diploma -
Smiths Station High School
Smiths Station, AL05-2018
Skills
- Individualized Instruction & Academic Differentiation
- Evidence-Based Behavior Intervention Strategies, including Functional Communication Training
- IEP Implementation, Compliance, and Progress Monitoring
- Behavior Intervention & Data-Based Decision Making
- ABA-Informed Strategies (prompting, reinforcement, shaping)
- Trauma-Informed & Relationship-Centered Teaching
- Sensory-Informed Supports & Environmental Regulation
- Functional Academics & Life Skills Instruction
- Crisis Prevention, De-escalation, and Safety Protocols
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Supports
- Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Teams
- Family Engagement & Home–School Communication
- Classroom Management & Structured Routine Design
- Professional Documentation & Data Collection
Certification
- Alabama Emergency Teaching Certificate 2025
- Registered Behavior Technician (2022–2025) — BACB
- CPR & First Aid Certified
- Mandatory Reporter Certification (Alabama DHR)
- CPI / Safety-Care Crisis Prevention & De-escalation Certification
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification
- Suicide Prevention Certification (Jason Flatt Act – AL)
- FERPA Compliance Certification
- Seclusion & Restraint Compliance Certification (Alabama and Florida)
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Samson Middle School & High School at Geneva County Schools
08.2025 - Current
Registered Behavior Technician
Great Gains Behavioral Solutions, LLC
04.2022 - 08.2025
Educational and Behavioral Support Provider
Private Family
04.2021 - 07.2025
Residential Assistant
The Baptist College of Florida
01.2020 - 2022
Distance Education & Attendance Secretary to Dean
The Baptist College of Florida
01.2020 - 2022
Early Childhood Development Teacher
Mothers Day Out Program Philadelphia Baptist Church
01.2015 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Baptist University of Florida
High School Diploma -
Smiths Station High School