Amanda Townsend
Chesapeake,VA
Summary
Special Education Teacher with extensive experience in self-contained settings, focusing on students with multiple disabilities. Expertise in IEP development, behavior management, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance student outcomes. Committed to fostering independence and functional life skills in a supportive, student-centered learning environment.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher - Self-Contained Multiple Disabilities Classroom
Princess Anne High School
Virginia Beach, Virginia
08.2018 - Current
- Provide specialized instruction in a self-contained classroom serving students with multiple disabilities and significant support needs.
- Develop and implement individualized educational programs focused on academic, communication, functional, social, and independent living skills.
- Conducted Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and developed, implemented, and monitored Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) to enhance student success and behavioral outcomes.
- Serve as case manager, coordinating IEP development, annual reviews, progress monitoring, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Collaborate closely with Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Vision Impairment Specialists, school psychologists, nurses, and other related service providers.
- Utilize assistive technology daily, including switches, communication devices, and Proloquo2Go, to increase student communication, engagement, and independence.
- Planned and facilitated weekly Community-Based Instruction (CBI) experiences to develop functional life skills, vocational readiness, social skills, and community participation among students.
- Facilitated transition planning and collaborated with families and community agencies to prepare students for post-secondary opportunities.
- Collect and analyze data to monitor student progress and inform instructional decision-making.
- Fostered a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment, enhancing student engagement and promoting independence.
Special Education Teacher - Adapted Academic Foundations (Self-Contained)
Kempsville Middle School
Virginia Beach, Virginia
07.2014 - 07.2017
- Provided instruction in a self-contained Adapted Academic Foundations classroom for students with disabilities requiring significant academic support.
- Developed and implemented individualized education programs (IEPs) to address academic, social, behavioral, and functional goals.
- Modified curriculum and instructional materials to align with diverse student learning needs and abilities, enhancing engagement and comprehension.
- Utilized differentiated instructional strategies and evidence-based practices, resulting in increased student achievement and independence.
- Collaborated with related service providers, administrators, and families to support student growth and success.
- Monitored student progress through ongoing data collection and assessment.
- Implemented behavior support strategies and classroom management techniques, fostering a positive learning environment that encouraged student participation and growth.
- Participated in eligibility meetings, annual reviews, and multidisciplinary team planning.
- Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Special Education Inclusion Teacher
Independence Middle School
Virginia Beach, Virginia
07.2012 - 07.2014
- Provided special education services and support to students in inclusive general education classrooms.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to modify curriculum, implement accommodations, and support student success.
- Assisted students with diverse learning needs in accessing grade-level content and meeting academic goals.
- Developed and monitored Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and tracked student progress toward goals.
- Implemented behavior intervention strategies and provided individualized support.
- Maintained ongoing communication with parents, teachers, administrators, and related service providers.
- Participated in eligibility meetings, annual reviews, and multidisciplinary team meetings.
- Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Special Education Teacher
Corporate Landing Middle School
Virginia Beach, Virginia
07.2009 - 07.2012
- Co-taught in Level I self-contained special education classroom to enhance learning outcomes for students with disabilities.
- Provided instruction in Reading and Social Studies using differentiated and modified curriculum aligned with student IEP goals.
- Collaborated closely with co-teachers, related service providers, and support staff to meet students' academic and behavioral needs.
- Developed and implemented individualized instructional plans and accommodations to support student success.
- Monitored student progress through data collection, assessments, and ongoing evaluation.
- Participated in IEP development, annual reviews, and multidisciplinary team meetings.
- Communicated regularly with parents and guardians to update on student progress and align educational goals.
- Fostered structured, supportive classroom environment that facilitated academic growth and encouraged positive behavior.
- Virginia Beach City Public Schools
SECEP-Instructional Assistant
Renaissance Academy
07.2008 - 07.2009
- Provided academic and behavioral support in classroom and small-group settings.
- Assisted teachers in supporting students with special needs and behavioral challenges.
- Helped implement individualized instructional plans and behavior interventions.
- Collaborated with staff and families to promote student success.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Health, Fitness, and Recreation Resources, Exercise Science
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA05-2008
Virginia Special Education Teaching License - Mild Disabilities K-12
Old Dominion University
Skills
- Special Education Instruction
- Self-Contained Classroom Management
- Students with Multiple Disabilities
- IEP Development and Compliance
- Differentiated Instruction
- Behavior Intervention and Management
- Data Collection and Progress Monitoring
- Functional Skills Instruction
- Parent and Family Collaboration
- Team Leadership and Collaboration
- Assistive Technology
- Crisis Prevention and De-escalation
Certification
- Virginia Special Education Teaching License, Mild Disabilities K-12
- CPR/First Aid Certification
Professional Highlights
- More than 15 years of experience serving students with disabilities.
- Extensive experience in middle and high school special education settings.
- Currently teaching students with multiple disabilities in a self-contained classroom.
- Strong background in developing individualized programs that support academic, social, behavioral, and functional growth.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and families.
Timeline
Special Education Teacher - Self-Contained Multiple Disabilities Classroom
Princess Anne High School
08.2018 - Current
Special Education Teacher - Adapted Academic Foundations (Self-Contained)
Kempsville Middle School
07.2014 - 07.2017
Special Education Inclusion Teacher
Independence Middle School
07.2012 - 07.2014
Special Education Teacher
Corporate Landing Middle School
07.2009 - 07.2012
SECEP-Instructional Assistant
Renaissance Academy
07.2008 - 07.2009
Bachelor of Science - Health, Fitness, and Recreation Resources, Exercise Science
George Mason University
Virginia Special Education Teaching License - Mild Disabilities K-12
Old Dominion University