Versatile and dedicated teacher with focus on individual needs of special education students. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons. Exceptional communication skills working with teachers, parents and specialists to meet educational needs of students. Finding out their intrinsic motivation, and using it to empower them is my biggest strength. My best memories are with at-risk youth, and watching them walk across the graduation stage.
Work History
SpEd Paraprofessional
Utah Virtual Academy
07.2018 - 06.2020
Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
Oversaw class of students in absence of instructor.
Alerted instructor to student behavior or issues requiring intervention.
Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance and assessments.
Administered tests to class and graded papers.
Contacted parents to discuss student progress and set up meetings.
Documented student behaviors, interventions and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
Delivered personalized educational, behavioral and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs while carrying out IEP goals.
Built and maintained effective communication and relationships with students, teachers, support staff and parents.
Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
Increased proficiencies by attending professional developmental workshops on learning goals, classroom management, student motivation and engaging learning activities.
SpEd Teacher & 10th grade counselor
Itineris Early College High School
10.2017 - 06.2018
Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
Instructed students in core academic areas and specialized reading groups.
SPED Coordinator, Teacher
Mycroschool Pinellas
12.2014 - 09.2016
Maintained system required passing rate for years.
Attended and facilitated IEP meetings for students and families.
Instructed students in core educational principles, concepts and in-depth subject matter.
Devised and implemented strategies to create and maintain cohesive school community within classroom setting.
Graded and evaluated student assignments, papers and course work.
Held conferences with parents to address questions, discuss academic progress and encourage learning goals.
Enhanced student knowledge of technology by integrating various web-based applications for research and assignments.
Reviewed curriculum and devised alternate approaches to presenting lessons to increase student understanding.
3rd grade teacher
Windsor Preparatory Academy
Pinellas Park, FL
08.2013 - 06.2014
Planned and implemented integrated lessons to meet national standards.
Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
Incorporated exciting and engaging activities to achieve student participation and hands-on learning.
Fostered team collaboration between students through group projects.
Completed daily reports on attendance and disciplinary performance.
Implemented creative ways to foster curiosity for complex principles through hands-on learning and planned activities.
Reading Intervention Teacher
Pinellas County Schools
Largo, FL
01.2013 - 06.2013
Collaborated with teachers to assess needs, set objectives and discuss strategies.
Assessed and documented student progress with established goals.
Assessed and reported on each student's reading progress in accordance with policies developed by school district.
Developed interventions for students currently struggling or at risk of falling behind.
Taught Leveled Literacy Intervention lessons to individual and small groups.
Enhanced knowledge by attending training and adopting new technologies.
Gathered, organized and analyzed data on student needs and progress.
Student Advisor / Learning Network at Astravo Online Academy, Colorado Digital Academy, and Colorado Virtual AcademyStudent Advisor / Learning Network at Astravo Online Academy, Colorado Digital Academy, and Colorado Virtual Academy