Amy Dodson
Educator
Tullahoma,TN
Summary
Accomplished PreK Special Education Teacher with a proven track record at Bedford County School System, adept at developing standards-based IEPs and employing a variety of behavior modification techniques. Skilled in AAC device implementation and fostering collaborative relationships, significantly enhancing learning outcomes for students with special needs. Expert in Special Education Law, ensuring compliance and advocacy for student rights. Resilient Special Education Teacher familiar with challenges associated with teaching special needs children. Remains positive under times of stress or conflict. Works well with classroom teachers to develop accommodations and special techniques for mainstream classroom inclusion. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
PreK Special Education Teacher- 619
Bedford County School System
08.2019 - Current
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Developed and executed behavioral intervention plans, leading to decrease in disruptive behaviors and increase in classroom participation.
- Collaborated with parents and other educators to develop comprehensive support plans, promoting student success.
- Enhanced communication skills in non-verbal students through integration of alternative and augmentative communication systems.
- Conducted assessments to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement, informing instructional strategies.
PreK Special Education Teacher 619/
Tullahoma City Schools
07.2014 - 07.2019
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Fostered positive learning environment, reducing classroom disruptions through effective behavior management strategies.
- Utilized data from student assessments to tailor instruction, resulting in more effective learning outcomes.
- Conducted assessments to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement, informing instructional strategies.
- Enhanced communication skills in non-verbal students through integration of alternative and augmentative communication systems.
- Organized and led professional development sessions for colleagues on inclusive education strategies, improving school-wide support for students with disabilities.
- Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
Behavior Modification Teacher
Tullahoma City Schools
08.2008 - 07.2014
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Handle With Care District Trainer
- Assistive Technology Coordinator for the district
- Collaboratively worked with outside agencies to help meet the needs of my students.
- Led professional development workshops for peers on effective classroom management techniques.
Assistant Director/ Teacher
Middle Tennessee State University- Project HELP
06.2003 - 07.2008
- Assisted the Director in developing innovative programs to improve students'' academic performance and developmental growth.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners to enhance educational opportunities for students.
- Coordinated field trips or off-campus activities that promote experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom setting.
- Led professional development workshops on topics such as classroom management, differentiated instruction, and assessment strategies, communication strategies, and how to work with students with Sensory Integrations difficulties.
- Ensured compliance with state education standards by regularly reviewing curriculum materials and teaching practices.
- Fostered a positive school culture by promoting open communication among staff members and celebrating successes together as a team.
- Taught college classes on topics such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication strategies. PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) and Sensory Integration techniques and strategies.
PreK Autsim Teacher
Glynn County Schools
07.2001 - 06.2003
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
- Model Autism Classroom for the district and surrounding districts that served as a training facility for teachers to know how to set up their classroom and how to teacher students on the Autism Spectrum.
- Implemented ABA strategies including but not limitied to, Modeling and Discrete Trial Training
- Conducted ongoing professional development in educational technology, keeping teaching approach current and effective.
- Member of the Assistive Technology Team for the district
- Conducted and implemented Assistive technology evaluations for students.
Education
No Degree - Doctorate- Child And Youth Studies- Autism
Nova Southeastern University
Davie, FL 05.2001 -
Master of Science - Early Childhood Special Education
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Special Education
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 05.2001 -
Skills
Develop and Implement standards based IEPs
Develop and Implement a variety of Behavior Modification Techniques
Implement the use of AAC devices
Implement and utilize a variety of Sensory Integration Techniques
Work collaboratively with colleagues
Highly trained in Special Education and Special Education and School Law
Timeline
PreK Special Education Teacher- 619
Bedford County School System
08.2019 - Current
PreK Special Education Teacher 619/
Tullahoma City Schools
07.2014 - 07.2019
Behavior Modification Teacher
Tullahoma City Schools
08.2008 - 07.2014
Assistant Director/ Teacher
Middle Tennessee State University- Project HELP
06.2003 - 07.2008
PreK Autsim Teacher
Glynn County Schools
07.2001 - 06.2003
No Degree - Doctorate- Child And Youth Studies- Autism
Nova Southeastern University
05.2001 -
Master of Science - Early Childhood Special Education
University of Tennessee
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Special Education
University of Tennessee
05.2001 -