Overview
Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Professional Portfolio
Activities
Timeline
Generic
Amy Donica

Amy Donica

North Wilkesboro,NC

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education

Summary

High-energy professional who just completed a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education and desires an opportunity focused on advancing classroom abilities and building a career foundation. Enthusiastic about pursuing new avenues of learning, growing professionally, and building upon acquired skills. Well-organized and ready to support all students in developing their full potential. Passion and advocacy for children with exceptionalities have been my goal for 9 years along with previous years serving preschool-aged children and the elderly. I try to think outside the box when it comes to challenges to develop a solution. I’m seeking a position to strengthen and build experience by serving children from grades K-12.

Work History

Teacher's Assistant

Millers Creek Elementary
08.2023 - Current
  • Maintained safety and security by overseeing students in recess environments.
  • Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
  • Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance.
  • Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
  • Helped teachers recognize learning issues evidenced in one-to-one support instruction.
  • Collaborated with teachers for lesson preparation by preparing materials and setting up equipment.
  • Graded assignments and reported individual progress to teacher.
  • Worked with lead teacher to monitor class schedule and take attendance.
  • Documented student progress and communicated with parents to keep informed.
  • Attended training classes, parent conferences and faculty meetings to stay up-to-date on student progress.
  • Tutored struggling students individually and in small groups to reinforce learning concepts.
  • Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.

Instructional Assistant/Bedford North Lawrence High school

Bedford North Lawrence High school
Bedford , IN
09.2014 - 07.2023
  • Provide support to the special education teacher as needed for a mild-severe setting involving but not limited to: academics, health care, hygiene, emotional, physical, safety, and love
  • It involves being present, ready, steadfast, quick-thinking, continuous training, etc
  • CPR/First Aid Certified.
  • Provided one-on-one support to students with special needs, enabling them to achieve academic success.
  • Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child''s academic performance and any areas requiring additional support or intervention.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and instructional support.
  • Coordinated with other instructional assistants to ensure consistent implementation of classroom procedures and expectations across all subjects.
  • Implemented behavior management techniques to maintain a positive and focused learning environment.
  • Supervised students during non-instructional times such as lunch breaks or recess periods, maintaining safety standards at all times.
  • Supported the integration of technology into the classroom, increasing student engagement and facilitating individualized learning experiences.
  • Prepared instructional materials such as worksheets, visuals aids, or manipulatives according to teacher directives for effective lesson execution.
  • Promoted a culture of respect and inclusion within the classroom, fostering positive relationships among students from diverse backgrounds.
  • Provided feedback on student work samples allowing teachers to better understand strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Monitored student progress through ongoing assessments, adjusting instruction as needed for optimal growth.
  • Assisted educators in planning and executing field trips that reinforced curriculum content while providing hands-on learning experiences for students.
  • Assisted teachers in developing differentiated instructional strategies, resulting in improved student outcomes.
  • Applied specialized teaching techniques to reinforce social and communication skills.
  • Delivered curriculum in both one-on-one lessons and group learning environments.
  • Provided support during classes, group lessons, and classroom activities.
  • Provided support to help students with special needs learn and grow.
  • Collated classroom materials to help teachers prepare for daily instruction and activities.
  • Maintained safety and security by overseeing students in recess environments.

Reflection Facilitator/ Mulberry Elementary

Mulberry Elementary
08.2022 - 05.2023
  • Behavior intervention, assisting faculty and students as needed, substituting when necessary, and many other avenues to support students in Pre-K-5th grades
  • The main responsibility is to provide behavior intervention to help students reflect on choices that were made and offer support and guidance to overcome challenges to help them become successful in the classroom
  • If necessary, ISS intervention is utilized
  • Daily “check-ins/check-outs” are used, along with PBIS support/intervention, such as behavior sheets.

Paraprofessional/Help-at-home

Help-at-home
Bloomington , IN
01.2011 - 06.2014
  • Support and care for elderly individuals as needed per case
  • Clean homes, feed/change/bathe, and transport to and from appointments and stores.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education And Special Education

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
2020 - 2024

Skills

  • Compassionate
  • Hardworking
  • Team player
  • Creative
  • Open-minded
  • Compassionate
  • Classroom Management
  • Student Engagement
  • Instructional support
  • Special Education Assistance
  • CPR and First Aid

Professional Portfolio

Please use the following link to review my Professional Portfolio:

https://sites.google.com/view/amy-donica?usp=sharing

Activities

Working with children has always been a long-lived goal and achievement. There are many areas that I can relate to other parents in through my own experiences: low-income, single mother (for 10 years), extended families, physical triumphs, etc. I know the desire to accomplish something when the odds are against it. The will of a child is strong, but without the proper care, nourishment and nurturing, support, and encouragement, the will can become less and vanish. It is up to us to provide the love and dedication needed for each child as each of them is different and unique but special and worthy. I’ve worked and volunteered at a local Head Start program in Mitchell, IN, and served on their Policy Council for two different years as a parent advocate holding either a Vice President or President position. For 8 years (the first year as a temporary position and the other 7 holding a permanent position), I’ve worked with mild-severe high school students, learned some sign language, and have experienced hugs, bruises, sunshine, and meltdowns, but in the end, I’d do it over and over. The past 2 years have been very rewarding while working with elementary students! Their minds are fascinating to explore and enhance through engaging instruction and activities. To watch a child's eyes brighten when they learn something is a beautiful thing to experience. My heart longs for all children to grow and know their worth regardless of age, abilities, or circumstances. Each holds a special place in my heart and will forever want to plant seeds and watch them grow. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, drawing, DIYs, eating sushi, and more. I love exploring new places along with finding “Mom & Pop” diners with my husband whenever we can. I’m a daughter of an amazing God to whom I give all the credit for where I am today and where I’ll be tomorrow. He saved me and He loves me more than anyone else ever could.

Timeline

Teacher's Assistant

Millers Creek Elementary
08.2023 - Current

Reflection Facilitator/ Mulberry Elementary

Mulberry Elementary
08.2022 - 05.2023

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education And Special Education

Grand Canyon University
2020 - 2024

Instructional Assistant/Bedford North Lawrence High school

Bedford North Lawrence High school
09.2014 - 07.2023

Paraprofessional/Help-at-home

Help-at-home
01.2011 - 06.2014
Amy Donica