Andrew Kirkwood
Ankeny
Summary
Competent Special Education Paraprofessional offering more than 13 years offering wealth of experience in small group instruction with children of diverse ages. Passionate about education with desire to work with students across levels. Understands importance of teaching solid study habits for testing success.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Grand View University
Des Moines, IA08.2023
Work History
Special Education Associate
Des Moines Public Schools
03.2011 - Current
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
- Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Oversaw class of students in absence of instructor.
- Set up visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
- Alerted instructor to student behavior or issues requiring intervention.
- Created positive and inclusive classroom environment by helping students develop social skills and relationships.
- Communicated with teachers and other district personnel to assist in evaluating progress and implementing IEP objectives.
- Observed students' performance and recorded relevant data to assess progress.
- Provided individualized reading, writing and math instruction to support student development.
- Collaborated with teachers and specialists to assess student progress.
- Observed individuals or groups of students in variety of settings to maintain safe and positive learning environment.
- Understood and acclimated to teacher's routine to provide classroom coverage.
- Delivered efficient instruction by assisting with lesson planning and materials preparation.
- Maintained classroom equipment and work area to promote safe learning environment and meet mandated requirements.
Building Technology Specialist
Des Moines Public Schools
08.2021 - Current
- Provided technical support to 22 clients in average time length.
- Used company troubleshooting resolution tree to evaluate technical problems and find appropriate solutions.
- Led campus in use of instructional technology to engage students in interesting and retentive learning.
Skills
- Microsoft Excel
- Social and Group Settings
- Educational Settings
- IEP Goals
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Teaching and Instruction
- Educational Strategies
- Classroom Monitoring
- Behavior Modeling
- Field Trip Supervision
- Heavy Lifting
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Data Entry Software
- Classroom Instruction
- Classroom Organization
- Microsoft Word
Timeline
Building Technology Specialist
Des Moines Public Schools
08.2021 - Current
Special Education Associate
Des Moines Public Schools
03.2011 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Grand View University