April Arford
Poplar Bluff,MO
Summary
Highly motivated team player with passion for helping others. Possesses excellent organizational and communication skills and provides individualized assistance and support. Experienced in delivering guidance and education on various topics such as academics, behavior management and technology. Goal-oriented caring with students of different learning levels and backgrounds. Always ready to step in and positively impact student learning or teacher wellbeing with timely support. Reliable in maintaining orderly spaces and preparing daily materials. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Paraprofessional
Poplar Bluff R-1 School District
06.2021 - Current
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Improved classroom management by assisting teachers with behavioral interventions and monitoring student progress.
- Supervised students during non-instructional periods such as lunch, recess, or field trips, ensuring safety at all times.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing strong rapport with students, parents, and faculty members.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Enhanced student support by delivering one-on-one and small group assistance in various subjects.
- Supported special education teachers in implementing accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs.
- Supervised students on field trips for safety and proper behavior in public settings.
- Strengthened student literacy skills through targeted reading intervention programs tailored to individual needs.
- Reported on student progress, behavior, and social skills to parents.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate student progress and adjust instructional strategies as needed.
- Tailored lesson plans for students with emotional and cognitive disabilities.
- Facilitated communication between general education and special education staff, promoting effective collaboration on behalf of students'' best interests.
- Assisted classroom teacher in supervising snack time and indoor and outdoor play.
- Assisted teachers in the development of engaging lesson materials aligned with curriculum standards for various subject areas.
- Supported school initiatives by participating in professional development opportunities and collaborating with colleagues on best practices for student growth and achievement.
- Relieved classroom teacher during breaks and maintained order and structure in classroom.
- Promoted a respectful classroom culture by modeling appropriate behavior and reinforcing positive interactions among peers.
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Enhanced classroom efficiency through organizing instructional materials, managing daily schedules, and preparing resources for lessons as needed.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop and implement individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Assisted in the collection and analysis of data on student performance, contributing to ongoing progress monitoring efforts.
- Prepared instruction materials, constructed bulletin boards, and set up work areas.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve student engagement.
- Took part in professional development workshops to boost skills.
- Enforced rules and instructions to maintain discipline.
- Assisted students in developing deeper understanding of course concepts by providing one-on-one support.
- Helped teacher prepare instructional material and displays.
- Organized and led practice, research and lab assignments.
- Collaborated with parents and guardians to increase support and provide best learning environment.
- Contributed to increased student retention by providing academic support and mentoring during after-school programs.
- Provided valuable feedback on instructional practices, contributing to continuous improvement efforts within the school community.
- Increased parent engagement in their children''s education by participating in parent-teacher conferences and providing regular updates on student progress.
- Oversaw groups of students at school and off-site locations, maintaining optimal safety, and security.
- Administered tests and assessments to evaluate student progress and performance.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations by maintaining thorough documentation of services provided to students with disabilities.
- Monitored students on field trips, handling roll call, and group movement to keep youths safe in public settings.
- Assisted in the administration of standardized testing, ensuring accurate assessment of student performance levels.
- Planned and prepared bibliographies, charts and graphs.
- Developed and delivered presentations on course topics.
- Utilized answer sheets and electronic marking devices to grade homework and tests, accurately computing and recording results.
- Conducted weekly review sessions to help students prepare for exams.
- Assisted with school field trips and special events by collecting permission slips and payments.
- Monitored students in computer lab to enforce proper use of resources.
- Maintained and operated classroom equipment to maximize use and lifespan.
- Stepped into non-classroom environments such as libraries to help staff manage demand.
- Graded and provided feedback on assignments.
- Prepared reports and maintained administrative records.
- Collaborated with instructors to develop engaging lesson plans.
- Helped teachers manage bus loading and unloading.
- Cleaned, organized and restocked classrooms for upcoming classes.
- Demonstrated specific skills and activities for students to improve understanding and take excess workload off teachers.
- Assisted in maintaining engaging and respectful educational environment by promoting discipline and cooperation.
- Implemented behavior management techniques effectively to maintain a structured learning environment conducive to student success.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Teacher Education
Three Rivers Community College
Poplar Bluff, MO05.2026
Associate of Arts - Business Management
Three Rivers Community College
Poplar Bluff, MO12.2022
High School Diploma -
Twin Rivers High School
Broseley, MO05.1999
Skills
- Behavior Management
- Effective Communication
- Helping Students with Special Needs
- Small Group and Individual Assistance
- Special Education Support
- Calm and Patient Demeanor
- Teacher Support
- Data Collection
- Patient
- Classroom Organization
- Classroom support
- IEP familiarity
- CPR and First Aid
- Special Education
- Teacher Assistance
- Classroom Management
- Computer Skills
- Student Health and Safety
- Documentation
- Small Group Instruction
- Autism Spectrum Knowledge
- Emotional Support
- Instructional support
- Teacher Support and Collaboration
- Student Supervision
- Group and individual instruction
- Relationship Building
- Supervising Student Activities
- Behavior improvements
- Social Skills Training
- Behavior Modification
- Activity Planning
- Reading and Writing Support
- Progress Monitoring
- Teaching assistance
- Parent Communication
- Classroom Technology
- Differentiated Instruction
- Disability Awareness
- Safety understanding
- Schedule Management
- IEP compliance
- Conflict resolution techniques
- After-school programs
- Educational assistance
- Individual Student Assistance
- Child Development
- Clerical Support
- Crisis Management
- Preparing Instructional Materials
- Educational Support
- Reading Intervention
- Elementary Education
- Lesson Planning
- Educational Games
- Creating Visual Displays
- Activity Oversight
- Arts and crafts
- Crisis Intervention
- Life Skills Training
- Individual Instruction
- Social development and integration
- Note-taking assistance
- Student Records Management
- Multicultural Awareness
- Smartboard
- Assessment administration
- Literacy support
- Study Skills Coaching
- Enrichment Activities
- Social support
- Social integration
- Adaptive technology
- Reporting Requirements
- Activity implementation
- Strong Work Ethic and Dependable
- Communicating with Parents and Teachers
- Special Needs Support
- Motivating and Inspiring Students
- Organizational and Planning Skills
References
Donnie Alexander 573-429-8485 Personal
Leisa Alexander 573-718-1214 Personal
Shelley Ridens 573-785-5566 Work
Rebecca Rice 573-718-8660 Work
Timeline
Paraprofessional
Poplar Bluff R-1 School District
06.2021 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Teacher Education
Three Rivers Community College
Associate of Arts - Business Management
Three Rivers Community College
High School Diploma -
Twin Rivers High School
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