Ashley Mefford
Tinley Park,IL
Summary
Successful at providing classroom and emotional structure for special needs children required to flourish in academic setting. Certified and licensed in Illinois and recognized as highly qualified educator. Coordinates well with classroom teachers with supportive strategies for behavior management and lesson accommodations for students. Knows the importance of working collaboratively, creating differentiated work and being a life long learner.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Speed SEJA District 802
Chicago Heights, IL
08.2014 - Current
- 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).
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional and social growth.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
Journalism Intern
22nd Century Media
Tinley Park, IL
06.2009 - 08.2009
- Wrote news stories, developed leads and constructed headlines.
- Completed assigned pieces and developed independent stories.
- Established and maintained relationships with credible sources.
- Followed-up on leads for information regarding news and events.
- Covered special events and breaking news with eye for detail and tenacious pursuit of important information.
- Selected material to develop interesting and professional presentations for different formats.
News Reporter
Daily Eastern News
Charleston, IL
09.2007 - 04.2009
- Interviewed individuals from all walks of life and all cultures for breaking news stories.
- Researched and produced daily news reports.
- Presented news by researching, developing and covering field news events.
- Monitored breaking news for information on incidents, events and topics of interest to quickly assign coverage to staff.
- Reported to Editor-In-Chief about news articles for print, daily staff happenings and creation of company newsletter.
- Developed original stories and curated content from national news organizations to provide wide variety of coverage.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
Saint Xavier University
Chicago, IL12.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL05.2009
Skills
- Instructional Strategies
- Classroom Management
- Admission, Review and Dismissal Process
- Curriculum Adjustments
- Motivating Students
- Material Selection
- Progress Evaluations
- In-Depth Knowledge of Autism
- Behavior Modification
- Conflict Resolution Techniques
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
Certification
PEL
Kami Certified Educator
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Speed SEJA District 802
08.2014 - Current
Journalism Intern
22nd Century Media
06.2009 - 08.2009
News Reporter
Daily Eastern News
09.2007 - 04.2009
Master of Arts - Special Education
Saint Xavier University
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Eastern Illinois University
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