Ashley Sparks
Special Education Teacher
Spring,Texas
Summary
Versatile Special Education Teacher with focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on and virtual lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Gaining Appropriate Behavior SPED Teacher
Aldine ISD (Stephens Elementary)
Houston, TX
11.2021 - Current
- Taught math, reading, language arts and social sciences in self-contained Emotional Disturbance classroom.
- Communicated verbally and nonverbally with emotionally disturbed children to provide comfort, encouragement and positive reinforcement.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Completed intensive behavior training and provided training to teacher aids on maintaining positive behavior (Nonviolent Crisis Intervention) .
- Led activities and guided teacher aids in order to develop students' physical, emotional and social growth.
- Designed and implemented point system to encourage positive behavior.
Special Education Inclusion/Special Education Inclusion/Resource/Teacher
Aldine ISD (Stephens Elementary)
Houston, TX
08.2020 - Current
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade levels.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Collaborated with 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade general education Math, English Language Arts, and Science teachers during all planning periods in order to implement modifications and accommodations for all special education students at Stephens Elementary.
- Designed and implemented point system to encourage positive behavior.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
Summer School Teacher
Kids R Kids Learning Academy
Spring, United States
05.2021 - 07.2022
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning for all students from ages 3-4.
- Built positive relationships with students, parents and team members to achieve smooth and productive communication.
- Requested and restocked supplies for classroom and outdoor plans.
- Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers and letters.
- Provided varied opportunities using multiple learning styles for children's active participation experimentation and problem-solving within structured setting.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Promoted sensory development by providing access to different textures.
- Maintained organized, fun and interactive classroom to help children feel safe.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Assisted and supervised no more than 15 children through entire school day.
- Allowed for ample outdoor discovery time in schedule each day.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
4th and 5th Grade Math Teacher (Virtual)
Varnett Public Charter School
Houston, TX
05.2020 - 07.2020
- Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss virtual instructional strategies for 4th and 5th grade students through Zoom, Google Meets, and Google Classroom.
- Supervised learning groups of students in virtual break out groups.
- Enhanced student knowledge of technology by integrating various web-based applications for research and assignments.
- Devised and implemented strategies to create and maintain cohesive school community within virtual classroom setting.
- Completed daily reports on attendance and disciplinary performance.
- Fostered team collaboration between students through virtual group projects.
5th and 6th Grade Math Teacher
Varnett Public Charter School
Houston, Texas
10.2019 - 07.2020
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement by planning different activities in order to foster all learning styles.
- Planned 5th grade and 6th math lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Stayed abreast of new trends in education by attending professional development courses and in-service trainings with all Math teachers in the Varnett Charter School District.
- Established and enforced rules of according to individual students behavior intervention behavior plans and 504 plans to drive social development and maintain positive interactions.
6th Grade Resource Math Teacher
Pasadena ISD (Rick Schneider Middle School)
Houston, TX
08.2018 - 09.2019
- Provided meaningful math instruction to improve the individual math skills of children.
- Assessed informal and formal class assignments, determined grades and reviewed work in small groups with struggling students to boost success chance.
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics with the 6th grade general education teachers during assigned PLCs.
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways such as Prodigy and Dreambox.
- Attended all required ARDs in order to review student progress and implement new goals for each special education student.
Special Education Instructional Assistant
Aldine ISD (MacArthur High School)
Houston, Texas
08.2017 - 06.2018
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance for students with a variety of disabilities.
- Prepared learning materials, helping teachers prepare for daily instruction to high school students with autism, down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, and multiple disabilities.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Kept classrooms clean, neat and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated verbally and non verbally with each student depending on their communication abilities.
- Collaborated with the main teacher and teacher's aid to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Prairie View A & M University
Prairie View, TX 08.2012 - 05.2017
Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences
Prairie View A & M University
Prairie View, TX 08.2012 - 05.2017
Master of Science - Biology
University of Houston - Clear Lake
Houston, TX 08.2017 - 05.2019
Skills
Special education
Student records management
Conflict resolution techniques
Lesson Planning
Group and individual instruction
Elementary education
Middle school education
Classroom management
Student counseling
Differentiated instruction
Decision Making
Google Workspace
Certification
Standard EC-6 Classroom Teacher
Timeline
Standard EC-6 Classroom Teacher
01-2025
Standard Special Education Classroom Teacher EC-12
01-2025
Educational Aide II
01-2023
Gaining Appropriate Behavior SPED Teacher
Aldine ISD (Stephens Elementary)
11.2021 - Current
Summer School Teacher
Kids R Kids Learning Academy
05.2021 - 07.2022
Special Education Inclusion/Special Education Inclusion/Resource/Teacher
Aldine ISD (Stephens Elementary)
08.2020 - Current
4th and 5th Grade Math Teacher (Virtual)
Varnett Public Charter School
05.2020 - 07.2020
5th and 6th Grade Math Teacher
Varnett Public Charter School
10.2019 - 07.2020
6th Grade Resource Math Teacher
Pasadena ISD (Rick Schneider Middle School)
08.2018 - 09.2019
Special Education Instructional Assistant
Aldine ISD (MacArthur High School)
08.2017 - 06.2018
Master of Science - Biology
University of Houston - Clear Lake
08.2017 - 05.2019
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Prairie View A & M University
08.2012 - 05.2017
Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences
Prairie View A & M University
08.2012 - 05.2017