Audra Whitley
Kathleen
Summary
Experienced with developing and implementing individualized behavior plans that enhance student success. Utilizes evidence-based strategies to address behavioral challenges and promote positive learning environment. Knowledge of effective communication and de-escalation techniques to support safe and inclusive classroom.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Houston County School District
Northside Middle School
07.2024 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans to meet diverse student needs academically and behaviorally.
- Improved student behaviors by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Developed and executed behavioral intervention plans, leading to decrease in disruptive behaviors and increase in classroom participation.
- Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess student progress and modify interventions.
- Analyzed student performance data to drive curriculum adjustments and improve outcomes.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
Department Chair of Student Services
Warner Robins High School
07.2018 - 07.2024
- Provide social-emotional support to students in the autism support program and interrelated program, helping them develop coping strategies and self-regulation skills
- Use Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) to provide consistent expectations and reinforcements
- Develop and implement Individual Education Plans that promote academic, social, behavioral, and transitional development for students with disabilities
- Provide specialized instruction and support to students with diverse learning and behavioral needs
- Utilize progress monitoring data to adjust academic and behavioral goals to provide targeted support for students
- Collect data for functional behavioral assessments and develop behavior intervention plans for students with a range of behavioral challenges
- Collaborate with teachers across departments and support staff to ensure the continuity of services and supports for students with disabilities
- Communicate regularly with students and parents to provide updates on student progress of goals and solicit feedback on how to better support their child.
- Provide leadership and guidance to department staff, including training and professional development opportunities to promote growth and success within the team
- Coordinate teacher and paraprofessional schedules to best accommodate students' needs
- Assist school counselors with course scheduling of students with disabilities
- Organize and complete FTE data reports for student services department
- Analyzed student performance data to identify areas for improvement and drive targeted interventions.
- Promoted a positive school culture through effective communication and conflict resolution strategies among staff and students.
- Participated in the hiring processes, selecting top-tier candidates to join the department's talented team of educators.
- Organize and implement the credit recovery program for students who are off track for graduation
- Manage the testing lab to ensure students are receiving their accommodations
- Actively participate in Guided Coalition Team (Leadership Team)
- Assist with Special Needs Prom and Evening Advisement
General Education Math and Science Teacher
York County School District - Tabb Middle School
09.2005 - 06.2017
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans focused on the core concepts of math and science subjects for students in the general education setting
- Utilized a variety of teaching methods and instructional strategies to cater to diverse learning styles and abilities within the classroom
- Established a positive and inclusive learning environment that encouraged student participation and fostered a love for learning in math and science
- Collaborated with colleagues to align curriculum and assessments with state standards and ensure student success in standardized tests and assessments
- Provided ongoing support and feedback to students to enhance their understanding and proficiency in math and science concepts, leading to measurable academic growth.
- Assessed student progress through various evaluation methods, providing constructive feedback.
Special Education Teacher
Paulding County School District, Lena Moses Middle School
09.2001 - 06.2003
- Provided specialized instruction and support to students with diverse learning needs in an interrelated EBD program at the middle school level
- Implemented behavior management techniques and interventions to support students with emotional and behavioral challenges in achieving their academic goals
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team of educators, administrators, and parents to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students
- Developed and implemented Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with various disabilities, ensuring that each student's unique needs were met
- Conducted ongoing assessments and progress monitoring to track student performance and make data-driven instructional decisions for continuous improvement
- Worked closely with families to develop home-school partnerships and provide resources for supporting their child's learning and behaviors outside of school
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team of educators, administrators, and parents to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students
General Education Math Teacher
Cobb County School District
08.1994 - 08.2000
- Utilized various teaching strategies and technology tools to enhance student understanding and retention of math concepts
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans that align with state standards and cater to diverse learning styles
- Provided individualized support to students with special learning or behavioral needs or those who were struggling in math
- Collaborated with colleagues to create interdisciplinary lessons that connect math to real-world applications
- Fostered a positive and inclusive classroom environment that promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and a love for learning math
Education
Education Specialist - Special Education
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA08-2022
Masters - Education
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA06-1997
Bachelors of Science - Middle Grades Education
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA12-1993
Skills
- Compassionate and flexible
- Individual Educational Planning
- Special Education Instruction
- Effective classroom management
- Functional behavior assessments
- Conflict resolution techniques
- De-escalation techniques
- Sensory integration
- Emotional support
- Inclusion strategies
- Strong Interpersonal Skills
- Assessment and Data Analysis
- Leadership Abilities
- Team collaboration
Certification
- Georgia Special Education General Curriculum (P-12)
- Georgia Middle Grades (4-8) Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Houston County School District
07.2024 - Current
Department Chair of Student Services
Warner Robins High School
07.2018 - 07.2024
General Education Math and Science Teacher
York County School District - Tabb Middle School
09.2005 - 06.2017
Special Education Teacher
Paulding County School District, Lena Moses Middle School
09.2001 - 06.2003
General Education Math Teacher
Cobb County School District
08.1994 - 08.2000
Masters - Education
Kennesaw State University
Bachelors of Science - Middle Grades Education
Kennesaw State University
Education Specialist - Special Education
University of West Georgia