Auriana Smith
Houston,TX
Summary
Dedicated special education teacher with four years of experience in self-contained classrooms, applying ABA-based interventions and individualized instruction for students with autism and significant cognitive disabilities. Skilled in behavior intervention planning, data-driven instruction, and differentiated teaching strategies to support diverse learner needs. Experienced in mentoring educators, training paraprofessionals, and facilitating professional development to enhance instructional practices in special education settings. Passionate about creating structured, supportive learning environments that foster student growth and independence.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Instructional Teacher Leader
Yes Prep Public Schools
12.2024 - 05.2025
- Facilitated high-impact professional development sessions for new, uncertified teachers enrolled in the Teaching Excellence (TE) alternative certification program.
- Provided in-session coaching and real-time feedback to support teachers in developing the knowledge, skills, and mindsets needed for success in their first year.
- Collaborated with Teaching Excellence staff and administrators toto make sessions more applicable for teachers in self-contained special education settings, ensuring professional development addressed the unique needs of students with autism and significant cognitive disabilities.
- Modeled best instructional practices and guided teachers through high-quality practice and reflection to refine their teaching techniques.
Special Education Course Facilitator
Yes Prep Public Schools
08.2023 - 12.2024
- Designed, developed, and implemented curriculum and instructional materials to support teachers in self-contained special education classrooms across the district.
- Planned and facilitated professional development sessions focused on instructional best practices, behavior management, and differentiated learning for students with significant disabilities.
- Provided professional mentorship to special education teachers, emphasizing structured teaching, communication supports, and individualized instruction.
- Collaborated with district leadership, instructional specialists, and related service providers to enhance curriculum effectiveness and improve student outcomes in self-contained settings.
- Analyzed teacher feedback and student data to refine professional development offerings and instructional strategies tailored to self-contained classrooms.
- Developed and distributed guides, lesson plans, and resource materials to support educators in delivering high-quality instruction to students with autism and other significant cognitive disabilities
Special Education Teacher
Yes Prep Public Schools
06.2022 - 05.2025
- Provide highly individualized instruction in a self-contained classroom for students in grades 1-5 with autism and significant cognitive disabilities, focusing on academic, communication, social, and life skills development.
- Develop and implement IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) with measurable goals tailored to each student's strengths, needs, and developmental levels.
- Adapt and modify the general education curriculum using multi-sensory, hands-on, and life skills-based learning approaches to promote student success.
- Provide behavioral support using ABA-based interventions, and crisis prevention strategies (such as CPI or other de-escalation techniques) to foster self-regulation and independence.
- Train, mentor, and provide ongoing professional development to special education TAs on best practices for working with students with autism and significant cognitive disabilities, including behavior management, communication strategies, data collection, and instructional support.
- Collaborate closely with paraprofessionals, related service providers (OT, PT, SLP), and general education teachers to ensure a holistic, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
- Maintain consistent communication with families, providing updates on progress, offering home support strategies, and fostering a strong school-home connection.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Conroe Independent School District
08.2021 - 06.2022
- Collaborate with the lead teacher to foster both the educational and social growth of students.
- Support the implementation of Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals and accommodations to ensure tailored student success.
- Deliver substitute lessons in various subjects during teacher meetings, ensuring continuity in learning.
- Implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and systematically document behavioral data for ongoing evaluation.
- Assist in tracking and recording students' academic progress to inform instructional decisions.
Behavior Therapist
Action Behavior Center
05.2021 - 07.2021
- Delivered individualized ABA therapy to children with Autism and developmental disabilities in a clinical setting.
- Directly implemented skill acquisition and behavior modification plans developed by the supervising BCBA during one-on-one therapy sessions.
- Prepared for discrete trial training and natural environment training by gathering therapy materials, organizing stimuli, and coordinating activities and reinforcers.
- Conducted electronic data collection to monitor progress in skill acquisition and behavior management.
- Assisted colleagues in executing Behavior Intervention Plans during episodes of escalated patient behavior, ensuring prompt and effective intervention.
Physics Teaching Assistant
Sam Houston State University
09.2019 - 12.2020
- Lead discussion sections, tutorials, and laboratory sections
- Evaluate and grade examinations, assignments, and homework and record grades
- Demonstrate use of laboratory equipment and enforce laboratory rules
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas05.2022
Skills
- Data Collection/ Progress Monitoring
- Structured Teaching
- IEP Development
- Reinforcement Strategies
- Staff Development
- Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA)/Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP)
Certification
- Texas Educator Certificate (Standard) – Special Education
- Texas Educator Certificate (Standard) – Core Subjects with STR (EC-6)
- Crisis Prevention Intervention Full Restraint Training Certificate
- Autism Partnership Foundation RBT 40-Hour Training Certificate
Research Experience
Post‑traumatic Stress and Couple Communication: The Role of Self‑compassion for Service Members and Veterans
- Auriana Smith, Amani Dotson, Rachel Dugan, & Shelley Riggs
- Presented at Texas Psychological Association 2021 Annual Conference
Timeline
Instructional Teacher Leader
Yes Prep Public Schools
12.2024 - 05.2025
Special Education Course Facilitator
Yes Prep Public Schools
08.2023 - 12.2024
Special Education Teacher
Yes Prep Public Schools
06.2022 - 05.2025
Special Education Paraprofessional
Conroe Independent School District
08.2021 - 06.2022
Behavior Therapist
Action Behavior Center
05.2021 - 07.2021
Physics Teaching Assistant
Sam Houston State University
09.2019 - 12.2020
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Sam Houston State University
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