Benjamin C. Watson
Aubrey
Summary
Experienced with coordinating specialized educational programs tailored to individual student needs. Utilizes strong organizational skills and collaborative techniques to enhance student outcomes. Knowledge of curriculum development and behavioral intervention to support diverse learners effectively.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Coordinator
Prosper ISD
07.2021 - Current
- Assist the Direct of Special Education in the management and supervision of the district's Special Education program
- Maintain primary responsibility for the evaluation process and appraisal staff, serving as supervisor/evaluator (in collaboration with principals) for appraisal personnel
- Consult with teachers, principals, and staff regarding referrals, implementation of appraisals for eligibility, resource materials, and evaluation procedures/instruments utilized in the area of special education
- Support collaboration between Special Education and General Education to promote coordination for programs, and to provide the least restrictive environment, as appropriate to meet each student's individual needs
- Maintain confidentiality of student and staff information in alignment with federal and state law, and train campus and department staff yearly to ensure compliance
- Maintain appropriate communication channels with district, department, and campus staff, while being open to suggestions for improving department effectiveness
- Assist in the identification of needs for the Special Education Department, the prioritizing topics for professional development, and the facilitation of appropriate in-service activities for staff
- Assist in ensuring that department operations contribute to the attainment of district goals and objectives, and in providing FAPE to each student with special needs
Behavior Specialist
Prosper ISD
08.2018 - 05.2021
- Behavior Specialist supporting both secondary and elementary campuses
- Design and develop Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP) and provide support to staff in implementing classroom management strategies
- Monitor effectiveness of BIP's and recommend changes as needed
- Conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) based on student observations, parent/teacher input, and input from home/community environments
- Participate in admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) meetings and work with collaboratively with parents, teachers, and other staff members to ensure success in meeting Individual Educational Plan (IEP) goals
- Manage student behavior and intervene in crisis situations by using Non-violent Crisis Prevention Intervention techniques as necessary
- Identify staff development needs, develop and present trainings, and coach campus personnel to continually develop and enhance behavioral assessment and intervention skills
Behavior Transition Classroom (BTC) Teacher
Prosper High School
08.2017 - 05.2018
- Behavior Transition Classroom (BTC) teacher for grades 9-12
- Teach and research behavioral strategies to help students overcome significant social/behavioral challenges across all social/academic settings
- Create and teach daily social skills that focus on expected vs
- Unexpected behaviors in variety of social situations students will encounter
- Implement de-escalation strategies and cool-down procedures if necessary
- Teach students study skills that help promote organization, responsibility, and time management to help them progress academically and become more independent
- Create schedules and delegate tasks to paraprofessionals to ensure each student's Individual Education Program (IEP) is being met in every aspect
- Knowledge and experience of working with students with Autism and behavioral challenges
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communications / Business Minor
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX08.2012
Masters - Educational Leadership
University of North Texas
Denton, TX12.2021
Skills
- Collaborative leadership
- Interpersonal communication
- Strong work ethic
- Problem-solving
- Crisis management
- Special education law
Certification
- Special Education Certification (EC-12)
- Generalist Certification (4-8)
- Texas Teacher Certification Program, 06/01/14
Timeline
Special Education Coordinator
Prosper ISD
07.2021 - Current
Behavior Specialist
Prosper ISD
08.2018 - 05.2021
Behavior Transition Classroom (BTC) Teacher
Prosper High School
08.2017 - 05.2018
Masters - Educational Leadership
University of North Texas
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communications / Business Minor
Texas State University