Bonita Cofield
Norfolk
Summary
Dedicated Special Education Teacher Assistant skilled in developing and implementing lesson plans to meet class learning and behavioral goals. Compassionate and responsible classroom support professional with creative and flexible approach to dealing with educational and behavioral issues. Over 14 years of experience in Special Education support roles.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher Assistant
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
4696 Princess Anne Rd Virginia Beach, VA 23462
08.2021 - 02.2025
- Monitored student progress and adjusted instruction accordingly to maximize academic achievement.
- Maintained detailed records of student progress, attendance, behaviors, and IEP goals for effective communication with all stakeholders involved in the educational process.
- Improved student behavior and engagement in the classroom through consistent enforcement of rules and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Utilized assistive technology tools to help students access curriculum materials more effectively.
- Helped classroom teachers achieve instructional objectives.
- Assisted students with physical disabilities, ensuring their safety and comfort during daily activities.
- Provided one-on-one support for students struggling with specific concepts or tasks, resulting in improved comprehension and performance.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Maintained safety and security by overseeing students in recess environments.
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Provided mobility and personal care support to students with physical limitations.
- Fostered a sense of community within the learning environment by establishing clear expectations and encouraging open dialogue between peers.
- Enhanced student understanding by adapting instructional techniques to meet individual needs and learning styles.
- Escorted students to different school locations to provide ongoing assistance.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Set up visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
- Established professional relationships with parents and other teachers to increase rapport and support.
- Understood and acclimated to teacher's routine to provide classroom coverage.
- Responded to emergency situations to resolve immediate safety concerns or direct appropriate personnel for resolution.
- Supported faculty in implementing behavioral intervention plans to address challenging student behaviors.
- Assisted with communication methods to keep parents informed about child's development and behavioral issues.
Direct Support Professional
Helping Angels Home Health Care
Norfolk, VA
09.2020 - 07.2021
- I give care to a 1-1 adult female who has early stage of dementia
- My duties are but not limited are
- Bath (Full/Partial)
- Dress/Undress
- Toileting
- Grooming
- Eating/Feeding
- Ambulation
- Turn/Change
- Vital Signs
- Self-Admin Meds
- Bowel/Bladder
- Wound Care
- ROM
- Supervision
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Clean Areas
- Supply Shopping
- Laundry
- Medical Appt
- Work/School/Social
Mental Health Technician/ Behavioral Technician
Cumberland Hospital for Children and Adolescents
New Kent County, VA
08.2019 - 09.2020
- Monitoring children/Youth and helping control excessive outbursts
- Intervention with crisis
- Facilitating different groups with the youth
- Working with children and adolescents on their behavior support plan and individual support plans
- Staff finds ways for them to utilize the facility's programs and therapists
- Assisting with ADLS and leisure activity
- CPR
- TOVA
- First Aid
- CPI 1&2
Mental Health Technician/Behavioral Technician
Southeastern Virginia Training Center
Chesapeake, VA
02.2019 - 09.2020
- Monitoring 4 adults and providing complete ADL assistance in accordance with selected self-care concepts and skills training as needed
- Provide activity/teaching group for client care needs with approval of supervisor
- Observe client care needs with approval of the supervisor
- Observe client behavior within milieu and report changes to the supervisor
- Conduct assessment and for other homes to assist staff development and skills sets
- Document observations/interventions according to provided guidelines
Direct Support Professional II
St. Mary's Children's Home
Norfolk, VA
08.2017 - 06.2019
- Assisting children from ages 7 months to 20 years old with activities of daily life
- Staff reports to nurse of any unusual finding on the children and ensure they are safe and free of any harm at all times
- Staff assists with baths, personal hygiene and 1-1 support
- Staff supports children with sign language, recreational therapy and physical therapy
- Staff will work with each individual on their goals that need to be met each quarter
- Staff follows each individualized plan use crisis intervention methods
Direct Support Professional II
Kemetic Behavioral Services
Norfolk, VA
03.2018 - 02.2019
- Level 4 Behavioral group home that provides services to three individuals with intellectual disabilities
- Staff is Certified in CPI 32-hour medication certification and Tova
- Staff can effectively write PCR/Quarterly reports
- Specializing in 1-1 clients in this home
Direct Support Professional I
Genesis HealthCare
Norfolk, VA
12.2013 - 06.2017
- My Job was working with clients with intellectual disabilities
- Some may be suffering from autism, mild retardation etc
- Complete tasks of daily living
- Such as hygiene, medication pass, grocery shopping and house chores
Education
No Degree - Medical Assistant
04-2009
High School Diploma -
06-2008
Skills
- Patience and flexibility
- Teaching strategies
- Cultural sensitivity
- Learning difficulties experience
- Emotional support
- Social skills development
- Behavioral interventions
- Nonverbal communication
- Physical disabilities assistance
- Classroom organization
- Curriculum adaptation
- Parent-teacher communication
- Personal care support
Special needs
Heavy lifting
Decision-making
Autism and spectrum disorders
Personal hygiene assistance
Reading instruction
Timeline
Special Education Teacher Assistant - Virginia Beach City Public Schools
08.2021 - 02.2025
Direct Support Professional - Helping Angels Home Health Care
09.2020 - 07.2021
Mental Health Technician/ Behavioral Technician - Cumberland Hospital for Children and Adolescents
08.2019 - 09.2020
Mental Health Technician/Behavioral Technician - Southeastern Virginia Training Center
02.2019 - 09.2020
Direct Support Professional II - Kemetic Behavioral Services
03.2018 - 02.2019
Direct Support Professional II - St. Mary's Children's Home
08.2017 - 06.2019
Direct Support Professional I - Genesis HealthCare
12.2013 - 06.2017
Everest College - No Degree, Medical Assistant
Green Run High School - High School Diploma,