Brandy Porter
Summary
Dynamic and dedicated professional with extensive experience as a Special Education Paraprofessional at Billings Public Schools. Expert in IEP compliance and fostering inclusive learning environments. Proven ability to support students with autism and enhance social skills, while effectively collaborating with educators to achieve individual learning goals. Committed to promoting student safety and well-being.
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
School Crossing Guard, Special Education Para
Billings Schools
08.2022 - Current
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Alerted instructor to student behavior or issues requiring intervention.
- Oversaw class of students in absence of instructor.
- Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Encouraged students to participate in school activities and programs to promote well-roundedness and increase confidence.
- Observed students' performance and recorded relevant data to assess progress.
- Created positive and inclusive classroom environment by helping students develop social skills and relationships.
- Communicated with teachers and other district personnel to assist in evaluating progress and implementing IEP objectives.
- Collaborated with teachers and specialists to assess student progress.
- Used signs, hand signals and flags to control car and foot traffic conditions.
- Interrupted traffic to allow students, parents and other pedestrians to safely cross streets.
- Communicated with school administration via radio to relay potential problems or dangers.
- Developed key relationships with both adults and children through effective communication and purposeful engagement.
Preschool Teacher
Billings Christian Schools
08.2018 - 07.2022
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Assisted and supervised 16 children through entire school day.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Allowed for ample outdoor discovery time in schedule each day.
- Maintained organized, fun and interactive classroom to help children feel safe.
- Established positive communication with parents in daily conversation and formal conferences.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans.
- Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
- Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
- Assessed student progress and provided feedback on educational development.
- Established positive relationships with students and families.
- Helped new preschool children get used to classes by giving one-on-one support.
- Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
- Monitored students' academic, social, and emotional progress and recorded in individual files.
- Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
- Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
- Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
- Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
- Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
- Increased student satisfaction by frequently communicating with students about needs and adapting lessons to interests and classroom progress.
- Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students in classroom.
- Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
- Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
- Encouraged use of technology to support student learning.
- Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
Preschool Owner & Teacher
Sunshine and Snowflake's
09.2015 - 05.2018
- Attended approved training and continuing education courses to maintain certifications.
- Furnished facility with supplies, equipment, food and materials to foster social and cognitive development.
- Planned and monitored curriculum and program activities and liaised with teachers to create fun and engaging learning experiences.
- Engaged with parents and families to build positive relationships for children to thrive.
- Operated under licensing guidelines to protect health, safety and well-being of children.
- Monitored and observed child progress, interactions and behavior and reported findings to parents.
- Managed program paperwork and child records to comply with state requirements.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
University Of Montana Western
Dillon, MT01-2004
Skills
- IEP compliance
- Learning environment management
- Instructional support
- Autism and spectrum disorders
- IEP goals
- Social and group settings
- Behavioral plan management
Timeline
School Crossing Guard, Special Education Para
Billings Schools
08.2022 - Current
Preschool Teacher
Billings Christian Schools
08.2018 - 07.2022
Preschool Owner & Teacher
Sunshine and Snowflake's
09.2015 - 05.2018
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
University Of Montana Western
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