CANDACE THIBODEAUX
Special Education Leader
Orlando,FL
Summary
Highly committed, student-focused, and multifaceted educator, with broad-based experience in providing academic and social guidance to a wide population of students with mental, learning, and behavioral disabilities. Expert at implementing individualized education program and utilizing innovative teaching techniques and tools to maximize students’ learning potential based on their varying learning styles and special needs. Recognized for demonstrating strong work ethic and dedication to establish a positive and engaging environment that fosters the love of learning. Armed with articulate communication and interpersonal capabilities to communicate and build productive working relationships with teachers, students, and parents to secure positive academic outcomes.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Special Education Teacher /SLD Teacher
Orange County Public School District
Orlando , FL
08.2021 - Current
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
Lead Special Education Teacher /Assistant Sped Coordinator
Baltimore City Schools
Baltimore , MD
07.2019 - 06.2021
- Provide effective and differentiated classroom instruction to variety of neurodiversity students
- Develop innovative learning and content strategies in alignment with the needs of mentally and physically disabled students
- Manage and complete all individualized education program (IEP)-related tasks including:
- Design of IEP through application of developmental practices and educational theories to attain educational objectives
- Assistance to general education teachers and administrators with implementation of strategies in accordance with needs of students with IEPs
- Establishment of IEPs to outline student learning objectives and educational strategies, while implementing instructional knowledge and methodologies to assist fulfillment of goals; and
- Placement of students in the best educational settings in conjunction with IEP Team
- Spearhead all hybrid instructions for all grades for students with disabilities
- Efficiently deal with students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs
- Educate students in various settings, including self-contained and resource environments
- Build connections and strong student rapport to drive classroom engagement, while monitoring and documenting student progress for reference of parents and school administration
- Facilitate multiple subjects to students with intellectual and emotional disabilities
- Organize conferences with parents and students to evaluate student progress, modify academic plans, and renew enrollments
- Efficiently handle concerns and needs of children through direct coordination with parents
- Apply family-centered and strength-based approach in overseeing IEP meetings
- Administer the planning and assessment of goals, policies, and activities to meet educational objectives and performance standards
- Execute a small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs
- Career Highlights:
- Enhanced teaching techniques by mentoring special education teachers
- Stimulated student success in project-based learning by identifying and implementing new methodologies and tools
- Successfully bridged learning gaps by providing effective instruction to students through teaching aids and motivational strategies
Lead Teacher
Crossroads Christian School
Green Cove Springs , FL
08.2017 - 06.2019
- Educated variety of neurodiversity students in a classroom setting
- Made use of various instructional techniques and technologies in updating general education curriculum for students with disabilities
- Taught 20-25 students with intellectual and emotional disabilities on multiple subjects
- Led the preparation of instructional materials and reports
- Supervised and guided students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs
- Integrated technology on facilitating classrooms instructions that optimized student progress and understanding of course material
- Career Highlights:
- Drove significant improvement on student academic performance through expansion of teaching techniques
- Increased student engagement and understanding of material through deployment of instructional strategies and hands-on activities.
RTI Interventionist
ReNEW Schools
New Orleans , LA
07.2015 - 08.2017
- Conducted assessment on students reading comprehension and vocabulary
- Collaborated with teachers in designing lesson plans based on set curriculums
- Evaluated literacy needs of school through keen review of student data and current curriculum
- Arranged group and individual reading discussions to determine student reading levels
- Maintained active involvement on training classes to optimize tutoring practices and identify new tutoring techniques
- Generated reading lists for students in accordance with personal interests and reading levels
- Career Highlight:
- Improved student spelling, vocabulary, and reading abilities by assigning regular homework.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
Education
Specialist of Education - Special Education Instruction And Curriculum
05.2020 - 05.2021
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice
05.2012 - 05.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
08.2008 - 06.2012
Skills
Data Driven and Special Education Instructionundefined
Timeline
Special Education Teacher /SLD Teacher - Orange County Public School District
08.2021 - Current
Liberty University - Specialist of Education, Special Education Instruction And Curriculum
05.2020 - 05.2021
Lead Special Education Teacher /Assistant Sped Coordinator - Baltimore City Schools
07.2019 - 06.2021
Lead Teacher - Crossroads Christian School
08.2017 - 06.2019
RTI Interventionist - ReNEW Schools
07.2015 - 08.2017
Saint Leo University - Master of Arts, Criminal Justice
05.2012 - 05.2014
Saint Leo University - Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice
08.2008 - 06.2012
Similar Profiles
Sasha KocurSasha Kocur
Information Technology Intern at Orange County Public School DistrictInformation Technology Intern at Orange County Public School District
Nydia ColonNydia Colon
Teacher at Orange County Public School DistrictTeacher at Orange County Public School District
Briana LowdermilkBriana Lowdermilk
7th Grade English and Language Arts Teacher at Orange County Public School District7th Grade English and Language Arts Teacher at Orange County Public School District