Carolyn Jefferies
JACKSONVILLE,FL
Summary
Dedicated Special Education Teacher with 8 years of experience in curriculum development for students with diverse intellectual, psychological and emotional needs. Strong background in teaching students with special needs and disabilities. Proven leader with track record in planning and implementing customized lessons for students based on individual physical, emotional and mental abilities. Well-versed in teaching and caring for students with different disabilities. Personable and empathetic communicator when working with students, parents, colleagues and administrators.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Varying Exceptionalities Teacher
Ruth N. Upson Elementary School
Jacksonville, FL
08.2021 - Current
- Trained and lead our ESE Team on best practices for developing and implementing Individual Education Plans and working with students with varying exceptionalities in the General Education setting.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with varying exceptionalities, ensuring appropriate accommodations and services were provided.
- Led IEP meetings to ensure effective communication between parents, administrators, support staff, and other stakeholders regarding student progress.
- Collaborated with special education team to create an inclusive classroom environment, promoting the success of all students.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Maintained records and progress reports for each student.
- Established positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues through open communication and mutual respect, creating a collaborative educational community.
- Participated in ongoing professional development to stay current on research-based instructional strategies for teaching students with diverse needs.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
Varying Exceptionalities Teacher
Ruth N. Upson Elementary School
Jacksonville, FL
08.2016 - 08.2021
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Assessed learning needs and developed IEPs, FBAs and PBIPs for ESE students with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities.
- Led IEP meetings to ensure effective communication between parents, administrators, support staff, and other stakeholders regarding student progress.
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with varying exceptionalities, ensuring appropriate accommodations and modifications were provided.
Reading Interventionist
Ruth N. Upson Elementary School
Jacksonville, FL
08.2014 - 08.2016
- Supported the development of phonemic awareness and decoding skills through targeted activities, promoting fluent reading in struggling learners.
- Interpreted student assessment data to ascertain best intervention methods.
- Conducted small group sessions to provide targeted support, fostering a positive learning environment and boosting confidence in reading abilities.
- Actively participated in professional learning communities focused on literacy instruction, sharing best practices and staying current with evolving educational trends.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education And Applied Behavior Analysis
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, FL05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising
University of North Texas
Denton, TX08.1997
Skills
- Autism Spectrum Knowledge
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Collaborative Teaching
- Lesson Planning
- Data-driven decision-making
- Social Skills Training
- Literacy Interventions
- Instructional Adaptations
- Assessing students
- Student Engagement
- Progress Monitoring
- IEP development
- Motivating students
- Social Skills Development
- Group and individual instruction
- Behavior Modification Techniques
Certification
- Professional Educator Certificate Exceptional Student Education K-12
- Professional Reading Endorsement
Timeline
Lead Varying Exceptionalities Teacher
Ruth N. Upson Elementary School
08.2021 - Current
Varying Exceptionalities Teacher
Ruth N. Upson Elementary School
08.2016 - 08.2021
Reading Interventionist
Ruth N. Upson Elementary School
08.2014 - 08.2016
Master of Science - Special Education And Applied Behavior Analysis
University of North Florida
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising
University of North Texas