Colleen Hammonds
Morgan City,LA
Summary
At St. Mary Parish School Board, I leveraged my expertise in Special Education and IEP development, alongside strong parent-teacher collaboration, to significantly enhance student engagement and performance. My proactive approach in incorporating sensory integration techniques and fostering inclusive teaching practices resulted in measurable improvements in student achievements and classroom harmony. Special Education Teacher equipped with positive attitude and patience vital to teaching children with special needs. Extensive experience creating innovative lesson plans and comfortable learning environments. Versatile Special Education Teacher with focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
St. Mary Parish School Board
08.2001 - Current
- Enhanced student motivation by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world examples into lesson plans.
- Increased parent involvement in the learning process by maintaining open communication and providing regular updates on student progress.
- Supported inclusion efforts by differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of students with special needs.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment by implementing effective behavior management strategies and promoting respect among students.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units, enhancing student understanding of connections between subjects.
- Implemented data-driven instructional practices, resulting in improved student performance on assessments and increased mastery of key concepts.
- Initiated partnerships with community organizations, connecting students with valuable resources and learning opportunities outside the classroom setting.
- Assessed student progress regularly through formative and summative assessments, adapting instruction accordingly to meet individual needs.
- Coordinated with related service providers to ensure seamless delivery of supports for students requiring additional interventions or therapies.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance, using data analysis tools to inform ongoing instructional planning and decision making.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Worked with students with moderate to severe autism to increase life skills.
- Provided life skills programming for students with moderate to severe autism.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Engaged students with specialized play and educational activities to boost learning.
- Developed and taught engaging and developmentally appropriate lesson plans to differentiate needs for learners.
- Established safe play environment for students.
- Administered, interpreted and reported student evaluations to parents and guardians.
- Developed positive relationships with colleagues and students within classroom to implement full-inclusion model.
- Assessed student achievement through data analysis and maintained appropriate documentation for school-based and individual reporting purposes.
- Redirected poor behavior using positive reinforcement method, resulting in decrease in tantrums in classroom.
- Prepared, scheduled and led IEPs to provide right help to meet child's present needs.
- Implemented positive discipline strategies to manage student behavior and build relationships.
- Collaborated with parents and communities to improve learning quality and develop individualized student programs.
Education
Master of Education Early Childhood - Early Childhood
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LA12.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Louisiana At Monroe
Monroe, LA12.2001
Skills
- Teamwork and Cooperation
- Early Intervention Strategies
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- American Sign Language
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Classroom Management
- Team Collaboration
- Parent Communication
- Instructional Strategies
- Group and individual instruction
- Child Development
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Data Management
- Social integration
- Behavior Management
Affiliations
- Morgan City Recreation and Parks Commission
- St. Mary Parish Roots and Ribbons Foundation
- NICS
Dance Instructor at Gotta Dance Studio
I have been with Gotta Dance Studio since I was 10 years old. It was the one thing I missed when I moved away to college. Once I returned home, Lisa Levy made it possible for me to continue dancing. I also began to teach dance by starting as an assistant teacher. I retired from the stage but I still teach dancing twice a week.
Additional Information
I am applying for the McKinney Vento liaison position. I am devoted to helping children of all ages and abilities. Throughout my 23 years of teaching I have some experience with children who are considered homeless in our parish. I look forward to empowering parents and students to deter this situation they may find themselves in.
Timeline
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
St. Mary Parish School Board
08.2001 - Current
Master of Education Early Childhood - Early Childhood
Nicholls State University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Louisiana At Monroe
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