Dawna Spencer
Tucson,AZ
Summary
Talented Special Education Teacher focused on meeting student academic and emotional needs. Compassionate and caring in delivery of personalized, hands-on support and lessons targeted to specific learning needs and strengths. Leverages strong communication skills and patient nature to provide positive reinforcement in team-based, structured environments.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Amphitheater School District
Tucson, AZ
08.2019 - Current
- Analyzed student data and prescribed remediation and enrichment to meet learning needs.
- Collaborated with other educational personnel to provide inclusive activities or programs for children with disabilities.
- Employed cutting-edge teaching technologies to meet learning objectives and enhance student experience.
- Coordinated development and implementation of students Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
- Collected data via direct student observation and consultation with classroom teachers regarding student behaviors.
- Utilized consulting skills for implementation and maintenance of intervention plans.
- Created positive reinforcement systems to encourage desired behaviors in clients.
- Promoted parent and teacher partnerships and communications to support students' educational goals.
- Maintained student and special educations records, confidential reports and behavioral data.
- Participated in trainings and workshops related to behavioral health topics such as trauma informed care or cultural sensitivity.
- Monitored students' academic progress, mental health and sociability through ongoing individual assessments.
- Presented student behavioral data during IEP meetings to determine plan changes and progress.
- Maintained schedule of class assignments to meet deadlines.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Established positive relationships with students through effective communication skills.
- Referred to district standards to plan lessons and prepare students to take standardized assessments.
- Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
- Engaged with children individually to meet emotional and physical needs.
- Built relationships with students and guardians through active communication and positive feedback.
- Created interactive classroom atmosphere to maintain student interest and facilitate learning.
- Cultivated classroom environment focused on inclusion and growth, fostering both social and academic development.
- Built structure, order and calm environment by enforcing rules for behavior and procedures of learning.
- Created and maintained a safe, orderly and productive classroom environment.
- Integrated technology into the curriculum to enhance student engagement and understanding of concepts.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students based on variety of instructional techniques and technologies.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in education.
- Instructed students individually and in groups using varied teaching methods.
- Created and adapted lessons to fit children's needs and learning styles.
- Maintained positive classroom culture through behavior management techniques.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Amphitheater School District
Tucson, AZ
10.2016 - 08.2019
- Organized instructional materials for use in the classroom setting.
- Instructed small groups of students in alphabet, shapes and color recognition.
- Motivated students to achieve academic success while fostering an environment of respect and acceptance.
- Monitored behavior of students in order to ensure a safe, positive learning environment.
- Managed class of special education students in absence of lead teacher.
- Prepared handouts, study materials and other teaching aids.
- Collaborated with teacher to develop personalized and successful learning strategies.
- Provided supplemental supervision in classrooms, schoolyards, and cafeterias.
- Provided feedback on how well a student is progressing towards meeting their IEP goals.
- Implemented behavior management strategies designed by special education staff members.
- Assisted with transitioning from one activity to another throughout the day as needed by the student.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY05-1994
Mild-Moderate Special Education
Pima Community College
Tucson, AZSkills
- Lesson Planning
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Instructional Strategies
- Data Management
- Communication
- Organization
- Time Management
- Positivity
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Amphitheater School District
08.2019 - Current
Special Education Paraprofessional
Amphitheater School District
10.2016 - 08.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University of Louisville
Mild-Moderate Special Education
Pima Community College