Debra LaGrange
Mont Belvieu,TX
Summary
Compassionate Substitute Teacher with distinguished knowledge of child development. Skilled at working closely with students to maintain progression and control behavioral issues. Committed to keeping up with lesson plans while keeping classrooms fun.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Teacher
BHISD
02.2024 - Current
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
- Organized and cleaned teaching areas after daily use to maintain high standards for returning teachers or other substitutes.
- Enhanced classroom management by implementing positive reinforcement strategies and maintaining clear expectations for behavior.
- Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
- Provided instruction for students in core subject areas.
- Kept accurate and current attendance records and assignment sheets to maintain file compliance.
- Adapted lesson plans and student activities to meet needs of students with special learning needs.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Promoted a collaborative learning environment through group projects and peer-to-peer activities, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
- Assigned, explained and graded homework.
- Provided support to special education students in inclusive classrooms, developing accommodations and modifications to meet their unique needs.
- Increased student comprehension by utilizing differentiated instruction methods tailored to individual learning styles.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, grades, and progress reports, ensuring timely submission to administration for reporting purposes.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and research-based teaching strategies for continuous improvement in practice.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to students, parents and school administrators.
- Incorporated technology into learning to enhance student engagement and learning.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop innovative approaches to teaching.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans to accommodate varied student learning styles.
- Evaluated student performance using formative assessments to provide targeted feedback while concurrently adjusting lesson plans based on data-driven insights.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
- Supported extracurricular activities such as tutoring sessions or after-school clubs by providing supervision or leading specific programs related to subject expertise.
- Strengthened parent-teacher communication through proactive outreach via conferences, phone calls, and email updates on student progress.
- Contributed to school-wide improvements in standardized test scores by aligning lesson plans with curriculum standards and objectives.
- Followed lesson plans designed by absent teachers.
- Enforced school and class rules to maintain order in classroom.
- Implemented classroom management techniques to maintain positive learning environment.
- Monitored student behavior and administered discipline as needed.
- Collaborated with other educators to plan and review instruction.
- Monitored student performance and provided feedback to inform instruction.
- Assisted students in mastering subject material and preparing for tests.
- Utilized variety of instructional strategies to meet individual student needs.
- Developed creative instructional strategies to keep students engaged and motivated.
- Researched and selected age-appropriate materials and resources for classroom instruction.
- Documented student progress and provided regular updates to parents.
- Developed lesson plans to align with grade-level standards and objectives.
- Conferred with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
- Attended professional meetings, educational conferences or teacher training workshops to improve professional competence.
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
GCCISD
08.2021 - Current
- Took over class for regular classroom teacher, managing assignments, student needs, and recordkeeping.
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
- Utilized differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning needs within the classroom effectively.
- Organized lesson plans using teaching software for long-term interim assignments.
Nursery Director
Second Baytown
02.2019 - 02.2023
- Enhanced children''s overall well-being through incorporating physical activity, healthy meal options, and mindfulness practices into daily routines.
- Fostered an inclusive environment that embraced diversity among children, staff members, and families in the nursery community.
- Enhanced parent satisfaction by implementing a welcoming and supportive environment for families.
- Managed budget effectively to maximize resources for educational materials, staff salaries, and facility improvements.
- Strengthened communication between parents and staff by implementing user-friendly digital platforms for updates on children''s progress and important announcements.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop individualized learning plans for children with special needs or developmental delays.
- Established strong relationships with parents, staff, and the local community by organizing regular meetings and events.
- Ensured compliance with all state regulations and licensing requirements through diligent record-keeping and consistent communication with relevant authorities.
- Contributed to the overall success of the nursery by maintaining a strong presence in daily operations, leading by example, and ensuring high-quality care and education for all children.
- Evaluated program effectiveness regularly using various assessment tools such as surveys, feedback sessions, and classroom observations.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between age groups by coordinating closely with teachers and parents throughout the process.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the nursery by conducting regular risk assessments and updating policies accordingly.
- Improved staff retention by providing ongoing professional development opportunities and adopting a supportive leadership approach.
- Implemented an efficient staff scheduling system to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours while maintaining optimal teacher-child ratios.
- Optimized operational efficiency by continually assessing processes to identify areas for improvement or streamlining procedures.
- Provided ongoing support to staff members through regular performance evaluations and constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
Office Manager
Living Water Company
06.2018 - 03.2021
- Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
- Maintained computer and physical filing systems.
- Updated reports, managed accounts, and generated reports for company database.
- Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
- Created, maintained and updated filing systems for paper and electronic documents.
- Developed and maintained successful relationships with vendors, suppliers and contractors.
- Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving.
- Conducted regular inventory assessments of office supplies, ordering necessary items proactively to prevent stock shortages.
- Enhanced team productivity by delegating tasks effectively and overseeing daily workflow.
- Managed office operations while scheduling appointments for department managers.
- Coordinated office events and meetings, ensuring timely execution and optimal scheduling for all participants.
- Streamlined office operations by implementing efficient filing systems and organizational strategies.
- Assisted in the recruitment process, conducting interviews and onboarding new employees to promote a seamless integration into the team dynamic.
- Served as a liaison between upper management and staff members, facilitating open channels of communication to address concerns or issues promptly.
- Coordinated special projects and managed schedules.
- Established workflow processes, monitored daily productivity, and implemented modifications to improve overall performance of personnel.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts for cost savings while maintaining high-quality services.
- Controlled finances to lower costs and keep business operating within budget.
- Coached new hires on company processes while managing employees to achieve maximum production.
- Facilitated smooth communication between departments, addressing concerns promptly to maintain harmonious work relationships.
- Supported department heads in accomplishing their goals through diligent administrative assistance such as report generation and data entry.
- Managed compliance to keep organization operating within legal and regulatory guidelines.
- Oversaw facility maintenance requests, coordinating with building management to address repairs or improvements efficiently.
- Developed comprehensive policy manuals outlining procedures and guidelines, contributing to a well-organized workplace culture.
- Reduced costs with meticulous budget monitoring and expense tracking for essential supplies and equipment.
- Contributed to workplace safety by ensuring compliance with established emergency protocols and conducting regular equipment inspections.
- Organized travel arrangements for executives by researching cost-effective options while accommodating individual preferences.
- Optimized workspace usage by reorganizing floor plans according to team needs and office layout constraints.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.
Paraprofessional
BHISD
08.2003 - 05.2018
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Improved classroom management by assisting teachers with behavioral interventions and monitoring student progress.
- Supervised students during non-instructional periods such as lunch, recess, or field trips, ensuring safety at all times.
- Enhanced student support by delivering one-on-one and small group assistance in various subjects.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing strong rapport with students, parents, and faculty members.
- Supported special education teachers in implementing accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Implemented behavior management techniques effectively to maintain a structured learning environment conducive to student success.
- Assisted in maintaining engaging and respectful educational environment by promoting discipline and cooperation.
- Promoted a respectful classroom culture by modeling appropriate behavior and reinforcing positive interactions among peers.
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Enhanced classroom efficiency through organizing instructional materials, managing daily schedules, and preparing resources for lessons as needed.
- Prepared instruction materials, constructed bulletin boards, and set up work areas.
- Assisted in the collection and analysis of data on student performance, contributing to ongoing progress monitoring efforts.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop and implement individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Relieved classroom teacher during breaks and maintained order and structure in classroom.
- Supported school initiatives by participating in professional development opportunities and collaborating with colleagues on best practices for student growth and achievement.
- Assisted teachers in the development of engaging lesson materials aligned with curriculum standards for various subject areas.
- Assisted classroom teacher in supervising snack time and indoor and outdoor play.
- Facilitated communication between general education and special education staff, promoting effective collaboration on behalf of students'' best interests.
- Monitored students on field trips, handling roll call, and group movement to keep youths safe in public settings.
- Assisted in the administration of standardized testing, ensuring accurate assessment of student performance levels.
- Strengthened student literacy skills through targeted reading intervention programs tailored to individual needs.
- Supervised students on field trips for safety and proper behavior in public settings.
- Administered tests and assessments to evaluate student progress and performance.
- Oversaw groups of students at school and off-site locations, maintaining optimal safety, and security.
- Provided valuable feedback on instructional practices, contributing to continuous improvement efforts within the school community.
- Helped teacher prepare instructional material and displays.
- Enforced rules and instructions to maintain discipline.
- Assisted students in developing deeper understanding of course concepts by providing one-on-one support.
- Took part in professional development workshops to boost skills.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve student engagement.
- Demonstrated specific skills and activities for students to improve understanding and take excess workload off teachers.
- Cleaned, organized and restocked classrooms for upcoming classes.
- Helped teachers manage bus loading and unloading.
- Prepared reports and maintained administrative records.
- Graded and provided feedback on assignments.
- Stepped into non-classroom environments such as libraries to help staff manage demand.
- Maintained and operated classroom equipment to maximize use and lifespan.
- Monitored students in computer lab to enforce proper use of resources.
- Assisted with school field trips and special events by collecting permission slips and payments.
- Utilized answer sheets and electronic marking devices to grade homework and tests, accurately computing and recording results.
Education
No Degree - Education
No Degree - Education
No Degree - Education
No Degree - Education
High School Diploma -
05.1988
Skills
- Classroom Management
- Adaptable
- Relationship building and management
- Student Engagement
- Positive Reinforcement
- Behavior Management
- Organizational abilities
- Verbal and written communication
- Lesson Planning
- Group Instruction
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Activity Planning
- Behavior Modeling
- Records Management
Timeline
Substitute Teacher - BHISD
02.2024 - Current
Long-Term Substitute Teacher - GCCISD
08.2021 - Current
Nursery Director - Second Baytown
02.2019 - 02.2023
Office Manager - Living Water Company
06.2018 - 03.2021
Paraprofessional - BHISD
08.2003 - 05.2018
Sam Houston State University - No Degree, Education
Lee College - No Degree, Education
San Jacinto College District - No Degree, Education
Houston Community College - No Degree, Education
La Porte High School - High School Diploma,