Debra Lynn Burgess
Norfolk,VA
Summary
Dedicated Paraprofessional with a proven track record in educational support. Specializes in fostering academic achievement and creating inclusive learning environments. Proficient in classroom management, providing individualized instruction, and offering behavioral support to students. Emphasizes teamwork and easily adjusts to evolving requirements, facilitating smooth collaboration with educators and staff members. Recognized for reliability, empathy, and exceptional communication abilities.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
4020
4020
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Para-Professional - Civics
Norview Middle School
08.2023 - Current
- Supported special education teachers in implementing accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs.
- Shared responsibility with co-teachers for the education of a large, inclusive classroom, actively involving 30 students with IEPs and facilitating their access to the general education curriculum
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Enhanced student support by delivering one-on-one and small group assistance in various subjects.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Provide instructional support for students with IEPs both inside and outside the general classroom.
- Modify assignments/projects to students' level of understanding per their disability.
- Paper management (copies, communication notebooks, grading, progress monitoring, etc.)
Tutor
Private Tutoring
09.2015 - Current
- I provide tutoring for students in kindergarten through 12th grade in subjects like math reading and history.
- Provided homework assistance using specific curriculum and materials.
- Supported students with helpful study habits and exam strategies.
- Provided one-on-one tutoring sessions, tailoring instruction to meet the specific needs of each student while promoting independent learning skills.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of educational best practices and incorporated them into teaching methods.
- Attends parent meetings and IEP meetings to assist with learning strategies.
Reading Support Teacher
Norview Middle School
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Facilitate differentiated instruction and deliver IEP services in a large classroom environment of 150 students, which entails planning and conducting small group learning activities.
- Assisted struggling readers by implementing targeted intervention strategies, resulting in improved reading comprehension and fluency.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on educational trends and innovations within the field of reading support.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop customized support plans tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic growth.
- Established strong relationships with students and families, fostering a supportive learning environment conducive to academic success.
Math Support Teacher
Azalea Garden Middle School
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Assisted 140 students in a mathematics support environment by delivering IEP-mandated services, designing tailored lesson plans, and facilitating small group instructional activities.
- Set up visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
- Presented the UPS check framework to give pupils practical problem-solving skills.
- Maintained inclusive learning environment to enable students to gain maximum benefit from lessons.
- Prepared instructional materials for group and one-on-one use to comply with established curriculum.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop interdisciplinary units that connected multiple subjects, enhancing overall student understanding.
- Improved student comprehension by utilizing differentiated instruction techniques and adapting lesson plans to suit individual needs.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by consistently enforcing classroom rules and expectations while fostering mutual respect among students.
CEIS Coordinator
Azalea Garden Middle School
08.2019 - 09.2022
- Managed and supported a class of 25 students throughout the academic year, promoting positive behavior and facilitating academic growth.
- Determines interventions appropriate to student needs; implements intervention
- Provided support and strategies to selected students requiring intervention programs assigned in Middle school
- Consult with teachers, parents and students, advising on strategies to enhance student academics activities
- Facilitated regular meetings with team members to discuss progress updates, address challenges, and brainstorm solutions for ongoing success.
- Improved family involvement and understanding by providing education on behavioral strategies and techniques for use at home.
- Provided ongoing consultation services to schools, supporting educators in managing challenging student behaviors effectively.
Learning Support- Self Contained KG -2nd
Camp Allen Elementary / Jacox Elementary
10.2017 - 06.2019
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- Supported students with various disabilities through one-on-one tutoring sessions, improving their understanding of course materials and concepts.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Encouraged students to participate in school activities and programs to promote well-roundedness and increase confidence.
Teacher/Center Coordinator
Hampton Roads Community Action Program
09.2008 - 06.2017
- As the main Head Start teacher I managed a team of 10 employees. I took on a leadership role guiding and mentoring the other Head Start staff which included assistant teachers classroom aides and possibly other support workers.
I supported their professional development and assisted them in creating effective teaching methods and practices. - Created and enforced child-based hands-on curriculum to promote student interest and receptive learning.
- Assist in developing Individual educational plans (IEP) designed to promote educational, physical and social development.
- Development lesson plans focused on age and level-appropriate material.
- Schedule and organize school-wide conferences and events.
- Collaborate with other staff to implement a behavior management and positive behavior support program.
- Adapts classroom work for the purpose of providing students with instructional materials that address individualized learning Plans within established lesson plans.
- Provides orientation and training for new staff regarding the operational procedures and policies of the program.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Special Education
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA12.2016
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood
Tidewater Community College
Norfolk, VA12.2003
Skills
- Effectively work with parents
- Strong understanding of early childhood learning concepts and methodologies
- Familiar with licensing accreditation standards
- Standardized Testing
- Microsoft Office
- Google Classroom
- Zoom/Canvas
- Classroom Management
- Testing and Grading
- Student Engagement
- Collaborate with parents and teachers to design and implement individualized education plans for students
Documentation
Accomplishments
- United States Naval Reserve 1998-2016
- Honorable Discharge, USN, 1998
- Letter of Commendation, USNAR, 1997
- National Defense Medal, USNAR, 1991
- Good Conduct Medal, USNAR, 1990
Timeline
Para-Professional - Civics
Norview Middle School
08.2023 - Current
Reading Support Teacher
Norview Middle School
08.2022 - 06.2023
Math Support Teacher
Azalea Garden Middle School
08.2022 - 06.2023
CEIS Coordinator
Azalea Garden Middle School
08.2019 - 09.2022
Learning Support- Self Contained KG -2nd
Camp Allen Elementary / Jacox Elementary
10.2017 - 06.2019
Tutor
Private Tutoring
09.2015 - Current
Teacher/Center Coordinator
Hampton Roads Community Action Program
09.2008 - 06.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Special Education
Norfolk State University
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood
Tidewater Community College
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