Debra Nicholson
Summary
Versatile Retired Special Education Teacher with focus on individual needs across social 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 social and emotional achievement.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Winston Salem Forsyth County School System
08.2012 - 06.2019
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
Special Education Teacher
Randolph County Schools
08.2004 - 06.2012
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Increased parent involvement through the organization of workshops, conferences, and informational sessions on topics relevant to special education services.
Special Education Teacher
Guilford County School System
08.1999 - 06.2004
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
Special Education Teacher
Randolph County Schools
08.1990 - 06.1999
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
Education
Post Master's Certification - Educational Administration
University of North Carolina At Greensboro
Greensboro, NC06.2013
Master of Science - Education
University of North Carolina At Greensboro
Greensboro, NC12.1993
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of North Carolina At Greensboro
Greensboro, NC06.1989
Skills
- Behavior Modification
- Data Management
- Parent Communication
- Social Skills Development
- Behavior Modification Techniques
- Community Resource Referrals
Certification
- National Board Certified, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards - November19, 2004 through November 19,2024
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Winston Salem Forsyth County School System
08.2012 - 06.2019
Special Education Teacher
Randolph County Schools
08.2004 - 06.2012
Special Education Teacher
Guilford County School System
08.1999 - 06.2004
Special Education Teacher
Randolph County Schools
08.1990 - 06.1999
Post Master's Certification - Educational Administration
University of North Carolina At Greensboro
Master of Science - Education
University of North Carolina At Greensboro
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of North Carolina At Greensboro
- National Board Certified, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards - November19, 2004 through November 19,2024
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