DONNA J BLUFORD-CURRY
Garfield Hts
Summary
Currently, I am a Teachers Counselor with Positive Education Program and have been working with at-risk students for the last 4 years. The last prior 7 years, I have worked as a substitute special education teacher for Cleveland Metropolitan School District. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with a diverse group of students, in various classrooms, grades, and schools throughout CMSD. While working in vastly different capacities as an educator in both positions, I was able to build rapport with my colleagues and administrator and foster positive relationships with both my students and parents.
Collaborative Teacher-Counselor with solid experience supporting individuals with diverse backgrounds and abilities to navigate job market and pursue employment opportunities. Skilled at creating customized job search plans and identifying job opportunities. Reliable and dedicated to fostering successful connections between clients and potential employers.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher Counselor
Positive Education Program
08.2022 - Current
- Assist with the planning, delivery, and documentation of Mental Health Day Treatment services.
- Work collaboratively with all team members, including agency and center staff, parents, and other professionals to implement the program and achieve the best possible outcomes for every student.
- Work collaboratively with all team members to provide an integrated program of education and mental health services and supports inclusive of academic, social-emotional, and behavioral programming within an ecologically based model.
- Develop trusting relationships with young people that help them heal, grow, and ultimately thrive
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Fostered positive learning environments through effective classroom management strategies.
Job Coach
Youth Opportunities Unlimited
05.2019 - 08.2022
- Build and maintained a relationship with program youth and their families as well as worksite supervisors.
- Review youth timesheets each week during the work experience for accuracy and completion.
- Maintained accurate documentation for program participants
- Facilitated workshops on resume writing and interview skills, improving participant confidence.
- Developed individualized employment plans for youth, enhancing job readiness and marketability.
Substitute Special Education Teacher
Cleveland Metropolitan School District
01.2015 - 05.2022
- Implemented educational assignments provided by the lead teacher.
- Fostered safe, positive, and supportive learning environment.
- Collaborated with colleagues during team teaching assignments.
- Developed individualized education plans to support diverse learning needs.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to enhance classroom environment.
Program Staff Member
Say Yes Afterschool Program to Education
01.2020 - 03.2020
- Developed engaging educational programming for diverse student populations.
- Collaborated with educators to implement effective curriculum strategies.
- Assisted in managing day-to-day operations of afterschool activities.
- Facilitated communication between parents, students, and staff members.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education Curriculum & Instructions
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, Ohio05-2017
Bachelor of Science Degree - Health Administration
University of Phoenix
Cleveland, Ohio05-2009
Skills
- Service plans
- Job search strategies
- Data gathering
- Skills testing
- Relationship building
- Critical thinking
- Training and facilitation
- Volunteer management
- Differentiated instruction
- Individual education plans ieps
Timeline
Teacher Counselor
Positive Education Program
08.2022 - Current
Program Staff Member
Say Yes Afterschool Program to Education
01.2020 - 03.2020
Job Coach
Youth Opportunities Unlimited
05.2019 - 08.2022
Substitute Special Education Teacher
Cleveland Metropolitan School District
01.2015 - 05.2022
Master of Science - Special Education Curriculum & Instructions
Cleveland State University
Bachelor of Science Degree - Health Administration
University of Phoenix