Dorina Smith
Vestavia Hills
Summary
Skilled educator with strong expertise in special education. Adept at developing tailored learning plans, employing effective instructional and behavioral strategies, and fostering inclusive classroom environments. Known for collaboration, adaptability, leadership, and delivering measurable results. Proficient in behavior management, individualized education plans, and student assessments.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Vestavia Hills City Schools, Cahaba Heights Elem.
08.2021 - Current
- Provide explicit Take Flight reading instruction to students in 2nd-5th.
- Teach reading, math, writing, executive functioning skills, social skills, and overall behavior management in K-5th.
- Demonstrate team leadership through organizing team meetings and agendas, providing training to fellow teachers, collaboration with all stakeholders, and informal mentorship.
Special Education Teacher
Hoover City Schools, Gwin Elementary
08.2013 - 05.2021
- Provided resource room explicit instruction in reading, math, social skills, and writing to students with special needs K-5th. Provide alternate standards instruction for students on alternate standards.
- Ensured timelines and laws are met for providing services and writing IEPs, and conduct referral and re-evaluation assessments and meetings.
- Participated on the crisis team and respond to all types of crisis situations in the school setting.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents, aides and other stakeholders to meet the individual needs of students and provide support to all stakeholders.
Substitute Teacher
Shelby County Schools
08.2012 - 05.2013
- Effectively taught curriculum and managed classroom behavior in grades K-8.
Special Education Intern
Hoover City Schools
01.2013 - 04.2013
- Taught alternate standards to self-contained students in grades K-5 with multiple disabilities.
- Differentiated instruction, adapted lessons, promoted independence and social skills, and provided opportunities for sensory experiences.
Graduate Assistant
Jacksonville State University
01.2011 - 07.2012
- Assisted department head, faculty, and students with inquiries and various office requests.
Sales Administrator
Occidental Chemical Corporation
09.2007 - 10.2010
- Maintained customer price records, resolved billing discrepancies, created and conducted training for employees, and assisted with new business integration.
Client Service Manager
LandAmerica Lenders Services
08.2003 - 09.2007
- Managed clients and client service teams, improved client relationships, managed HR and personnel decisions, employee relations, new employee training, and special projects in the title insurance field.
Education
Master of Science in Education - Collaborative Teacher/Special Education (K-6)
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL04.2013
Master of Business Administration - undefined
University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson, TX05.2011
Bachelor of Science - Human Development & Family Studies - Children, Youth, & Family Option
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA05.2003
Skills
- Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT)
- National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT)
- Exceptional Education Team Lead Liaison 2024-2025
- LETRS trained
- Team Leadership and collaboration
- Differentiated instruction
- Strong classroom management
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Vestavia Hills City Schools, Cahaba Heights Elem.
08.2021 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Hoover City Schools, Gwin Elementary
08.2013 - 05.2021
Special Education Intern
Hoover City Schools
01.2013 - 04.2013
Substitute Teacher
Shelby County Schools
08.2012 - 05.2013
Graduate Assistant
Jacksonville State University
01.2011 - 07.2012
Sales Administrator
Occidental Chemical Corporation
09.2007 - 10.2010
Client Service Manager
LandAmerica Lenders Services
08.2003 - 09.2007
Master of Business Administration - undefined
University of Texas at Dallas
Bachelor of Science - Human Development & Family Studies - Children, Youth, & Family Option
The Pennsylvania State University
Master of Science in Education - Collaborative Teacher/Special Education (K-6)
Jacksonville State University
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