Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Additional Information
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Elizabeth Sims

Dunn,NC

Summary

Compassionate, creative and effective Teacher with valuable experience in classroom administration, professional development and project planning. Equipped with extensive background in versatile education environments. Student-centric instructor, academic facilitator and motivational coach. Competent at performing independently or as member of teaching team. Well-versed in classroom and online technologies. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

IDSEII Teacher

Wake County Public School System
01.2022 - Current
  • Job Responsibilities: Responsible for daily coordination with families to ensure the facilitation of connections between families who have special needs and the systems of required care
  • Assigned functions of the position include intake; identification of the family members needs assessment, referral, follow-up, advocacy, and monitoring of outcomes; and collaboration with community resources
  • Creates individual Education Plans to provide specially designed instruction for students with disabilities
  • Provides specially designed instruction
  • Maintains record management in compliance with policy
  • Currently acting as the Special Education Department Chair
  • All teachers in the department are brand new to Special Education in the state of North Carolina
  • Trains all teachers on ECATS, Special Education Procedures, instructional practices, and progress monitoring
  • Ensures all case managers are staying current on Annual Reviews, Re-evaluations, and Initial Referral 90-day timelines
  • Attends all meetings to coach new teachers
  • Answers questions for administrators
  • Meets frequently with the administrators to problem solve cases and improve procedures.
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Increased student literacy rates by implementing targeted reading strategies in individualized instruction plans.
  • Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
  • Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
  • Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
  • Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
  • Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
  • Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
  • Served on school committees focused on curriculum development, teacher evaluations, or community outreach initiatives to contribute positively to the overall school climate.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
  • Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
  • Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
  • Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
  • Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
  • Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
  • Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
  • Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom.
  • Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
  • Incorporated exciting and engaging activities to achieve student participation and hands-on learning.
  • Planned and implemented integrated lessons to meet national standards.
  • Supported student teachers by mentoring on classroom management, lesson planning, and activity organization.
  • Developed and administered tests for students to measure academic proficiency and understanding.
  • Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
  • Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
  • Completed student progress reports mid-term to notify students and parents of strengths and areas of improvement.
  • Created lessons and online testing materials to facilitate remote learning.
  • Boosted cultural awareness by incorporating children's literature from world cultures.

Special Education Teacher

Johnston Charter Academy
01.2013 - 07.2018
  • Responsible for daily coordination with families to ensure the facilitation of connections between families who have special needs and the systems of required care
  • Assigned functions of the position include intake; identification of the family members needs assessment, referral, follow-up, advocacy, and monitoring of outcomes; and collaboration with community resources
  • Creates Individual Education Plans to provide specially designed instruction for students with disabilities
  • Provides specially designed instruction
  • Maintains record management in compliance with policy
  • Built the Special Education Department from the ground up
  • Led the department and stepped in wherever needed
  • Went through the state audit process and ensured compliance was met
  • The department met 80% or better in all areas.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
  • Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
  • Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
  • Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
  • Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
  • Increased parent involvement through the organization of workshops, conferences, and informational sessions on topics relevant to special education services.
  • Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
  • Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
  • Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students'' understanding of real-world applications for their skills.
  • 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.
  • Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
  • Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
  • Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
  • Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
  • Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
  • Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
  • Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
  • Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
  • Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
  • Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
  • Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
  • Worked with students with moderate to severe autism to increase life skills.
  • Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
  • Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
  • Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
  • Provided life skills programming for students with moderate to severe autism.
  • Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
  • Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
  • Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
  • Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
  • Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
  • Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
  • Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
  • Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
  • Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
  • Provided emotional support to students and families.
  • Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
  • Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.
  • Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education.
  • Applied proven strategies to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills.

Special Education Teacher

Harnett County Schools
08.2013 - 06.2018
  • Responsible for daily coordination with families to ensure the facilitation of connections between families who have special needs and the systems of required care
  • Assigned functions of the position include intake; identification of the family members needs assessment, referral, follow-up, advocacy, and monitoring of outcomes; and collaboration with community resources
  • Creates Individual Education Plans to provide specially designed instruction for students with disabilities
  • Provides specially designed instruction
  • Maintain record management in compliance with policy
  • Led the team for the research partnership with University of North Carolina on educating elementary students who have Autism
  • Performed school wide implementation of social thinking curriculum and led professional developments and assemblies for students and staff.
  • Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
  • Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
  • Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
  • Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
  • Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
  • Increased parent involvement through the organization of workshops, conferences, and informational sessions on topics relevant to special education services.
  • Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
  • Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
  • Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
  • Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
  • Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
  • Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
  • Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
  • Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
  • Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
  • Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
  • Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
  • Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
  • Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
  • Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
  • Worked with students with moderate to severe autism to increase life skills.
  • Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
  • Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
  • Provided life skills programming for students with moderate to severe autism.
  • Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
  • Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
  • Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
  • Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
  • Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
  • Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
  • Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
  • Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
  • Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
  • Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
  • Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
  • Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
  • Provided emotional support to students and families.
  • Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
  • Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.
  • Applied proven strategies to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills.
  • Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education.

Medical Support Assistant

Department Of Defense
03.2005 - 04.2006
  • Responsible for daily coordination with wounded soldiers returning from deployment to ensure the facilitation of connections between the service members and the systems of required care
  • Assigned functions of the position include intake; identification of the family members needs assessment, referral, follow-up, advocacy, and monitoring of outcomes; and collaboration with community resources
  • Maintained record management in compliance with policy
  • Maintains HIPAA compliance
  • Ensures patient records are compliant with all laws and regulations and ready for Joint Commission accreditation inspection.
  • Improved patient satisfaction by efficiently scheduling appointments and managing phone lines.
  • Enhanced office workflow for medical staff by maintaining accurate records and timely data entry.
  • Streamlined patient check-in process with effective communication and organization skills.
  • Provided compassionate support, addressing patient concerns and inquiries in a professional manner.
  • Assisted in the reduction of appointment wait times by coordinating schedules and optimizing available resources.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless coordination of patient care services.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality, adhering to HIPAA regulations while handling sensitive patient information.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment through proactive problem-solving and excellent teamwork abilities.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between appointments, effectively communicating with both patients and medical professionals on schedule updates or changes.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on industry best practices and regulatory guidelines.
  • Actively contributed to process improvement initiatives within the practice, identifying areas for potential optimization or cost savings.
  • Provided exceptional customer service to patients from diverse backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment that promoted trust and respect.
  • Maintained a high degree of professionalism and composure in high-stress situations, ensuring the well-being of patients and staff alike.
  • Provided backup support to office staff by completing billing and filing tasks, answering phones and scheduling appointments.
  • Determined nature and urgency of patient requests to refer patients to appropriate medical staff.
  • Used [Software] to maintain and record patient data and generate reports.
  • Interviewed patients to verify and update clinical and demographic records.
  • Built positive rapport with patients to make patients feel comfortable during uncomfortable procedures.
  • Collaborated with medical and administrative personnel to maintain patient-focused, engaging and compassionate environment.
  • Performed medical records management, including filing, organizing and scanning documents.
  • Scheduled appointments, registered patients, and distributed sample pharmaceuticals as prescribed.
  • Obtained client medical history, medication information, symptoms, and allergies.
  • Obtained and documented patient medical history, vital signs and current complaints at intake.
  • Answered telephone calls to offer office information, answer questions, and direct calls to staff.
  • Oriented and trained new staff on proper procedures and policies.
  • Liaised with patients and addressed inquiries, appointment requests and billing questions.
  • Implemented care and efficiency improvements to support and enhance office operations.

Education

SP II Teaching License For Special Education - Special Education

East Carolina University For Licensure
Greenville, NC
07.2013

Master of Science - Health Administration

University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ

Bachelor of Science - Health Administration

University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ
2011

Skills

  • Small Group Instruction
  • Student Engagement
  • Curriculum Implementation
  • Group Instruction
  • Classroom Instruction
  • Serving Diverse Communities
  • Program Development
  • Learning Style Assessment
  • Innovative Lesson Planning
  • Student Needs Assessment
  • SMART Board Aptitude
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution Training
  • Student Rapport
  • Student Assessment
  • Student Records Management
  • Public Speaking
  • Assigning and Grading Work
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Standardized Testing
  • Learning Strategies
  • Curriculum Compliance With North Carolina
  • Student Evaluations
  • Behavior Management
  • Critical Thinking
  • Special Needs Students
  • Curriculum Development
  • Test Proctoring
  • Elementary Education
  • Child Development
  • Group and Individual Instruction
  • Classroom Management
  • Community Involvement
  • Faculty Collaboration
  • Technology Integration
  • Positive Role Model and Mentor
  • Instructional Best Practices
  • Test Grading
  • Student-Centered Learning
  • North Carolina Teaching Credential
  • Lesson Planning
  • Motivating Students
  • Alternative Learning Methods
  • Cooperative Learning Experience
  • Social-Emotional Learning Training
  • Growth mindset
  • Effective communication
  • Active listening
  • Professional development
  • Data-driven instruction
  • Parent-teacher communication
  • Multicultural awareness
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Time management
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Creative problem-solving
  • Conflict resolution
  • Special education
  • Team building
  • Collaborative learning
  • Online Teaching
  • Classroom Technology
  • Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NVCI)
  • Team Collaboration
  • Classroom Safety Practices
  • Google Classroom
  • Student Support
  • Behavior Modification Techniques
  • Documentation and Reporting
  • Social Development
  • Safety Protocols
  • Student Motivation and Engagement
  • Creative Instruction Style
  • Schedule Management
  • Problem-Solving

Accomplishments

  • Technology Integration - Participated in technology training courses and trained colleagues in new technology concepts and practices applicable for the classroom.
  • Dynamic Teaching Techniques - Instructed students in academic subjects using variety of techniques such as phonetics, multisensory learning and repetition to reinforce learning.
  • Curriculum Implementation - Taught reading, language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, art and physical education to pupils utilizing course of study adopted by the Board of Education.
  • Named "Teacher of the Year" at Creech Road Elementary School in 2023.
  • Research: - Partnered with the University of North Carolina's Autism in the Elementary Learner's Research study program. Led the school-based Autism Team and was the Liaison to the University.
  • Student Progress Conferences - Conducted conferences with parents, administrators, testing specialists and social workers to discuss educational plans designed to promote students' educational/social development.
  • Targeted Development - Met with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress and to determine priorities and resource needs.

Additional Information

  • Awards: , 2023: Teacher of The Year for Creech Road Elementary School 2018: Crystal Apple Award for Johnston Charter Academy

Certification

  • Licensed Special Education Teacher for the State of North Carolina - Current

Timeline

IDSEII Teacher

Wake County Public School System
01.2022 - Current

Special Education Teacher

Harnett County Schools
08.2013 - 06.2018

Special Education Teacher

Johnston Charter Academy
01.2013 - 07.2018

Medical Support Assistant

Department Of Defense
03.2005 - 04.2006

SP II Teaching License For Special Education - Special Education

East Carolina University For Licensure

Master of Science - Health Administration

University of Phoenix

Bachelor of Science - Health Administration

University of Phoenix
Elizabeth Sims