I am an intuitive, highly motivated, special education teacher; a professional commended for teaching and mentoring students to help transition to the next grade. I am a team-oriented, strong communicator, very passionate about providing science-based appropriate learning techniques and behavioral redirection for children with learning, intellectual and emotional disabilities. I customize teaching strategies based on the individual needs of my students, and I integrate scientifically researched and supported teaching strategies which incorporate explicit instruction.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
4th Grade Interrelated Teacher
Dekalb County School District
Stone Mountain, GA
08.2023 - Current
Conducted assessments of students' skills to determine their needs and to develop teaching plans.
Developed individualized education plans for students with special learning needs.
Provided instruction in a variety of topics, such as language arts, mathematics, science and social studies.
Instructed students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods such as lectures, discussions and demonstrations.
Established clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects.
Maintained records of pupils' progress, behaviors and attendance.
Encouraged positive social interaction among students by organizing group activities.
Participated in faculty committees to discuss issues related to curriculum development or implementation strategies.
Assisted school administrators in implementing school policies and procedures.
Collaborated with other teachers to plan field trips or other educational activities that would benefit the students' learning experience.
Adapted teaching methods according to the individual student's abilities and interests.
Evaluated student performance through tests, assignments and other formal assessments.
Attended professional development workshops to stay up-to-date on current trends in education.
Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
Established and maintained dynamic working relationships with students and parents to support classroom objectives.
Teamed with general education teachers to plan and implement curriculum, state and district-wide assessments.
Solved student behavioral issues according to building expectations and codes of conduct.
Assisted with classroom observations to identify developmental delays and behavioral issues.
Supported diverse student populations through equitable instructional design and programming.
Encouraged student empathy of others to build confidence and improve self-image.
10th and 11th Grade Interrelated Teacher
Dekalb County School District
Stone Mountain, GA
01.2021 - 05.2023
Provided guidance regarding educational decisions or career options for students upon graduation from high school.
Taught 11th Grade Literature, General Education
Conducted assessments of students' skills to determine their needs and to develop teaching plans.
Instructed students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods such as lectures, discussions and demonstrations.
Established clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects.
Encouraged positive social interaction among students by organizing group activities.
Participated in faculty committees to discuss issues related to curriculum development or implementation strategies.
Developed individualized education plans for students with special learning needs.
Paraprofessional
Dekalb County School District
Stone Mountain, GA
10.2020 - 01.2021
Assisted teachers with planning and preparing lessons for students.
Provided guidance to students in the classroom setting.
Created and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
Supervised small groups of students during instruction time.
Helped implement behavior management strategies for individual students.
Assisted in the implementation of educational programs for special needs children.
Conducted one-on-one tutoring sessions with struggling students when needed.
Ensured that all safety regulations were followed in the classroom environment.
Utilized effective communication strategies when interacting with diverse populations.
Supported students throughout academic instruction and assignments.
Applied positive reinforcement to redirect negative behaviors.
Supplied one-on-one attention to each student during group activities.
Observed students to help teachers identify potential learning blocks and opportunities for support.
Assisted with implementation of student's individualized IEP at discretion and direction of teachers and administrators.
School Bus Driver
Dekalb County School District
Stone Mountai, GA
04.2017 - 10.2020
Maintained orderly conduct and discipline among students while on board.
Ensured the safe loading and unloading of students at designated stops.
Managed student behavior in accordance with established guidelines.
Monitored traffic conditions and adjusted routes accordingly.
Communicated with dispatch personnel regarding route changes or delays.
Followed all applicable laws, regulations, and policies related to driving a school bus safely.
Conducted emergency evacuation drills regularly according to established procedures.
Attended mandatory safety meetings and training sessions as required by law.
Adhered strictly to speed limits at all times while operating the bus.
Transported only authorized students and discharged at approved stops.
Followed schedules and routes to maintain timely arrivals and departures.
Transported students and teachers on school activity trips while exercising responsible leadership.
Obeyed DOT rules and regulations and local laws to maximize safety.
Education
Master's in Teaching (MAT) - Special Education K-12
University of Georgia
Athens, GA
12-2023
Bachelor of Arts - German Language And Literature
University of Georgia
Athens, GA
05-1986
Skills
Instructional Strategies
Skills Development
Differentiated Instruction
Excellent Classroom Management
Parent Communication
Curriculum Adjustments
Conflict Resolution Techniques
Learning Disabilities Expertise
Small Group Instruction
Special Education
Learning Disabilities
Literacy Strategies
Lesson Planning
Data Management
Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
Individual Education Plans IEPs
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
4th Grade Interrelated Teacher
Dekalb County School District
08.2023 - Current
10th and 11th Grade Interrelated Teacher
Dekalb County School District
01.2021 - 05.2023
Paraprofessional
Dekalb County School District
10.2020 - 01.2021
School Bus Driver
Dekalb County School District
04.2017 - 10.2020
Master's in Teaching (MAT) - Special Education K-12
Professional School Counselor, Student Support Specialist at DeKalb County School DistrictProfessional School Counselor, Student Support Specialist at DeKalb County School District