Interests:
- Gardening
- Cooking
- Music
- Avid Reader
- Creative Writing
- Personal Development and Self-Improvement
- Committed to improving personal fitness through regular participation in walking
Frances Vandercook
Kiln,MS
Summary
Dynamic Special Education Teacher with a proven track record at Hancock County School District, adept at developing individualized education plans (IEPs) and fostering strong relationships with students and families. Skilled in differentiated instruction and classroom management, I enhance student engagement and promote academic success through tailored support and effective communication.
Skilled educator with strong expertise in special education. Adept at developing tailored learning plans, employing effective instructional strategies, and fostering inclusive classroom environments. Known for collaboration, adaptability, and delivering measurable results. Proficient in behavior management, individualized education plans, and student assessments.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Hancock County School District
07.2021 - Current
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
Intervention Specialist
Biloxi Public Schools
03.2021 - 05.2021
- Built strong relationships with parents and guardians, fostering open communication regarding student progress and needs.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by incorporating social-emotional learning strategies into daily activities.
- Facilitated small group instruction for targeted skill development, enhancing academic growth for all participants.
- Provided ongoing assessment of student progress, adjusting interventions as needed to optimize results.
- Increased student engagement through the use of differentiated instruction tailored to individual learning needs.
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Kelly Services
08.2019 - 03.2021
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, implementing clear expectations and consistent consequences for all students.
- Took over class for regular classroom teacher, managing assignments, student needs, and recordkeeping.
Special Ed Teacher/3rd Grade Elementary Teacher
St. Mary Parish Public Schools
09.2011 - 10.2017
- Evaluated student performance consistently, using various assessment methods to measure growth and inform future instruction.
- Mentored new teachers in the Special Education department, providing guidance on curriculum design and classroom management strategies.
- Served as a liaison between general education teachers and special education staff to ensure seamless integration of accommodations for students with disabilities into mainstream classrooms.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in special education teaching techniques.
- Enhanced student learning by implementing differentiated instruction techniques tailored to individual needs.
- Reduced disruptive behavior in the classroom by establishing clear expectations and implementing effective classroom management strategies.
- Supported students'' social-emotional growth through one-on-one counseling sessions focused on conflict resolution, self-awareness, and goal-setting strategies.
Long Term Substitute Teacher
St. Mary Parish Public Schools
10.2008 - 05.2011
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by enforcing consistent discipline policies and utilizing positive reinforcement strategies, ensuring a safe and productive learning environment.
- Developed engaging assessments that accurately measured student understanding while minimizing test anxiety, leading to increased performance on standardized exams.
- Built strong relationships with parents, fostering a collaborative environment for student success through regular communication and involvement opportunities.
- Provided targeted support to struggling learners through one-on-one tutoring sessions, enabling them to achieve academic growth.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop interdisciplinary lessons, providing a more cohesive educational experience for students.
Education
No Degree - Elementary Reading And Phonics
Nichols State University
Thibodaux, LA05-2014
Bachelor of Arts - English/French
Mississippi College
Clinton, MS05-1967
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans ieps
- Small group instruction
- Lesson planning
- Relationship building
Accomplishments
Earlier Teaching Experiences:
Taught Junior Kindergarten in Midlothian, VA before Pre-K was officially in public schools. 1985-1989
Developed age appropriate curriculum and activities.
Trained for and taught Conversational English to International Adults in Harrison, Hancock, and Jackson counties on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Held workshops to train other adults to teach ESL to non-English speaking adults. 1976-1984
Taught 7th grade English at Capdau Junior High in New Orleans, LA. 1967-1971
Taught creative writing to Honors Classes.
Taught English as a second language to lower functioning students. Oral-Aural English(English patterning to learn correct English speech leading into teaching reading and writing).
Certification
- English and French K-12 Lifetime in Louisiana and Mississippi
- Elementary grade 1-6 Lifetime in Louisiana
- Mild-Moderate Special Education Certification K-12 in Mississippi June 2029
Interests
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Hancock County School District
07.2021 - Current
Intervention Specialist
Biloxi Public Schools
03.2021 - 05.2021
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Kelly Services
08.2019 - 03.2021
Special Ed Teacher/3rd Grade Elementary Teacher
St. Mary Parish Public Schools
09.2011 - 10.2017
Long Term Substitute Teacher
St. Mary Parish Public Schools
10.2008 - 05.2011
No Degree - Elementary Reading And Phonics
Nichols State University
Bachelor of Arts - English/French
Mississippi College
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