Heather Cerda
Asheville,NC
Summary
- Special Needs Educator |ELA Educator| Student Leadership Mentor Versatile and dedicated EC teacher with focus on individual needs of special education students. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons. Exceptional skills working with teachers, parents and specialists to meet educational needs of all students.
- Successful English Teacher with expertise in building engaging lesson plans and communicating ideas to foster student comprehension. Expert in adapting course materials to meet established standards and individual academic capabilities. Well-versed in motivating students to meet learning objectives.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Needs Teacher/ELA Teacher
Owen High School
08.2018 - Current
- Designed and implemented challenging units for both modern and classic short stories and novels.
- Focused on project based learning to encourage student engagement and learning.
- Developed multiple thematic units focused on viewing tests through social issues lens EC both texts and student-directed argumentative research papers.
- Successfully managed a diverse caseload of 20+ students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), tailoring support to their unique academic and behavioral needs
- Meticulously developed personalized behavioral, educational, and emotional plans for students, ensuring their academic and personal growth
- Collaborated closely with behavioral and autism specialists, as well as the school psychologist, to address the complex needs of a diverse caseload, promoting holistic student development
- Partnered with fellow Math and English teachers to co-teach, providing students with a well-rounded and comprehensive educational experience
- As Chair of the Diversity Committee, championed efforts to establish equity and amplify the voices of students from diverse cultural backgrounds, with a specific focus on students of color
- As the Student Government Sponsor, collaborated with student leaders to organize meaningful activities and initiatives that enriched the student experience
- Co-led the Link Crew Program, guiding student leaders in mentoring younger students and creating a positive and inclusive school community.
Volunteer Coordinator
ABCCM Steadfast House
10.2017 - 06.2018
- Managed a pool of over a thousand volunteers
- Planned child enrichment activities
- Recruited corporate groups and churches for community service
- Oversaw a database for volunteer hours and events.
English Instructor, ESL Instructor, Lead Academic Advisor
AB Tech Community College
05.2011 - 08.2017
- Proficiently instructed Language Arts and Strategies for Success courses, providing comprehensive support to high school equivalency students
- Successfully trained new faculty members in teaching methodologies and produced instructional videos to enhance teacher effectiveness and support educational excellence
- Created a tailored Language Arts Curriculum for high school equivalency students, promoting their academic development and success
- Conducted ESL classes for adult students from diverse countries, guiding them in preparing for college entrance exams, fostering linguistic and academic skills for success in a multicultural academic environment.
Language Arts Instructor, Homebound, ESL Instructor
Norfolk Public Schools
03.2006 - 05.2011
- Provided instruction in a dynamic urban environment, serving as a dedicated homebound, GED, and ESL instructor
- Actively collaborated within a teaching team to provide specialized support for students with lower reading proficiency, ensuring they received the targeted assistance needed to excel.
Language Arts and Reading Intervention Instructor
Frederick County Public Schools
02.2002 - 12.2002
- Enhanced Learning Through Writing
- Enriched Learning Experiences and Field Trips
- Responsive Communication with stakeholders
- Active Learning Promotion and Data-Driven Progress Tracking
- Curriculum Development and individualized support.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education -
Toccoa Falls College
05.2000
Skills
- Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Classroom Management
- Differentiated Instruction
- Lesson Planning
- Technology Integration
- Parent Communication
Qualification Highlights
- Equity and Inclusion Educator: Dedicated to promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for diverse student populations both as a special needs and ELA teacher.
- Specialized Support: Experienced in working with students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), offering both professional and personal support to enhance their educational experience.
- Leadership Development Educator: Experienced in nurturing leadership skills and personal growth among students, facilitating their journey to becoming confident and effective leaders.
- Career and Academic Advising: Proven expertise in providing valuable guidance to students in their academic and career pursuits, ensuring their success.
- Team Leadership: Skilled in effectively supervising teams, promoting collaboration, and achieving common goals.
- Problem-Solving: Possesses strong analytical skills, capable of identifying challenges that EC and ESL students face and implementing effective solutions.
- Relationship Building: Demonstrates an ability to establish and maintain strong relationships through personalized, ongoing interactions with students, teachers, and parents.
References
- Meg Turner, Principal of Owen High School, turnerm5@appstate.edu, +1 828 552 2314
- Dr. Coleman Bailey, Assistant Principal of Owen HIgh School, grade.bailey@bcsemail.org, +1 828 260 5977
- Rebecca Lolli, Director of Transitional Studies at ABTech, rebeccasloli@abtech.edu, +1 828 337 8937
Timeline
Special Needs Teacher/ELA Teacher
Owen High School
08.2018 - Current
Volunteer Coordinator
ABCCM Steadfast House
10.2017 - 06.2018
English Instructor, ESL Instructor, Lead Academic Advisor
AB Tech Community College
05.2011 - 08.2017
Language Arts Instructor, Homebound, ESL Instructor
Norfolk Public Schools
03.2006 - 05.2011
Language Arts and Reading Intervention Instructor
Frederick County Public Schools
02.2002 - 12.2002
Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education -
Toccoa Falls College
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