Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Member of the School Improvement Team & SSAC (Support Staff Advisory Council)
Timeline
Teacher
Heather Watkins

Heather Watkins

Seven Lakes,NC

Summary

Versatile Special Education Teacher with focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement. Resilient teacher familiar with challenges associated with teaching special needs children. Remains positive under times of stress or conflict. Works well with classroom teachers to develop accommodations and special techniques for mainstream classroom inclusion. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Teacher Assistant

Moore County Schools
10.2022 - Current
  • Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
  • Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement.
  • Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to neurodiverse students.
  • Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
  • Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
  • Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
  • Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
  • Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
  • Assisted in maintaining engaging and respectful educational environment by promoting discipline and cooperation.
  • Maintained safety and security by overseeing students in recess environments.
  • Facilitated activities in small groups to reinforce concepts.
  • Completed daily reports on attendance and disciplinary performance.
  • Presented information to students using hands-on instructional techniques for effective comprehension.
  • Studied and implemented latest information on specific subjects and learning strategies.
  • Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments
  • Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
  • Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially acceptable options.
  • Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.

Owner and Baker

Self Employed
04.2020 - 06.2022
  • In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Spreading the Sunshine emerged with a mission to provide food to our community members who suffer from allergies and food intolerance.
  • The "You are Gifted" initiative was introduced to spread positivity among teachers, first responders, and medical personnel. This initiative allowed individuals to nominate deserving people to receive a treat, spreading kindness and hope.
  • STS's "Covid Kids" program brought smiles to the faces of children in the community who tested positive for Covid, by delivering cookies to their doorstep.
  • STS's "You are Valued" program provided free delivery of bread or breakfast muffins to all seniors who tested positive for Covid, reminding them that they are valued and cared for.

Landscape Production Manager

Brunswick Plantation Golf Resort
10.2000 - 03.2018
  • Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
  • Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
  • Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance for 60 staff members.
  • Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
  • Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
  • Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
  • Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
  • Established employee performance goals and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
  • Successfully managed six budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
  • Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
  • Controlled resources and assets for department activities to comply with industry standards and government regulations.

Education

M.A.T. – Special Education Program - Education of Individuals in Middle School Special Education Programs

University of North Carolina At Pembroke
Pembroke, NC
03.2025

BIS-EDU - Education

University of North Carolina At Pembroke
Pembroke, NC
05.2024

Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Special Education

Brunswick Community College
Supply, NC
03.2018

Skills

  • Group and Individual Instruction
  • Learning Style Assessment
  • Student Behavior Management
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Cognitive Disabilities Knowledge
  • Classroom Management
  • Motivating Students
  • Autism and Spectrum Disorders
  • Language Skills Development
  • Positive Learning Environment

Accomplishments

Member of the School Improvement Team (SIT) and SSAC (Support Staff Advisory Council)

Won T.A. of the Year for New Century Middle School 2022-2023

Inclusive Cheerleading Co-Coach

CPI Blue Card Certified

Summa Cum Laude Graduate

CPR Certified

Member of the School Improvement Team & SSAC (Support Staff Advisory Council)

  

The School Improvement Team collaborates to analyze and pinpoint critical areas that require improvement within the educational system and subsequently implements a range of effective strategies to enhance the overall educational experience for all students. The Support Staff Advisory Council plays an essential role in advocating for the needs of support staff members and works tirelessly to foster a strong sense of community amongst all staff members. Furthermore, the council facilitates open and productive communication and collaboration between support staff and other key stakeholders within the school district.


Timeline

Teacher Assistant

Moore County Schools
10.2022 - Current

Owner and Baker

Self Employed
04.2020 - 06.2022

Landscape Production Manager

Brunswick Plantation Golf Resort
10.2000 - 03.2018

M.A.T. – Special Education Program - Education of Individuals in Middle School Special Education Programs

University of North Carolina At Pembroke

BIS-EDU - Education

University of North Carolina At Pembroke

Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Special Education

Brunswick Community College

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Heather Watkins