Holly Thompson
Des Moines ,IA
Summary
Dedicated Special Education Paraprofessional with extensive experience at CCSD, adept at implementing IEPs and fostering student engagement. Skilled in behavioral plan management and relationship building, I successfully enhanced classroom environments, resulting in improved student outcomes and increased confidence among learners with diverse needs. Committed to advocacy and individualized instruction. I also substitute teach in all classrooms, being flexible with times, and being quick to problem solve.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Paraprofessional
CCSD
Carlisle, IA
12.2020 - Current
- Supported individualized education programs by assisting students with diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with teachers to implement instructional strategies and adapt materials for student engagement.
- Monitored student progress, providing feedback to educators on behavior and academic performance.
- Assisted in managing classroom environments to promote positive social interactions among students.
- Utilized assistive technology tools to enhance learning experiences for students with disabilities.
- Implemented behavioral interventions, reinforcing positive behaviors through consistent support and encouragement.
- Facilitated communication between families and educational staff regarding student needs and progress updates.
- Participated in professional development sessions to enhance skills in special education practices and methodologies.
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Assisted in the implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in a more focused and positive classroom environment.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education instruction and support services.
- Supported students with various disabilities through one-on-one tutoring sessions, improving their understanding of course materials and concepts.
- Oversaw class of students in absence of instructor.
- Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Partnered with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other related service providers to ensure comprehensive support for each individual student''s growth and progress.
- Set up visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
- Facilitated social skills development through targeted group activities, promoting positive peer relationships and increased self-confidence among special education students.
- Encouraged students to participate in school activities and programs to promote well-roundedness and increase confidence.
- Established professional relationships with parents and other teachers to increase rapport and support.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, enabling timely communication with parents and other stakeholders regarding individual achievements and areas needing improvement.
- Coordinated with teachers to create inclusive lesson plans that addressed the diverse needs of all learners within the classroom setting.
Special Education Paraprofessional
DMPS
Des Moines, IA
01.2017 - 2020
- Supported individualized education programs by assisting students with diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with teachers to implement instructional strategies and adapt materials for student engagement.
- Monitored student progress, providing feedback to educators on behavior and academic performance.
- Assisted in managing classroom environments to promote positive social interactions among students.
- Utilized assistive technology tools to enhance learning experiences for students with disabilities.
- Implemented behavioral interventions, reinforcing positive behaviors through consistent support and encouragement.
- Facilitated communication between families and educational staff regarding student needs and progress updates.
- Participated in professional development sessions to enhance skills in special education practices and methodologies.
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Assisted in the implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in a more focused and positive classroom environment.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education instruction and support services.
- Supported students with various disabilities through one-on-one tutoring sessions, improving their understanding of course materials and concepts.
- Oversaw class of students in absence of instructor.
- Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Partnered with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other related service providers to ensure comprehensive support for each individual student''s growth and progress.
- Set up visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
- Facilitated social skills development through targeted group activities, promoting positive peer relationships and increased self-confidence among special education students.
- Encouraged students to participate in school activities and programs to promote well-roundedness and increase confidence.
- Established professional relationships with parents and other teachers to increase rapport and support.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, enabling timely communication with parents and other stakeholders regarding individual achievements and areas needing improvement.
- Coordinated with teachers to create inclusive lesson plans that addressed the diverse needs of all learners within the classroom setting.
Education
No Degree - Substitute Teaching
Iowa Board of Education
Des Moines, IAHigh School Diploma -
Easy High
Des Moines, IANo Degree - Paraprofessional Certification
Iowa Board of Education
Des Moines, IASkills
IEP compliance
Teacher assistance
Learning disabilities support
Classroom organization
Progress monitoring
Verbal and written communication
Teaching and instruction
Student advocacy
Instructional support
Lesson plan implementation
Student supervision
Conflict resolution
Behavioral plan management
Nonverbal communication
Crisis intervention
Autism and spectrum disorders
Special needs
Physical disabilities support
Social skills training
Skills strategies
Emotional regulation
Visual schedules
Sensory integration
Functional communication
Adaptive equipment
Classroom management strategies
Relationship building skills
Data collection
Peer mentoring
Individualized instruction
IEP goals
Classwork oversight
Positive behavior reinforcement
Sensory processing support
Classroom recordkeeping
Social development support
IEP implementation
Autism support
Emotional support strategies
Excellent communication
Multitasking
Organizational skills
Active listening
Teamwork and collaboration
Student engagement
Nonviolent crisis intervention
Special education curriculum
Attention to detail
Problem-solving
Certification
Paraprofessional
Substitute Teaching
Timeline
Special Education Paraprofessional
CCSD
12.2020 - Current
Special Education Paraprofessional
DMPS
01.2017 - 2020
No Degree - Substitute Teaching
Iowa Board of Education
High School Diploma -
Easy High
No Degree - Paraprofessional Certification
Iowa Board of Education