JAECELYN B. ARMSTRONG
Savannah,Texas
Summary
Resilient Special Education Teacher familiar with challenges associated with teaching students with disabilities. Remains positive under times of stress or conflict. Works well with classroom teachers to develop accommodations and special techniques for mainstream classroom inclusion.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Transition Teacher
Plano Independent School District
10.2024 - Current
- Lead activities to prepare students in developing work-based learning skills.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Partner with local businesses for job skills development.
Special Education Coordinator
Universal Academy
08.2022 - 09.2024
- Collaborated with district personnel and other districts for the purpose of implementing and maintaining services and/or programs
- Coordinated contracted services for the purpose of delivering services in compliance to established guidelines
- Reviewed contents of IEPs of students with special education services for appropriateness and to determine areas of needed training
- Coordinated program components, support needs, and material for the purpose of delivering services which conform to established guidelines
- Facilitated IEP meetings by using family-centered, strength-based approach.
- Evaluated programs and/or projects for the purpose of carrying out and achieving objectives within area of responsibility
- Coached and observed over 100teachers to improve teaching techniques.
- Facilitated team meetings and teacher trainings for the purpose of implementing and maintaining programs and services which achieve district's desired objectives
- Maintained a variety of manual and electronic files and/or records for the purpose of providing up-to-date reference and complying with state and federal requirements and established guidelines
- Collaborated with families to provide resources for children outside of school district.
- Supported general education teachers and administrators in implementing strategies to meet needs of students with IEPs.
Division Director II
Mississippi Department of Education
02.2019 - 08.2022
- Performed all functions and exercises necessary in administering the operations of a multiple-branch division
- Planned, directed, and coordinated the activities of a division through branch managers and other subordinate personnel
- Interpreted, formulated, recommended, and/or implemented policies, rules, and regulations as necessary
- Directed or assisted in fiscal accounting and budgeting activities
- Gave administrative leadership to all phases of the program within the division
- Maintained effective public relations with other state agencies and the public, including interpretation and advocacy of agency policy
- Committed multi-branch resources to projects with prior administrative approval
Special Education Program Coordinator
Mississippi Department of Education
06.2018 - 02.2019
- Developed, organized, and directed specific special education programs, i.e., assistive technology, early intervention, assessment and/or transition services, programs, policy and planning, and data collection systems
- Developed, evaluated, and recommended new program initiatives
- Provided technical assistance to local school districts on interpretation of federal regulations and state policy regarding the identification, evaluation, placement, and education of children with disabilities
- Followed federal legislation related to specific special education programs and recommend and coordinate policy changes as required by any changes in federal regulations
- Provided leadership and direction statewide to agencies and local school districts serving children with disabilities
- Provided training to agencies, local school districts, and internal staff on special education programs to ensure strict federal regulations are followed
Lead Special Education Teacher
Midtown Public Charter
11.2017 - 02.2018
- Modified and differentiated the general education curriculum for special-needs students based upon a variety of instructional techniques and technologies
- Scheduled and provided pull-out services as needed
- Delivered one-on-one, small group, and whole class instruction as appropriate
- Worked cooperatively with general education teachers
- Established positive relationships with students, parents, fellow teachers and school administrators
Special Education Coordinator
Great Hearts Irving
07.2016 - 07.2017
- Ensured all students received the educational services that they need to succeed
- Scheduled and provided pull-out services as needed
- Coordinated and conducted classroom observations and testing (i.e
- Psychological) as needed
- Ensured all regular education teachers knew and understood all classroom accommodations required by IEPs
- Delivered one-on-one, small group, and whole class instruction as needed
- Maintained student records regarding special education issues and preparing reports for regulatory agencies
- Helped to create a culture of order, structure, humanity, and academic rigor in the classroom and school as a whole
- Collaborated with other teachers, other school staff, and administrators to ensure all students successfully matriculated through high school and college
Independently Contracted Behavior Assistant
Positive Behavior Supports (PBS)
02.2016 - 07.2017
- Worked one-on-one with children diagnosed with autism in the home, school and community settings
- Implemented behavior plan and trained caregivers with implementing the plan
- Documented notes pertaining to the individual's plan in helping to reach his/her goals
Behavior Intervention Specialist
Metrocare Services
08.2015 - 02.2016
- Assisted individuals in identifying and articulating his/her requests and needs for services and supports
- Negotiated and facilitated the array of services and supports needed to address the person’s goals and desired outcomes as identified
- Provided behavioral intervention services in facility to assigned caseload
- Responsible for ensuring planned services and supports are implemented and appropriately documented
- Documented notes pertaining to individual’s behavior plans
Self-Contained Behavior Unit Teacher
Dallas Independent School District
08.2014 - 07.2015
- Responsible for special education instruction in the classroom, and as such developed and maintained individual education plans (IEP) for each identified student and evaluated his/her progress
- Modified and differentiated the general education curriculum for special-needs students based upon a variety of instructional techniques and technologies
- Managed student behavior according to the IEP and Behavior Intervention Plan; this included intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP under the guidelines of Nonviolent Crisis Prevention Intervention training
- Worked cooperatively with general education teachers
- Delegated tasks to teacher assistant
- Established positive relationships with students, parents, fellow teachers and school administrators
Self-Contained/Resource Teacher
Vicksburg Warren-School District
08.2012 - 05.2014
- Responsible for special education instruction in the classroom, and as such developed and maintained individual education plans (IEP) for each identified student and evaluate his/her progress
- Modified and differentiated the general education curriculum for special-needs students based upon a variety of instructional techniques and technologies
- Implemented remedial programs for students requiring extra assistance
- Collaborated with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning and student engagement
- Delegated tasks to teacher assistants and volunteers
- Established positive relationships with students, parents, fellow teachers and school administrators
Extended School Year Substitute Teacher
Vicksburg Warren-School District
06.2012 - 06.2013
- Managed classroom of 7 to 10 students during the absence of assigned teachers
- Tutored children individually and in small groups to help them with difficult strategies implementing a variety of teaching methods
- Established positive relationships with students, parents, fellow teachers and school administrators
Self-Contained/Inclusion Teacher
Jackson Public School District
08.2010 - 07.2012
- Assisted students in becoming self-reliant; fosters student independence in classroom and learning environments
- Responsible for special education instruction in the classroom, and such developed and maintained individual plans (IEP) for each identified student and evaluate his/her progress
- Differentiated and adapted curriculum materials for students enrolled in inclusion and self-contained settings in all subjects using a variety of techniques and technologies
- Collaborated with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning and student engagement
- Established positive relationships with students, parents, fellow teachers and school administrators
Education
Doctor of Education - Organizational Leadership, Special Education
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona02.2025
Master of Education - Secondary Education
Belhaven University
Jackson, Mississippi12.2014
Bachelor of Science degree - Special Education
Jackson State University
Jackson, Mississippi12.2009
Associate of Science - Elementary Education
Hinds Community College
Raymond, Mississippi07.2005
Skills
- Career Guidance
- Transition planning
- Special education
- Empathetic Support
- IEP development
- IEP and BIP implementation
- Excellent classroom management
- Collaborative teamwork
- Parent communications
- Trained in CPI
- Differentiated instruction
Certification
- Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Certified
- Highly Qualified: Mild/Moderate Disabilities (K-12)
- Special Education Fundamental Subjects (K-12)
Timeline
Transition Teacher
Plano Independent School District
10.2024 - Current
Special Education Coordinator
Universal Academy
08.2022 - 09.2024
Division Director II
Mississippi Department of Education
02.2019 - 08.2022
Special Education Program Coordinator
Mississippi Department of Education
06.2018 - 02.2019
Lead Special Education Teacher
Midtown Public Charter
11.2017 - 02.2018
Special Education Coordinator
Great Hearts Irving
07.2016 - 07.2017
Independently Contracted Behavior Assistant
Positive Behavior Supports (PBS)
02.2016 - 07.2017
Behavior Intervention Specialist
Metrocare Services
08.2015 - 02.2016
Self-Contained Behavior Unit Teacher
Dallas Independent School District
08.2014 - 07.2015
Self-Contained/Resource Teacher
Vicksburg Warren-School District
08.2012 - 05.2014
Extended School Year Substitute Teacher
Vicksburg Warren-School District
06.2012 - 06.2013
Self-Contained/Inclusion Teacher
Jackson Public School District
08.2010 - 07.2012
Master of Education - Secondary Education
Belhaven University
Bachelor of Science degree - Special Education
Jackson State University
Associate of Science - Elementary Education
Hinds Community College
- Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Certified
- Highly Qualified: Mild/Moderate Disabilities (K-12)
- Special Education Fundamental Subjects (K-12)
Doctor of Education - Organizational Leadership, Special Education
Grand Canyon University
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