Jaleesa Beard
Houston,TX
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. Familiar with the 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.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher-AU SELF-CONTAINED
Alief ISD
07.2023 - 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.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
Special Education Life Skills Teacher
Harmony Public Schools
08.2021 - 07.2023
- Supported people with developmental disabilities and autism in building multi-faceted skillset to promote independence and self-confidence.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Taught individuals with learning or physical difficulties to use technology such as computers, tablets and mobile phones.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Customized strategies based on individuals' goals and strengths and offered each positive reinforcement to continue progress against goals.
- Intervened in crisis situations to provide counseling and support.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
Registered Behavior Technician
Success On The Spectrum
03.2017 - 08.2021
- Promoted positive behavior change by utilizing reinforcement strategies, token economies, and behavior contracts.
- Improved client behavior by implementing individualized ABA therapy plans and tracking progress.
- Observed, monitored and recorded problem behaviors through accurate behavior-consequence data collection, graphs, and anecdotal notes.
- Prevented instances of maladaptive behavior escalation using de-escalation techniques while maintaining a safe environment for both staff members and clients alike.
- Trained new Registered Behavior Technicians, promoting best practices and adherence to treatment protocols.
- Enhanced client progress by creating and implementing individualized behavior intervention plans.
- Conducted functional behavior assessments to inform tailored interventions and strategies with assistance and feed back from clinical director.
- Promoted client safety during therapy sessions by adhering to risk management guidelines and procedures.
- Effectively communicated ongoing progress updates to supervisors, facilitating informed decision-making regarding treatment plans adjustments.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and positive working relationships throughout the therapeutic process.
- Assisted clients in generalizing learned skills, resulting in increased independence in daily life activities.
Direct Care Worker
Texas Health And Human Services
08.2016 - 03.2017
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Provided emotional support to patients during difficult times, fostering a sense of trust and psychological wellbeing.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and feeding for improved quality of life.
- Delivered exceptional service by prioritizing patient safety while maintaining confidentiality according to HIPAA guidelines.
- Facilitated recreational activities for patients that promoted socialization, physical activity, and cognitive stimulation.
- Maintained detailed records of patient progress, ensuring accurate information was readily available for healthcare providers and family members.
- Managed challenging behaviors effectively using appropriate de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies when necessary.
- Demonstrated empathy and understanding while addressing the diverse cultural, social, emotional, or intellectual needs of each patient.
- Continuously updated personal knowledge within the direct care field through regular training sessions and workshops to ensure optimal care for each patient.
- Enhanced patient well-being by providing compassionate and individualized care tailored to their specific needs.
- Determined specific needs and provided most appropriate level of services for patient well-being.
- Utilized adaptive equipment to support patients in achieving their highest level of functioning and independence.
- Remained alert to problems or health issues of clients and competently responded.
- Ensured clean and comfortable living environments through diligent housekeeping duties catered towards individual preferences whenever possible.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Heartspring
02.2011 - 07.2016
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- 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.
- 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.
- Enhanced students'' learning experiences by implementing individualized educational plans and adapting teaching methods for special needs students.
- 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.
- Implemented evidence-based instructional strategies tailored to each student''s unique learning style, promoting greater comprehension across subject areas.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education-Applied Behavior Analysis
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ12.2021
Bachelor of Science - General Psychology
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN10.2020
Skills
- Differentiated Instruction
- Classroom Management
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Small Group Instruction
- Relationship Building
- Co-teaching Experience
- Lesson Planning
- Social Skills Development
- Behavior Intervention Plans
- Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
- Functional Behavior Assessment
Certification
- Special Education EC-12 161
- Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities 160
- Core Subject EC-6 391 (In Progress)
- Science of Teaching Reading 393 (In Progress)
Timeline
Special Education Teacher-AU SELF-CONTAINED
Alief ISD
07.2023 - Current
Special Education Life Skills Teacher
Harmony Public Schools
08.2021 - 07.2023
Registered Behavior Technician
Success On The Spectrum
03.2017 - 08.2021
Direct Care Worker
Texas Health And Human Services
08.2016 - 03.2017
Special Education Paraprofessional
Heartspring
02.2011 - 07.2016
Master of Arts - Special Education-Applied Behavior Analysis
Arizona State University
Bachelor of Science - General Psychology
Capella University