James Cuthbert
St Helena Island,SC
Summary
Experienced School Library Media Specialist focused on cultivating a positive learning environment. Builds strong relationships with students, teachers, administrators, parents, and support personnel. Proficient in evaluating school library media programs, possessing technical knowledge of computer systems and applications, and assessing the learning needs of students and staff. Provides instruction to special education students and promotes information literacy. Highly organized and adept at prioritizing projects, collaborating with teachers on learning objectives, navigating copyright law, managing interlibrary loan processes, and scheduling. Holds a Master's degree in Library Information Science (MLIS). Qualified School Library Assistant with a proven ability to support educational environments. Demonstrated expertise in organizing library resources and assisting students with research needs. Skilled in cataloging and maintaining digital databases while creating a positive learning atmosphere.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Paraprofessional
Beaufort Middle School
08.2021 - Current
- 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.
Special Education Assistant
May River High School
10.2020 - Current
- Built trust and rapport with students through positive reinforcement and strong communication skills
- Aided High school special education teacher in reinforcing efforts for children with various learning and behavioral needs, virtually, through ZOOM
- In absence of regular teacher, took over to lead all classroom instruction and management
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student
- Implemented lessons initiated by teacher or related services personnel
- Provided student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments
Special Education Assistant
Whale Branch Early College High School
08.2016 - 10.2020
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues
- Built trust and rapport with students through positive reinforcement and strong communication skills
- Conferred with parents, administrators, social workers, and other professionals to develop Individualized Educational Plans (IEP) designed to promote student's educational, physical, and social development
- Assessed student assignments to check quality and completeness before submission for grading
- Accompanied students to work related job training / field trips
- Set up visual aids, equipment and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery
- Maintained inclusive learning environment to enable students to gain maximum benefit from lessons
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance
- Collated classroom materials to help teachers prepare for daily instruction and activities
Special Education Assistant
Whale Branch Middle School
08.2014 - 06.2016
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety
- Built trust and rapport with students through positive reinforcement and strong communication skills
- Maintained accurate student records
- Prepared daily reports on child
- Established and enforced rules for behavior through policies and procedures to maintain order
- Crisis Prevention Intervention certified (CPI)
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues
- Organized and guided activities for students, including skills practice, research, and memorization tasks
- Created lesson materials, visuals, and digital presentations to supplement lesson plans
- Oversaw groups of students at school and off-site locations, maintaining optimal safety and security
- Accompanied students to restroom, on field trips, to cafeteria and to playground
- Implemented lessons initiated by teacher or related services personnel
Library Media Assistant
Whale Branch Elementary
08.2010 - 01.2013
- Maintained media center for two years in the absence of an active Media Specialist
- Assisted teachers in creating reading Lexile levels by grade and research materials for upcoming assignments and research
- Taught school library media classes in accordance with the school's curriculum, philosophy, and culture using selective educational tools and lesson plans
- Frequented all Media Specialists' meetings/trainings on both district and state levels
- Greeted faculty, staff, and parents in a courteous and friendly manner
- Created bulletin boards and library displays according to the season, school's philosophy, culture, and curriculum
- Ordered, processed, repaired, and weeded books as was required
- Assisted and collaborated with other school Media Specialists through the district's library inter-loan system
- School Web administrator-maintained school's webpage
- Collaborated fully with administrators, literacy coaches, teachers, staff, and support personnel
Library Media Assistant
James J. Davis Elementary School
08.2003 - 01.2009
- Circulation desk duties to include check in/out books, assess student fines and interacting with faculty, staff, administration, and parents in a friendly and courteous manner
- Responsible for returning books in their proper order on library shelves using the Dewey Decimal Classification
- Instructed students on proper book care and library etiquette and other subject matter pertaining to the school's philosophy, curriculum, and culture
- Assisted teachers with research data and incorporating information literacy into classroom instruction and processed laminated productions
- Ordered yearly school supplies/equipment
- Instructed students in efficient use of knowledge and information
- Processed yearly inventories of selective tools and equipment
Education
Master's degree - Library Information Science (MLIS)
Cambridge College
Cambridge, MA05.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
Limestone College
Gaffney, SC05.2006
Associate Degree - Hospitality Management
Technical College of the Lowcountry
Beaufort, SC05.1989
Skills
- Evaluation of School Library Media Programs
- Technical knowledge of Computer Systems and Applications
- Assessment of Student and Staff Learning Needs
- Providing instruction to Special Education Students
- Infusion of Information Literacy
- Organize and Prioritize projects
- Collaborating with teachers on Learning Objectives
- Copyright Law
- Interlibrary Loan Process
- Scheduling
- Teacher assistance
- Learning disabilities support
- Collaboration with teachers
- Classroom organization
- Progress monitoring
Timeline
Special Education Paraprofessional
Beaufort Middle School
08.2021 - Current
Special Education Assistant
May River High School
10.2020 - Current
Special Education Assistant
Whale Branch Early College High School
08.2016 - 10.2020
Special Education Assistant
Whale Branch Middle School
08.2014 - 06.2016
Library Media Assistant
Whale Branch Elementary
08.2010 - 01.2013
Library Media Assistant
James J. Davis Elementary School
08.2003 - 01.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
Limestone College
Associate Degree - Hospitality Management
Technical College of the Lowcountry
Master's degree - Library Information Science (MLIS)
Cambridge College
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