Janara Ferguson
Farmerville,LA
Summary
Dedicated teaching professional with passion for working with children at multiple grade levels, and helping students excel by supporting teachers and enhancing classroom environments.
Highly proficient in organizing supplies, record keeping, cleaning rooms and leading recreational and educational activities when providing head teachers support in all aspects of classroom management. Accomplished in building long-lasting relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
ASD Paraprofessional
Academy of Collaborative Education
Monroe, Louisiana , LA
10.2024 - Current
- works with a licensed teacher to support students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
- Created and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
- Helps with classroom management, such as organizing materials, and establishing routines
- Assists with lessons, instructional materials, and individualized learning activities
- Monitors student behavior ,develop behavior plan and implements behavior support plans
- Provides academic modifications or supports, and helps students raise expectations and become more independent
- Helps students with communication skills
- Assists with personal hygiene, toileting, and changing diapers and clothing
Math Paraprofessional
Union Parish School Board
Farmerville , LA
08.2023 - 07.2024
- Responsible for individual tutoring and small group instruction of students utilizing prescribed techniques
- Administered assessments to determine student's academic performance levels
- Responsible for supplemental assistance to students performing below grade level, as directed
- Monitor classrooms during team collaboration of staff
- Assists in RTI data collection.
- Provided one-on-one support to students requiring additional assistance with assignments.
- Conducted reading and math interventions under the supervision of a certified teacher.
- Supervised students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, gymnasiums and field trips.
Assistant Teacher
The Goddard School For Early Childhood Development
Virginia Beach, Virginia
10.2022 - 06.2023
- Provided individualized instruction to students who needed additional assistance.
- Supervised small group activities.
- Helped maintain a safe and orderly learning environment.
- Encouraged positive behavior with rewards and incentives.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance and grades.
- Organized instructional materials, bulletin boards, displays, and demonstrations.
- Participated in professional development workshops related to teaching strategies.
- Evaluated student work using established criteria.
- Utilized technology such as computers, projectors, iPads. to enhance lessons.
- Maintained safe, educational environment for students during learning and free play time.
- Interacted positively with children to encourage development and involvement in activities, treating each child with dignity and respect.
- Assisted teacher with enrichment activities, correcting papers, or supervising classroom to foster positive learning environment
- Created calm and disciplined classroom environment to improve student focus.
- Assisted children at mealtime to teach social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices.
- Communicated regularly with parents, teachers, and administrators regarding student progress and needs.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
Assistant Classroom Teacher
LeafSpring School at Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach, VA
12.2019 - 10.2022
- Supervised children and participated with children in activities.
- Established positive relationships with students, parents, fellow teachers and school administrators.
- Kept students safe inside and outside classrooms by proactively monitoring behaviors and tracking student movements, safety hazards and visitors.
- Provided one-on-one assistance to students requiring additional help.
- Helped students master learning concepts through one-on-one and small group tutoring.
- Promoted student learning by providing individualized and small group support to reinforce classroom topics.
- Assisted teachers with lesson preparation and curriculum implementation.
- Contributed to positive, educational setting by delivering gentle discipline and promoting student success.
- Handled diverse tasks for teachers, including clerical support, classroom management and document coordination.
- Monitored students in class, hallways and cafeteria to supervise, enforce rules and support lead teacher.
- Prepared lesson materials and visual aids to reinforce lesson concepts.
- Helped teachers with material generation, lesson plan development, class preparation, scheduling, exam distribution and student mentoring.
- Distributed classroom materials and supplies such as pencils, paper and art materials.
- Observed children and recorded activities, maintained daily records and created safe environments during activities, meals and naps.
- Taught children foundational skills such as colors, shapes and letters.
- Wiped down and sanitized tables and chairs. Read books about germs and encouraged kids to keep toys and hands away from mouth and nose and encouraged more hand washing to avoid germ spread.
- Maintained hygiene of students by changing diapers, clothes, etc.
- Prepared bulletin boards, classroom materials and individual student portfolios to support teacher plans.
- Participated in meetings with parents concerning child's progress and areas of concern during parent-teacher conferences.
Library Associate
Union Parish Library
Farmerville, LA
08.2015 - 08.2019
- Greeted patrons upon entrance to library and offered assistance with needs or issues.
- Answered patrons' questions and assisted in finding materials requested.
- Returned books to circulation by placing on proper shelves.
- Developed strong understanding of cataloging books and other materials through various methods.
- Maintained well-rounded knowledge of automated library systems and reference data to share with patrons and visitors.
- Operated networked and standalone PCs, photocopier, fax machine and scanner.
- Maintained accurate library records for inventory of periodicals and books.
- Handled multitude of daily tasks, including facility maintenance and security in support of staff members.
- Designed fliers and posted throughout library to inform visitors and patrons of upcoming events, including book clubs, meetings and special programs.
- Used library and scholarly databases to locate reliable resources.
- Verified titles requested from other libraries in bibliographic database.
- Verified and documented inter-library loans in computer system.
- Facilitated payment of invoices for interlibrary loan charges and fees.
- Implemented and helped manage summer reading program for children.
- Checked circulation desk regularly to keep appropriate numbers of books and periodicals available to patrons.
- Enforced current library policies fairly with patrons.
- Worked alongside library staff to shelve books and organize collections.
- Reshelved books and DVDs quickly and correctly.
- Organized circulation of library materials.
- Assisted with regular and special events such as book groups, clubs and storytime for children.
- Evaluated returned items for damage, noted problems and collected for repairs.
- Oversaw summer reading program for school-age children to encourage literacy.
- Fulfilled requests by collecting and organizing internal and loaned materials.
- Copied, printed and mailed material per librarians' requests.
- Utilized software program to scan books in and out and run overdue reports.
- Read stories to preschool children to help increase key language, literacy and social skills.
- Developed skills in Microsoft Office and other current computer technologies.
- Instructed patrons on how to access library's electronic catalog and internet site.
- Delivered materials to patrons unable to come to library.
- Developed exceptional attendance record with special attention to punctuality and preparation to work upon arrival.
Pre- K Intervention Educator
Union Parish School District
Farmerville, LA
02.2019 - 05.2019
- Used vast number of teaching strategies in coordination of lesson creation and planning to meet diverse group of students' specific needs.
- Worked with students with specialized needs to accomplish tasks and build practical skills.
- Fostered positive and trusting relationships with students to increase engagement.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Developed interesting and interactive learning methods tailored to help students with individual needs.
- Taught children foundational skills such as colors,shapes, letters and sounds
- Encouraged student empathy of others to build confidence and improve self-image.
- Promoted language development skills through reading and storytelling.
- Eliminated learning gaps and instructed students by using teaching aids and motivational strategies.
- Implemented specialized tests to evaluate literacy performance.
- Supervised field trips to local parks, fire stations and zoos to develop social skills and community awareness.
- Enhanced lessons using Smart Board technology and computers.
Substitute Kindergarten Teacher
Union Parish School District
Farmerville, LA
11.2018 - 02.2019
- Customized small group and individual classroom activities based on differentiated learning needs.
- Supplied one-on-one attention to each student during group activities.
- Applied positive reinforcement to redirect negative behaviors.
- Offered students personalized educational, behavioral and emotional support.
- Supported students in developing strategies for individual and group learning.
- Communicated and collaborated well with educators from various grade levels.
- Planned and led activities to develop students' physical, emotional and social growth.
- Handled diverse tasks for teachers, including clerical support, classroom management and document coordination.
- Cleaned and organized classrooms, materials and supplies.
- Observed students to help teachers identify potential learning blocks and opportunities for support.
- Supervised students and maintained security throughout school buildings and on field trips.
- Graded assignments and tests using answer key, documented results and informed lead teacher of students' performance.
- Assisted children at stations during small-group learning periods.
- Tutored and supported students individually and in groups by reteaching and reviewing lesson concepts.
- Modeled and taught basic and advanced social skills, conflict management techniques and study approaches to students.
- Enforced classroom routines to keep students on schedule and operating at consistent level.
- Provided notes and reports on school day activities to primary teacher.
- Requested as substitute teacher based on excellent referrals and trusted performance.
- Engaged students in discussions to promote interest and drive learning.
- Educated students in various subjects to provide seamless transition during absence of head teacher.
- Maintained student attendance and assignment records to prevent lapses during teacher absences.
- Engaged students and boosted understanding of material using focused instructional strategies and hands-on activities.
Preschool Paraprofessional
Union Parish School Board
Farmerville, LA
12.2017 - 07.2018
- Supported lead teacher with daily classroom activities.
- Monitored students to observe behavior, enforce rules and maintain safety.
- Instructed and assisted students during craft activities.
- Supervised students outside classroom during recess, lunch and breaks.
- Assisted with or led story time by reading books to children.
- Arranged classroom furniture and learning materials to keep areas neat.
- Created and assembled classroom displays and decorations.
- Organized student items by labeling and documenting collection.
- Evaluated student's progress and documented in reports.
- Set up for special events, including parties and parent meetings.
- Maintained tidy and clean classroom consistent with safety and health standards.
- Taught children foundational skills such as colors, shapes and letters.
- Organized and led activities to promote physical, mental and social development.
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies such as games and crafts for experiential learning.
- Observed each child to help improve social, mental and behavioral competencies.
- Collaborated with parents to develop and maintain strong support networks and build rapport to foster seamless communication.
- Tracked each child's progress and reported progress to parents.
- Enhanced sensory abilities by giving children access to numerous textures and shapes.
Insurance Agent/Producer
Union National Life Insurance
Monroe, LA
09.2013 - 01.2014
- Engaged customers and provided high level of service by carefully explaining details about documents.
- Analyzed customer needs and provided best options, upselling products and services.
- Supported customers with individualized support and broad knowledge of company products to bring targeted services to individuals with varying needs.
- Coordinated appointments and consultations with clients to identify individual needs and gain better understanding of overall financial situations.
- Generated new leads and identified potential clients by using successful direct marketing strategies.
- Improved office operations continually by maintaining records, tracking data and promoting internal communications.
- Provided quick turnaround time when customers called with questions, usually within 1 hour.
- Cultivated lasting professional relationships, which created continuous client referral streams within community.
- Reviewed coverage plans and strategic initiatives, determining how best to align new offerings with business goals.
- Exceeded team goals by partnering with staff to share and implement best practices.
- Reduced financial discrepancies by accurately resolving billing issues while processing applications and cancellations.
- Diligently filed and followed up on third party claims.
- Drove client retention by increasing savings opportunities and identifying premium discounts.
- Increased data collection accuracy by recording client account information with zero discrepancies.
- Increased client retention through loyalty rewards and incentivization program.
- Diminished project lags by effectively training employees on best practices and protocols.
- Received underwriting approvals after accurately completing applications for insurance coverage.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Union Parish School District
Farmerville, LA
08.2006 - 08.2013
- Supported students with personalized accommodations, extra assistance and educational assessments.
- Collaborated with teacher to develop personalized and successful learning strategies.
- Communicated affirmatively and promoted positive attitudes with every student.
- Worked in tandem with teacher to develop customized classroom environment conducive to students' needs.
- Escorted students to restroom cafeteria, outside to playground and on field trips.
- Advised instructor on student behavior or issues requiring immediate attention.
- Managed class of special education students in absence of lead teacher.
- Supervised test taking and graded papers.
- Spoke with parents to discuss student progress and coordinate meetings.
- Provided special attention to individuals needing extra academic or behavioral guidance during classes.
- Helped students to develop good behavioral habits through positive reinforcement and encouragement in studies as well as discipline and careful use of physical intervention when required.
- Instructed students with varying abilities and needs in alignment with IEP objectives while delivering personalized and small group lessons.
- Coordinated with teachers to support instruction implementation through students' specific needs and progress evaluations.
- Created safe and nurturing environment focused on students to ensure quality learning experiences.
- Engaged and supported students with differing learning styles and cultural backgrounds.
- Assisted teachers in printing class handouts and worksheets and distributing to students during classroom sessions.
- Participated in supervision of students during lunch, physical education and after-school extracurricular activities to maintain peaceful and productive environment.
- Worked with both groups and individuals to provide instruction in mathematics, reading, science and history.
- Aided disabled students in using restroom facilities.
- Maintained focused, inclusive and supportive learning environments.
- Administered coursework devised by teachers according to lesson plans.
- Fostered positive relationships with students, parents and personnel to facilitate program growth and ensure positive learning outcomes.
- Handled diverse tasks for teachers, including clerical support, classroom management and document coordination.
- Completed documentation on student behaviors, interventions and results.
- Supervised students awaiting after-school transportation and assisted students boarding and exiting school bus daily.
- Created and distributed instructional materials for group and one-on-one use.
- Prepared visual aids, equipment and classroom displays to foster learning.
- Amplified knowledge in classroom management, student engagement, activity planning and student goal setting through continuing education courses.
- Communicated with parents to report on academic and behavioral performance and deliver suggestions to implement at home to reinforce positive habits developed at school.
Education
Diploma - Child Day Care Management
Stratford Career Institute
01.2010
High School Diploma - Criminal Justice
Farmerville High School
05.2003
Some College (No Degree) - Criminal Justice
Grambling State University
Grambling, LASome College (No Degree) - Criminal Justice
Career Technical College
Skills
- Active listening
- Communication
- Computer skills
- Customer service
- Interpersonal skills
- Leadership
- Management skills
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Early childhood education
- Classroom support
- Safety protocols
- CPR/First-aid certified
- Team collaboration
- Cataloging of material
- Work ethic
- Multitasking
- Clerical
- Data entry
- Scheduling
- Telephone etiquette
- Supervision and training
- Flexible
References
Cynthia Gatson
(318) 243-8985
Union Parish School District Supervisor of Elementary Education
Stephanie Herrmann
(318) 368-9226
Union Parish Library Librarian/ Director
Judy Lewis
(318) 608-5912
Union Parish Library Literacy Coordinator
Michelle Woffard
(757)563-2500
The Goddard School Director
Joellen Freeman
(318)337-8223
Co-founder/ Executive Director at ACE
Timeline
ASD Paraprofessional
Academy of Collaborative Education
10.2024 - Current
Math Paraprofessional
Union Parish School Board
08.2023 - 07.2024
Assistant Teacher
The Goddard School For Early Childhood Development
10.2022 - 06.2023
Assistant Classroom Teacher
LeafSpring School at Virginia Beach
12.2019 - 10.2022
Pre- K Intervention Educator
Union Parish School District
02.2019 - 05.2019
Substitute Kindergarten Teacher
Union Parish School District
11.2018 - 02.2019
Preschool Paraprofessional
Union Parish School Board
12.2017 - 07.2018
Library Associate
Union Parish Library
08.2015 - 08.2019
Insurance Agent/Producer
Union National Life Insurance
09.2013 - 01.2014
Special Education Paraprofessional
Union Parish School District
08.2006 - 08.2013
Diploma - Child Day Care Management
Stratford Career Institute
High School Diploma - Criminal Justice
Farmerville High School
Some College (No Degree) - Criminal Justice
Career Technical College
Some College (No Degree) - Criminal Justice
Grambling State University