Jennifer Weston
Austin
Summary
Dedicated special education teacher with expertise in individualized education plans, differentiated instruction, and behavior management. Committed to fostering a positive learning environment and enhancing student engagement. Passionate educator skilled in creating individualized education plans and promoting student success through tailored instruction. Known for effective classroom management and fostering collaboration among educators, parents, and specialists to support diverse learning needs.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Leander ISD
Leander
08.2023 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans for diverse student needs.
- Facilitated small group lessons to enhance student engagement and learning.
- Conducted assessments to monitor student progress and inform instruction.
- Maintained detailed records of student performance and intervention outcomes to inform instructional adjustments.
- Engaged in professional development activities to stay current on best practices in special education teaching.
- Provided differentiated instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Implemented behavior management strategies such as positive reinforcement.
- Assisted in the development of Individual Education Plans for eligible students.
- Developed and implemented individualized educational plans for students with learning disabilities.
- Instructed small groups of students in reading, math, science, social studies, and other core subjects.
- Facilitated collaborative meetings with school staff to align on individual student goals and objectives.
- Developed and implemented individualized learning plans for students with special needs.
- Encouraged parent involvement through regular communication to support student progress and engagement.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback on assignments and assessments.
- Consulted with specialists including speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and counselors.
- Fostered an environment of respect within the classroom while managing challenging behaviors.
- Ensured compliance with state and federal regulations related to special education services.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
- Encouraged student empathy of others to build confidence and improve self-image.
- Created and implemented individualized education plans and progress reports for students with special needs.
Special Education Instructional Assistant
Leander ISD
Leander
08.2015 - 05.2023
- Supported students in academic tasks and daily living skills.
- Monitored student behavior to foster a positive and supportive learning environment.
- Collaborated with staff to enhance classroom activities and lesson plans.
- Organized and streamlined instructional materials and classroom resources to facilitate effective learning.
- Provided individualized support to students with diverse learning needs, enhancing their academic engagement.
- Participated in training sessions to improve instructional techniques and strategies.
- Helped students develop good behavioral habits through positive reinforcement and encouragement in studies and discipline.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Collaborated with conventional education instructors across multiple departments to optimize student learning.
- Provided special attention to individuals needing extra academic or behavioral guidance during classes.
- Maintained a safe environment conducive to learning at all times.
- Aided disabled students in using restroom facilities.
- Fostered positive and trusting relationships with students to increase engagement.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Monitored students in class, hallways, and cafeteria to enforce school rules.
- Participated in professional development activities related to special education topics.
- Assisted teachers in printing class handouts and worksheets and distributing to students during classroom sessions.
- Prepared lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, and demonstrations to assist teachers in classroom preparation.
- Transported non-ambulatory students throughout campus facilities.
- Encouraged student empathy of others to build confidence and improve self-image.
- Maintained appropriate contacts with district, intermediate units and state special education leaders in continued compliance of special education programs.
- Participated in supervision of students during lunch, physical education, and after-school extracurricular activities to maintain peaceful and productive environment.
- Distributed textbooks, workbooks, papers, and pencils to students.
- Monitored students' use of personal medical equipment to encourage proper use and prevent injury.
- Coached students on speech patterns using augmentative/alternative communication methods.
- Participated in week-long intensive leadership training and provided training to colleagues on applied behavior analysis.
- Supervised students awaiting after-school transportation and assisted students boarding and exiting school bus daily.
- Eliminated learning gaps and instructed students by using teaching aids and motivational strategies.
- Supervised field trips to local parks, fire stations, and zoos to develop social skills and community awareness.
- Transitioned students across grade levels through careful planning and preparation.
- Ensured compliance with federal regulations pertaining to special education services.
- Implemented behavior management strategies outlined by teachers or administrators.
- Supported teachers by helping to implement classroom instruction and activities.
- Organized instructional materials and resources for use in the classroom setting.
- Utilized positive reinforcement techniques to encourage appropriate behavior from students.
- Provided assistance to students with special needs, including those with physical and learning disabilities.
- Escorted students to restroom cafeteria, outside to playground, and on field trips.
- Communicated affirmatively and promoted positive attitudes with every student.
- Oversaw classroom activities for special education students when lead teacher was unavailable.
- Instructed small groups of students in alphabet, shapes and color recognition.
- Advised instructor on student behavior or issues requiring immediate attention.
- Provided supplemental supervision in classrooms, schoolyards, and cafeterias.
- Provided disabled students with assistive devices and supportive technology.
- Consulted with teachers regarding student progress, IEP adjustments and classroom needs.
- Motivated students using feedback and encouragement.
Substitute Teacher
Leander ISD
Leander
11.2012 - 08.2015
- Managed classroom behavior and maintained a positive learning environment.
- Monitored classrooms, ensuring that all students were safe and adhering to school rules.
- Delivered constructive feedback to teachers on student behavior and performance, enhancing classroom management strategies.
- Assisted with classroom instruction, following lesson plans and providing additional support to students.
- Supervised lunchroom duties, playground activities, field trips and after-school programs.
- Fostered a positive learning atmosphere by demonstrating enthusiasm for subjects, encouraging student engagement.
- Enforced school policies regarding discipline, attendance, dress code.
- Guided small groups and individual students needing extra help, improving their understanding of course material.
- Modified instructional materials for special education students.
- Enforced classroom routines to keep students on schedule and operating at consistent level.
- Provided classroom instruction outlined in teacher's lesson plans.
- Served as substitute teacher in various classrooms based on positive referrals.
- Provided notes and reports on school day activities to primary teacher.
- Remained up-to-date with emergency procedures to keep students and staff safe in emergency events.
- Provided classroom instruction following regular teacher's lesson plans.
- Addressed individual student needs and accommodated learning differences.
- Explained assignments and relayed information from lead teacher.
- Distributed worksheets and homework assignments from head teacher to assist with classroom operations.
- Took attendance and maintained attendance records during the period as substitute.
- Answered student questions about course concepts.
- Led or moderated classroom discussions and guided exploratory thought.
- Addressed rowdy and uncooperative students by speaking firmly and informing head teacher of transgressions.
Stay at Home Parent
Self Employed
Austin
06.2005 - 11.2012
- Managed daily household schedules and activities for multiple family members.
- Coordinated educational and recreational activities to enhance child development and engagement.
- Developed and implemented routines to foster discipline and responsibility.
- Researched and selected age-appropriate learning materials to stimulate learning and curiosity.
- Administered first aid and maintained safety protocols in the home environment.
- Budgeted household expenses to ensure financial stability for the family unit.
- Maintained organized and clean classroom and play areas.
- Supported children's emotional and social development, fostering empathy and positive self-concepts.
Spanish and ESL Teacher
La Mesa Spring Valley School District
La Mesa
08.2002 - 06.2005
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse language learners.
- Implemented interactive activities to enhance student participation.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create curriculum aligned to standards.
- Assessed student progress through regular evaluations and feedback.
- Supported students' language development by providing tailored resources and guidance.
- Participated in teacher training workshops to stay current on best practices in ESL education.
- Developed lesson plans to teach course materials according to schedule.
- Created a welcoming atmosphere for all students regardless of cultural background or ability level.
- Built relationships with students of diverse cultural, social and economic backgrounds.
- Designed creative games that facilitate language development while also being fun for students.
- Incorporated real world applications into lessons whenever possible so that students can apply what they have learned outside the classroom.
- Monitored student behavior during class time and provided appropriate guidance when necessary.
- Advised parents regarding their children's academic progress at parent and teacher conferences.
- Taught lessons encompassing a range of skill-building activities for speaking, writing, reading and listening.
- Improved student grammar and conversational skills through role play assignments.
- Provided one-on-one instruction for non-English speaking students within classroom settings.
- Led self-guided exercises to improve student understanding of spelling, punctuation, style and pronunciation.
- Researched topics related to ESL instruction such as second language acquisition theory, best practices in vocabulary teaching.
- Assessed student progress through written tests, oral quizzes and other forms of assessment.
- Provided feedback on assignments, tests and exams in a timely manner.
- Organized supplementary materials in English for all students.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance and attendance throughout the semester.
- Tested, evaluated, and counseled students regarding academic performance and goals.
- Integrated technology into the curriculum by using online resources and apps related to language learning.
- Integrated cultural lessons into language curriculum to enhance multicultural understanding and sensitivity among students.
- Monitored student performance and offered targeted assistance to help struggling students grasp language concepts.
- Researched best practices for teaching English as a second language.
- Graded and provided feedback on student assignments, papers and examinations.
Professor's Assistant
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego
08.1998 - 05.2000
- Evaluated and graded examinations and assignments, ensuring accurate recording of grades for timely feedback.
- Collaborated with faculty to grade assignments and provide constructive feedback to enhance student learning.
- Assisted professors with course preparation and instructional materials.
- Coordinated classroom activities and managed student communications effectively.
- Organized academic events and workshops to enhance student engagement.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish Language And Literature
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA05-2001
High School Diploma -
Valhalla High School
El Cajon, CA06-1995
Skills
- Individual education plans
- IEP implementation
- IEP and BIP implementation
- Special education compliance
- Differentiated instruction
- Small group instruction
- Co-teaching experience
- Classroom management
- Excellent classroom management
- Behavior management
- Student assessment
- Data collection
- Data recording and analysis
- Assistive technology
- Competent in smartboard technology
- Emotional support strategies
- De-escalation techniques
- Conflict resolution
- Parent communications
- Communication with parents
- Team collaboration
- Collaborative teaching
- Paraprofessional oversight
- Professional development
- Autism spectrum
- Data recording and analysis
- Emotional support strategies
Languages
Spanish
Limited
Certification
- Single Subject Secondary Teaching Credential in Spanish, with a Concentration in English / ESL- K-12
- Special Education Certification- K-12
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Leander ISD
08.2023 - Current
Special Education Instructional Assistant
Leander ISD
08.2015 - 05.2023
Substitute Teacher
Leander ISD
11.2012 - 08.2015
Stay at Home Parent
Self Employed
06.2005 - 11.2012
Spanish and ESL Teacher
La Mesa Spring Valley School District
08.2002 - 06.2005
Professor's Assistant
Point Loma Nazarene University
08.1998 - 05.2000
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish Language And Literature
Point Loma Nazarene University
High School Diploma -
Valhalla High School