Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
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Jenny K. Bassford

160 Prismatic Way; Lexington,South Carolina

Summary

Experienced, highly qualified, award-winning Special Education Teacher with 20+ years of experience in teaching diverse student populations in a resource and general education classroom settings. Proficient at creating and adapting lesson plans that capture the abilities of all students through various learning styles and interests.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Assistive Technology Facilitator

Lexington School District 1
08.2019 - Current
  • Organize instructional materials, and set up and execute assistive technology workshops for teachers and staff as needed.
  • Receive referrals to screen, evaluate, or consult for students that need academic accommodations, adapted materials/support to access the curriculum in the general education or special education setting.
  • Contact vendors to evaluate available curriculums and associated materials to promote student progression.
  • Assess students in reading and writing to determine appropriate accommodations.
  • Assist staff with analyzing data collected to recommend/determine appropriate tools/apps/devices for students.
  • Present various assistive technology tools/devices to a students IEP Team.
  • Deliver assistive technology tools/devices to students.
  • Train students on assistive technology tools/devices chosen by the students IEP team.
  • Collaborate with Special Education Coordinators and curriculum specialist.
  • Plan and monitor implementation of assistive technology-based learning programs.
  • Develop interactive lessons to increase student knowledge and independence.
  • Complete paperwork in a timely manner.

High School Special Education Teacher

Lexington School District One
08.2019 - 06.2021
  • Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
  • Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
  • Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
  • Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
  • Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
  • Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
  • Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
  • Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
  • Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
  • Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
  • Provided emotional support to students and families.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
  • Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
  • Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.

High School Special Education Teacher

Ascension Parish School Board
01.2013 - 05.2019
  • Supported several classroom teachers in implementing a developmentally-appropriate curriculum for ACT 833 students.
  • Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs study skills in a resource setting as well as reviewed/retaught Algebra 1, Math Essentials, Biology, English 1, English 2, Business English, Civics, and several CTE classes (certified to administer S/P2 certification)
  • Identified students who qualified for ACT 833 and discussed with parents the alternative pathways to obtaining a high school diploma
  • Assisted Jumpstart Counselor with choosing the appropriate CTE classes that best fit the student’s needs and interests.
  • Documented student progress in all classes especially in CTE courses and when earning credentials.
  • Administered S/P2 credential test to special education students.
  • Worked with students with moderate to severe disabilities develop social skills, pre-employment skills, and independent skills through the development of the Griffin Cafe'
  • Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
  • Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
  • Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
  • Assisted with Swim Team (1year), track meets (3 years), and member of PBIS team (4.5 years)
  • Taught ESYS summer school- 3 years

Elementary Special Education Teacher

Livingston Parish Public Schools
08.2008 - 01.2013
  • Taught ELA and Math to students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs the general education curriculum in a pull out setting.
  • Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
  • Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
  • Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
  • Enforced classroom rules to encourage positive behavior and distributed rewards for good conduct using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
  • Used state and district assessments to determine student abilities and track academic progress.
  • Met with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress and determine priorities and resource needs.
  • SPED Lead teacher- 1 year, PBIS team, 4-H advisor, SBLC team- 2 years, Dibbles team- 1year, taught LEAP summer school- 3 years

Education

Master of Arts - Special Education (1-12), Elem. Education (1-6)

Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA
05.2007

Bachelor of Science - Family And Consumer Sciences

Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LA
05.2002

Skills

  • Knowledge of special education laws and procedures
  • Team Collaboration
  • Positive, humorous approach to teaching
  • Strong problem-solving capabilities
  • Flexibility when dealing with people
  • Ability to connect with older students
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Data Management
  • Trained in CPI

Accomplishments

  • Received the Outstanding Scholastic and Excellence Award (January 8, 2013).
  • Teacher of the Month at LHS- November 2019
  • Elected to the National Honor Society for Special Education Teachers- Omega Gamma Chi
  • National Association of Special Education Teachers- active supporter
  • Girl Scout Troop Leader- 5 years
  • Religion Teacher- 5 years
  • 4-H Sponsor- 10 years

Timeline

Assistive Technology Facilitator

Lexington School District 1
08.2019 - Current

High School Special Education Teacher

Lexington School District One
08.2019 - 06.2021

High School Special Education Teacher

Ascension Parish School Board
01.2013 - 05.2019

Elementary Special Education Teacher

Livingston Parish Public Schools
08.2008 - 01.2013

Master of Arts - Special Education (1-12), Elem. Education (1-6)

Southeastern Louisiana University

Bachelor of Science - Family And Consumer Sciences

Nicholls State University
Jenny K. Bassford