Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Self Driven Campaigns
Professional Organization Membership
Timeline
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Jessica Garza

Jessica Garza

Mission

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. I am determined and driven to continue learning and providing growth for my community.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

McAllen ISD
08.2015 - Current
  • Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
  • Assessed student progress regularly through formative and summative assessments, adapting instruction accordingly to meet individual needs.
  • Maintained accurate records of student performance, using data analysis tools to inform ongoing instructional planning and decisionmaking.
  • Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Increased parent involvement in the learning process by maintaining open communication and providing regular updates on student progress.
  • Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
  • Initiated partnerships with community organizations, connecting students with valuable resources and learning opportunities outside the classroom setting.
  • Worked with students with moderate to severe autism to increase life skills.
  • Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).

Speech Language Pathology Assistant

Creations Therapy LLC
06.2010 - 05.2015
  • Liaised with Speech Language Pathologist to conduct speech and language screening to assess needs for intervention and treatment.
  • Educated patient, family and community about speech-improvement to facilitate home-care therapy.
  • Maintained caseload of 45 treatment hours per week to effectively manage time and reduce burnout.
  • Implemented and adhered to therapeutic treatment plans and protocols in recommended setting to optimize patient response.
  • Recorded patient progress and reported findings and results to supervising Speech-Language Pathologist.
  • Monitored babies and young children with cognitive and motor developmental delays to provide supportive services.
  • Implemented data-driven approaches to monitor patient progress, resulting in more accurate assessments of treatment efficacy over time.
  • Completed SOAP notes for client records.

Education

Ed.D. Curriculum & Instruction - Curriculum & Instruction, Special Education

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, Texas
12.2025

Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Curriculum & Instruction, Special Education

Texas A & M International University-Laredo
Laredo, Texas
05.2022

Teacher Certification -

Alternative Certification Program
Edinburg, Texas
05.2015

Speech Language Pathology -Assistant Certification -

Texas A&M University Kingsville
Kingsville, Texas
01.2010

Bachelor of Arts - Communications Sciences Disorders

Texas A & M University-Kingsville
Kingsville, Texas
05.2009

Skills

  • Bilingual: English and Spanish
  • Individualized Education Plans
  • Inclusive Teaching Practices
  • Parent-teacher collaboration
  • Early Intervention Strategies
  • Creativity and Innovation
  • Time Management
  • Positive Attitude

Accomplishments


  • McAllen Elementary Teacher of the Year 2022-2023
  • McAllen Educational Foundation grant winner 2023-2024 for an Inclusive art club called Connected Canvas.
  • All abilities (inclusive) Cheer sponsor.
  • 4.O Master's Graduate
  • Hawaii Educational Conference presenter
  • UTRGV Doctoral research student
  • Collaborated with neighboring districts to come up with plans to make effective changes to special education programs and curriculum.
  • Teaching Certificate EC-6
  • Special Education Teaching Certificate EC-12
  • ESL Teacher Certification
  • Master Teacher 2022-Present
  • Speech Language Pathology Assistant Certification 2009

Self Driven Campaigns

Connected Canvas is a student-led art club that aims to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for students of all abilities. The club's mission is to promote the idea that art is for everyone, regardless of their physical, mental, or emotional capabilities. This initiative was implemented to decrease the mystery of special education classrooms and increase a fostering of inclusive culture in school. 

Professional Organization Membership

  • Council for Exceptional Children
  • Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education

Timeline

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

McAllen ISD
08.2015 - Current

Speech Language Pathology Assistant

Creations Therapy LLC
06.2010 - 05.2015

Ed.D. Curriculum & Instruction - Curriculum & Instruction, Special Education

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Curriculum & Instruction, Special Education

Texas A & M International University-Laredo

Teacher Certification -

Alternative Certification Program

Speech Language Pathology -Assistant Certification -

Texas A&M University Kingsville

Bachelor of Arts - Communications Sciences Disorders

Texas A & M University-Kingsville

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Jessica Garza