Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Jessica higby

Hagerstown

Summary

Dedicated Special Education Paraprofessional with extensive experience at WCPS, skilled in behavior management and effective communication. Proven track record of enhancing student engagement and success through tailored support and collaboration with teachers. Committed to fostering a positive learning environment and promoting social-emotional growth among students with diverse needs.

Strong experience in educational support, adept at fostering academic achievement and promoting inclusive learning environments. Skilled in classroom management, individualized instruction, and behavioral support. Focuses on teamwork and adapts to changing needs, ensuring seamless collaboration with educators and staff. Known for reliability, empathy, and effective communication skills.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Special Ed Paraprofessional IAS

WCPS
04.2025 - Current
  • Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
  • Improved classroom management by assisting teachers with behavioral interventions and monitoring student progress.
  • Supervised students during non-instructional periods such as lunch, recess, or field trips, ensuring safety at all times.
  • Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing strong rapport with students, parents, and faculty members.
  • Enhanced student support by delivering one-on-one and small group assistance in various subjects.
  • Supported special education teachers in implementing accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs.
  • Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
  • Promoted a respectful classroom culture by modeling appropriate behavior and reinforcing positive interactions among peers.
  • Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
  • Enhanced classroom efficiency through organizing instructional materials, managing daily schedules, and preparing resources for lessons as needed.

PreK SpecialEd Paraprofessional

WCPS
03.2023 - 04.2025
  • Implemented behavior management techniques effectively to maintain a structured learning environment conducive to student success.
  • Prepared instruction materials, constructed bulletin boards, and set up work areas.
  • Assisted in the collection and analysis of data on student performance, contributing to ongoing progress monitoring efforts.
  • Collaborated with teachers to develop and implement individualized education plans for students with special needs.
  • Supported school initiatives by participating in professional development opportunities and collaborating with colleagues on best practices for student growth and achievement.
  • Assisted teachers in the development of engaging lesson materials aligned with curriculum standards for various subject areas.
  • Assisted classroom teacher in supervising snack time and indoor and outdoor play.
  • Tailored lesson plans for students with emotional and cognitive disabilities.
  • Reported on student progress, behavior, and social skills to parents.
  • Monitored students on field trips, handling roll call, and group movement to keep youths safe in public settings.

PreK Paraprofessional

WCPS
03.2023 - 04.2025
  • Monitored student progress, maintaining detailed records and communicating regularly with parents regarding their child''s achievements and areas for improvement.
  • Contributed ideas during staff meetings aimed at improving overall quality and effectiveness of the Pre-K program.
  • Enhanced classroom management by creating a positive and nurturing environment for young learners.
  • Provided ongoing feedback to lead teacher about student progress, working together to create targeted intervention strategies for struggling learners.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop innovative teaching strategies, resulting in increased student engagement.
  • Helped establish routines that promoted safety, self-regulation, independence in young learners.
  • Utilized creative methods to teach basic literacy and numeracy skills, ensuring a strong foundation for future learning success.

Elementary Lunch Assistant

WCPS
10.2017 - 07.2021
  • Increased student satisfaction by regularly gathering feedback on menu offerings and making necessary adjustments accordingly.
  • Monitored lunchroom behavior while maintaining a calm demeanor to ensure a pleasant dining experience for all students present at that moment.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between lunch periods by efficiently cleaning and resetting tables, allowing for a streamlined dining experience.
  • Set up attractive displays of food items, creating an inviting atmosphere for students during mealtimes.
  • Fostered positive relationships with both students and faculty through effective communication and teamwork efforts.
  • Provided exceptional customer service to students, addressing their concerns and resolving any issues promptly.
  • Collaborated with other staff members to maintain efficient lunchroom operations and seamless transitions between periods.

Elementary Substitiute

WCPS
02.2017 - 06.2021
  • Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively, ensuring a safe and respectful atmosphere for all students.
  • Improved student comprehension by tailoring teaching methods to individual learning styles.
  • Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
  • Increased overall class participation by fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Education

Fort Hill High School
Cumberland, MD
04-2000

Skills

  • Behavior management
  • Effective communication
  • Helping students with special needs
  • Small group and individual assistance
  • Special education support
  • Teacher support
  • Data collection
  • Classroom support
  • CPR and first aid
  • Special education
  • Teacher support and collaboration
  • Student health and safety
  • Small group instruction
  • Reading and writing support
  • Progress monitoring
  • Educational assistance

Certification

Praxis test certification 6/3/2015

First Aid/CPR certified

CPI Training certified

Interests

Arts & Creativity

Travel

Music

Nature

Reading

Crafting and DIY Projects

Timeline

Special Ed Paraprofessional IAS

WCPS
04.2025 - Current

PreK SpecialEd Paraprofessional

WCPS
03.2023 - 04.2025

PreK Paraprofessional

WCPS
03.2023 - 04.2025

Elementary Lunch Assistant

WCPS
10.2017 - 07.2021

Elementary Substitiute

WCPS
02.2017 - 06.2021

Fort Hill High School

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