Jessica Ridge
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
Dedicated Special Education Teacher focused on building students' strengths and confidence. Committed to providing students with firm guidelines, structure, routines and dependability to foster social and academic growth. Prepared to handle onsite, online or blended instruction as needed.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Henry Elementary
Colorado Springs, CO
08.2021 - Current
- Created a safe environment conducive to learning for special education students.
- Identified learning needs of students with disabilities and implemented appropriate interventions.
- Collaborated closely with related services providers such as speech therapists.
- Implemented behavior management systems that promote positive behaviors.
- Established positive relationships with students and their families.
- Facilitated small group instruction tailored for individual student needs.
Special Education Teacher
Penrose Elementary
Colorado Springs, CO
08.2016 - 06.2021
- Wrote and presented documents for Individual Education Plan conferences.
- Collaborated with conventional education instructors across multiple departments to optimize student learning.
- Worked with students with specialized needs to accomplish tasks and build practical skills.
- Developed interesting and interactive learning methods tailored to help students with individual needs.
- Developed individual educational plans designed to promote educational, physical and social development.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Fostered positive and trusting relationships with students to increase engagement.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Keller Elementary
Colorado Springs, CO
08.2015 - 05.2016
- Instructed small groups of students in basic concepts such as alphabet, shapes and color recognition using flashcards, manipulatives, and visuals.
- Provided support to the students through specialized accommodations, extra assistance and educational assessments.
- Assisted 3-5 children per station during small group learning periods.
- Applied positive reinforcement for performance to redirect negative behaviors.
- Encouraged students to be understanding of and helpful to others.
- Promoted language development skills through reading and storytelling.
- Performed diverse tasks for teachers, including clerical support, classroom management and document coordination.
Substitute Teacher
Colorado Springs School District 11
Colorado Springs, CO
01.2013 - 05.2015
- Requested as substitute teacher based on excellent referrals and trusted performance.
- Leveraged diverse instructional strategies and hands-on activities to engage students and boost understanding of material.
- Provided notes and reports on school day activities to primary teacher.
- Applied proactive behavior management techniques to facilitate classroom discipline.
- Directed group activities to promote immersive, play-based learning.
- Implemented lesson plans assigned by classroom teacher to educate students about key concepts.
Reading Interventionist
Madison Elementary
Colorado Springs, CO
08.2013 - 02.2014
- Established clear plans with each student and collaborated closely to achieve targets.
- Developed and deepened successful relationships with teachers in order to provide optimal support.
- Prepared and utilized materials for one-on-one and group instruction.
- Monitored small reading groups comprised of 8-10 students.
- Communicated positively with students through engaging conversations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University Of Phoenix
Colorado Springs, CO12.2012
Skills
- Mastery of Differentiated Instruction
- Social skills development
- Motivating students
- Behavioral/cognitive skills development
Certification
- Certified in First Aid and CPR
- Certified in Crisis Prevention Intervention
- Certified in Mental Health First Aid
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Henry Elementary
08.2021 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Penrose Elementary
08.2016 - 06.2021
Special Education Paraprofessional
Keller Elementary
08.2015 - 05.2016
Reading Interventionist
Madison Elementary
08.2013 - 02.2014
Substitute Teacher
Colorado Springs School District 11
01.2013 - 05.2015
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University Of Phoenix
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