JESSICA SOTO
Fountain
Summary
Dedicated and adaptable professional with a decade of experience as a Special Education Teaching Assistant, specializing in supporting students with special needs through personalized one-on-one and small group interactions. Expertise in implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) while promoting positive behavior, respect, and critical thinking skills. Proven ability to efficiently manage classroom operations, including grading assignments, organizing student records, and ensuring a structured learning environment. Seeking an entry-level position that leverages strong organizational skills and a commitment to student success, with flexibility for part-time or full-time employment.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Science Teacher
CES Academy of Lakeland
11.2023 - 10.2025
- Planned, prepared, and taught lesson plans, giving students individual support.
- Delivered interactive lessons to help students comprehend complex concepts.
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay updated on current research findings and best practices in science education.
- Incorporated project-based learning into the curriculum, challenging students to apply scientific principles in real-world situations while developing teamwork skills.
- Differentiated instruction
- Established clear expectations for behavior and academic performance; consistently enforced policies while maintaining fairness and respect toward all students.
- Communicated with students and parents regarding academic progress, assignments, and behavior.
Educational Assistant
Wheeler Elementary School
09.2017 - 09.2019
- Supervise and manage students during school activities, recess, school assemblies, and field trips.
- Assist the lead teacher with the daily routine in assignments, individual lesson plans.
- Help to maintain a safe and positive learning environment for students.
- Assist with behavior modification as assigned by the teacher.
Behavioral Health Paraprofessional
BAYADA Oahu Behavioral Health
03.2018 - 08.2019
- Provide one-on-one behavioral intervention, including daily data collection.
- Assist students with Autism with achieving established goals and with personal care and mobility.
- Redirect negative behavior into a positive one.
- Collected and assessed student performance data to measure progress towards goals and objectives.
- Assessed disabled students with personal and self-help needs.
- Ability to create and perform lesson plans as instructed.
- Perform responsible human support and paraprofessional work assisting classroom teachers to achieve instructional objectives, helping students with disabilities achieve goals, and providing personal care and mobility.
- Providing group activities for the children to learn and interact with one another.
- Meet with parents to discuss the student's progress and establish individual priorities and needs.
- Helped special education students, adapting the general education curriculum for students with disabilities using a wide array of instructional techniques and technologies.
- Create a safe environment for the children to foster learning and discovery.
Cashier
The Home Depot
05.2005 - 04.2006
- Accepted customers' payments and made changes when necessary.
- Answered customers' questions on purchases, store products, and store returns.
- Coached customers on how to use self-checkout stations.
- Count cash in the register at the start and end of each shift.
- Encourage customers to register for store rewards and promotions.
- Packed purchases into paper and plastic bags neatly to maximize space.
- Performed duties such as mopping, organizing shelves, and marking prices.
Sales Representative
Start Marketing Network Inc
09.2004 - 04.2005
- Contact existing and new customers to discover their needs and to explain how certain products could be useful for them
- Emphasized the specific product features that would stand out to customers, showing them the product limitations and capabilities
- Following up with customers, ensuring their satisfaction with their purchases
- Greeted customers and offered them assistance where possible
- Informed customers about current promotions and sales, encouraging them to take advantage
- Recommended certain products to help customers meet their specific needs
Education
Biology - Undergrad
Ana G. Méndez University
Juncos, Puerto RicoPharmacy Technician Certificate - undefined
Fisk University
Nashville, TennesseeBachelor of Arts - Special Education and Elementary Education (Dual Licensure)
Western Governors University
Millcreek, UtahSkills
- Behavior management
- Relationship building
- Communications
- Curriculum adaptation and modification
- One-on-one and small group instruction
- Speak fluently and write in Spanish
- Problem-solving abilities
- De-escalation techniques
- Classroom Management
- Team collaboration
- Technology integration
- Inquiry-based learning
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Science Teacher
CES Academy of Lakeland
11.2023 - 10.2025
Behavioral Health Paraprofessional
BAYADA Oahu Behavioral Health
03.2018 - 08.2019
Educational Assistant
Wheeler Elementary School
09.2017 - 09.2019
Cashier
The Home Depot
05.2005 - 04.2006
Sales Representative
Start Marketing Network Inc
09.2004 - 04.2005
Pharmacy Technician Certificate - undefined
Fisk University
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education and Elementary Education (Dual Licensure)
Western Governors University
Biology - Undergrad
Ana G. Méndez University