Jessica Whigam
Holland,MI
Summary
Professional educator skilled in creating dynamic, inclusive classroom experiences that drive student success. Adept at leveraging diverse instructional strategies to meet varied learning needs, ensuring comprehensive understanding of material. Known for collaborative approach and adaptability in ever-evolving educational settings, with focus on critical thinking and communication.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher for Students With Emotional Impairments
Grand Rapids Public School
Grand Rapids, MI
08.2023 - Current
- Design and implement individualized education programs (IEPs) for students in a self-contained setting with intensive behavioral and emotional needs
- Conduct functional behavior assessments (FBAs) and develop individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) to support student success
- Deliver direct, differentiated instruction across academic subjects within a self-contained classroom environment
- Implement structured routines and consistent behavior management systems to support predictability and stability
- Apply evidence-based strategies such as positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) and social-emotional learning (SEL) practices
- Provide explicit instruction in social skills, self-regulation, and coping strategies throughout the school day
- Manage and de-escalate challenging behaviors using crisis prevention and intervention techniques
- Create a safe, structured, and supportive classroom environment tailored to students requiring intensive behavioral support
- Coordinate transitions and individualized schedules to minimize behavioral triggers and maximize engagement
Special Education Student Teacher
Hillside Learning and Behavior Center
Allegan, MI
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Prepared lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits and demonstrations.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Provided individualized and small group support to reinforce classroom topics and promote student learning.
Kindergarten Student Teacher
Bauer Elementary School
Hudsonville, MI
08.2022 - 12.2022
- Designed and implemented daily lesson plans for classroom of 20 students for 16 weeks.
- Observed educators teaching various lessons, interacting with students and managing classrooms to gain insight and understanding of duties and responsibilities.
- Developed deeper understanding of teaching strategies with increasing responsibility for student learning.
Teacher's Assistant 5th Grade
Zeeland Christian School
Zeeland, MI
01.2022 - 03.2022
- Created over four hands on lessons for the students in many subjects including math and grammar.
- Led both small and large group activities in grammar, math, reading and bible once a week for 10 weeks.
Teachers Assistant K-3rd Grade
Southside Elementary School
Holland, MI
09.2021 - 11.2021
- Aided with students with different disabilities including: ADHD, Fragile X Syndrome and Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
- Helped students master learning concepts through one-on-one and small group tutoring.
Teacher's Assistant 9-12th Grade
Fennville High School
Fennville, MI
02.2021 - 05.2021
- Met with students to clarify and review concepts taught in class and solve specific problems.
- Helped students review and understand previous lessons to make connection with new lesson.
Teacher's Assistant 3rd-4th Grade
Innocademy
Allegan, MI
02.2021 - 05.2021
- Screened students to determine specific reading levels and determine areas in need of improvement.
- Instructed students of various backgrounds and learning styles by employing variety of instructional resources.
- Administered running records, DIBELS and sight word tests.
Teacher's Assistant 2nd-4th Grade
Brookpark Elementary School
Brookfield, IL
11.2020 - 12.2020
- Solved student behavioral issues according to building expectations and codes of conduct.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
Teacher's Assistant 3rd Grade
Holland West
Holland, MI
09.2020 - 11.2020
- Lead reading groups consisting of 4 or 5 3rd grade students with different reading abilities.
- Assessed running records, DIBELS and other reading tests to 3 different students.
- Created lesson plans for both small group and large group instruction and presented them.
Teacher's Assistant 1st-5th Grade
Sheldon Woods Elementary School
West Olive, MI
02.2020 - 03.2020
- Taught various kinds of math at standard, remedial and advanced levels.
- Customized instructional plans to meet needs of different students.
Tutor
Hope College Children's After school Activities
Holland, MI
09.2019 - 12.2019
- Assisted students in finding useful study methods to enhance academic performance.
- Utilized listening and questioning strategies to diagnose student needs and monitor progress.
- Designed comfortable tutoring environment conducive to learning.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Hope College
Holland, MI05-2023
Skills
- Excellent classroom management
- Calm under pressure
- Motivating students
- Relationship building
- Critical thinking
- Student engagement
Accomplishments
- Served as a “Teach for America” Corps Member in Grand Rapids, Mi in 2023/2026.
Certification
Licensed behavior technician - 2022-present
Timeline
Teacher for Students With Emotional Impairments
Grand Rapids Public School
08.2023 - Current
Special Education Student Teacher
Hillside Learning and Behavior Center
01.2023 - 05.2023
Kindergarten Student Teacher
Bauer Elementary School
08.2022 - 12.2022
Teacher's Assistant 5th Grade
Zeeland Christian School
01.2022 - 03.2022
Teachers Assistant K-3rd Grade
Southside Elementary School
09.2021 - 11.2021
Teacher's Assistant 9-12th Grade
Fennville High School
02.2021 - 05.2021
Teacher's Assistant 3rd-4th Grade
Innocademy
02.2021 - 05.2021
Teacher's Assistant 2nd-4th Grade
Brookpark Elementary School
11.2020 - 12.2020
Teacher's Assistant 3rd Grade
Holland West
09.2020 - 11.2020
Teacher's Assistant 1st-5th Grade
Sheldon Woods Elementary School
02.2020 - 03.2020
Tutor
Hope College Children's After school Activities
09.2019 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Hope College