John Dias
Flint,MI
Summary
Compassionate Special Education Teacher known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Skilled in creating adaptive learning strategies, behavior management techniques, and individualized education plans tailored to each student's unique needs. Excel in communication, patience, and empathy, ensuring effective collaboration with parents, colleagues, and multidisciplinary teams to support student success.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Special Education Teacher / Paraprofessional
09.2001 - Current
- Design and implement lesson plans aligned with student IEPs, using task analysis, visual aids, and assistive technology.
- Delivered individualized instruction to K-4 students with significant cognitive, behavioral, and physical needs, enhancing their learning experience.
- Utilize video modeling, prompt fading, and data-driven instruction to increase skill acquisition and independence.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams (SLPs, OTs, PTs) and lead IEP meetings focused on measurable outcomes.
- Mentor paraprofessionals on fidelity, instructional methods, and student safety protocols.
- Conduct weekly data reviews to inform instruction and modify goals.
- Facilitated strong home-school communication, promoting generalization of skills across environments.
Utility Worker → Loss Prevention Associate
Meijer
Flint, USA
01.1989 - 01.2004
- Ensured cleanliness, cart retrieval, and floor safety across all store zones in utility operations.
- Promoted to Loss Prevention after 1.5 years based on strong work ethic and attention to detail.
- Monitored CCTV systems and conducted floor surveillance to deter theft and enhance customer safety.
- Led internal investigations and coordinated with law enforcement on asset protection cases.
- Maintained daily security logs and produced detailed incident reports for asset protection.
- Trained new LP team members on safety protocols, emergency response, and store policy compliance.
- Meijer is a regional American supercenter chain that sells groceries, clothing, electronics, and household goods.
Education
Master's - Cognitive Impairment
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI01.2025
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy
Baker College
Flint, MI01.1994
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Michigan
Flint, MI01.1988
Skills
- Classroom oversight and management
- Behavior modification strategies
- Crisis prevention tactics
- De-escalation techniques for conflict resolution
- Feedback mechanisms for performance improvement
- Communication effectiveness skills
- Teamwork collaboration approaches
- Engagement motivational techniques
- Effective problem resolution strategies
- Collaboration across departments
- Decision-making in crises
- Risk management strategies
- Compliance with safety guidelines
- Documentation based on data analysis
- Methodologies for task analysis
- Inclusive instructional strategy development
- Leadership critical thinking development
Certification
- CPR Certified
- CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention)
- STAR Award Recipient, GISD
- Special Olympics Coach - Since 2001+
Core Skills
Team leadership, coaching, and mentoring across diverse roles and abilities, Conflict de-escalation, calm decision-making, and crisis response, Building trust, motivation, and high morale in fast-paced, high-stress environments, Clear, empathetic communication with families, staff, and community partners, Active listening, rapport building, and service-minded problem resolution, Cross-functional collaboration with administrators, therapists, and external agencies, Designing and delivering step-by-step training for new and existing staff, One-on-one and small-group coaching using clear, visual, and hands-on methods, Using feedback and coaching cycles to strengthen performance and consistency, Meticulous documentation, progress tracking, and compliance with detailed guidelines, Using checklists, routines, and visual systems to keep teams aligned and efficient, Collecting and interpreting data to adjust strategies and improve outcomes, CPR & CPI certified; experienced in risk mitigation and safe crisis intervention, Skilled in maintaining emotional control and professionalism under pressure, Special Olympics coach with a focus on inclusion, teamwork, and goal achievement
Timeline
Special Education Teacher / Paraprofessional
09.2001 - Current
Utility Worker → Loss Prevention Associate
Meijer
01.1989 - 01.2004
Master's - Cognitive Impairment
Grand Valley State University
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy
Baker College
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Michigan