John Wannamaker
Gaston,SC
Summary
Dynamic Special Education Instructional Assistant at Lexington County School District One, adept at implementing IEPs and enhancing student engagement through adaptive curriculum and emotional regulation strategies. Proven ability to foster relationships and support diverse learning needs, resulting in improved academic performance and social skills among students.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Instructional Assistant
Lexington County School District One
Lexington, SC
09.2025 - Current
- Supported individualized education plans by implementing tailored instructional strategies for diverse learning needs.
- Assisted teachers in classroom management, promoting a positive and inclusive learning environment.
- Collaborated with special education professionals to develop adaptive materials and resources for students.
- Monitored student progress, providing feedback and support to enhance academic performance and social skills.
- Conducted small group sessions to reinforce curriculum concepts and improve student engagement.
- Coordinated communication between parents, educators, and support staff to ensure comprehensive understanding of student needs.
- Provided one-on-one assistance in academic subjects such as reading, writing, math, and social studies to help students achieve their full potential.
- Participated actively in professional development opportunities focused on best practices in special education instruction and support services.
- Improved student engagement by incorporating interactive activities and multimedia resources in lessons.
- Enhanced student progress by implementing individualized education plans and adapting instructional strategies to meet diverse needs.
- Monitored student performance through ongoing assessment and data collection, adjusting instruction as needed for optimal growth.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using formative and summative assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed to ensure continuous improvement.
- Supported students with behavioral challenges through consistent reinforcement of classroom expectations and positive feedback.
- Assisted special education teachers in developing and executing comprehensive lesson plans tailored to students'' unique learning styles and abilities.
- Cultivated a safe and inclusive learning environment that promoted respect, empathy, and understanding among all students.
Associate Pastor of Students
Kinetic Church
West Columbia, SC
07.2020 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student understanding of faith principles.
- Facilitated small group discussions to foster community and spiritual growth among students.
- Coordinated youth events, increasing participation through targeted outreach efforts.
- Mentored student leaders, cultivating leadership skills and encouraging active involvement in church activities.
- Collaborated with parents and guardians to support student development and address concerns effectively.
- Implemented feedback mechanisms to assess program effectiveness and adapt strategies accordingly.
- Organized volunteer opportunities, promoting service learning within the community for students.
- Trained new volunteers on program objectives, ensuring consistency in youth ministry initiatives.
- Contributed to the spiritual growth of students through personalized mentorship and guidance.
- Mentored emerging student leaders, equipping them with essential skills to lead effectively in various ministry roles.
- Promoted unity among diverse groups of students by facilitating team-building exercises and group discussions on inclusivity within the church body.
- Partnered with local schools to provide resources and support for students facing academic or personal challenges.
- Evaluated the success of various programs by regularly soliciting feedback from participants and adjusting approaches accordingly.
- Established strong relationships with parents by maintaining open lines of communication and offering support as needed.
- Designed and led retreats for students, providing an immersive environment for spiritual development and relationshipbuilding.
- Collaborated with church leadership to develop a comprehensive youth ministry program, resulting in increased student involvement.
- Encouraged regular attendance at worship services by emphasizing the importance of communal participation in one''s spiritual journey.
- Implemented a discipleship program focused on fostering spiritual growth through mentorship, Bible study, and prayer.
- Connected students with appropriate resources when faced with difficult situations or complex questions about faith matters.
- Provided counseling services for struggling teens, offering emotional support while guiding them towards healthy coping mechanisms.
- Organized outreach events for students, fostering a sense of community and encouraging service opportunities.
- Developed age-appropriate curriculum materials, ensuring teachings were relatable and impactful for each grade level.
- Facilitated small group Bible studies tailored toward specific interests or needs of participants.
- Helped to create welcoming environment for visitors and encouraged congregation to offer support.
- Provided spiritual and administrative leadership to church and managed daily operations.
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry.
- Planned and conducted worship services, wrote sermons, and worked with key church leaders to carry out church mission.
- Volunteered at church-sponsored outreach events.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
- Served as mentor to children in church community, offering guidance and support.
- Authored sermons, speeches and other religious materials.
- Raised congregational awareness of needs and contributions of youth to church life and operations.
Education
No Degree - Pastoral Ministry
Ozark Christian College
Joplin, MOHigh School Diploma -
Airport High School
West Columbia, SC05.2004
Skills
- Emotional regulation
- Literacy intervention
- Visual supports
- Assistive technology
- Group and individual instruction
- Social skills training
- Adaptive curriculum
- Motor skills development
- Data collection
- Sensory integration
- Progress reporting
- Nonviolent crisis intervention
- IEP implementation
- Transition planning
- Student supervision
- IEP compliance
- Behavioral plan management
- Teaching and instruction
- Autism and spectrum disorders
- Relationship building skills
- Teacher assistance
Certification
I am CPR, and AED certified
Timeline
Special Education Instructional Assistant
Lexington County School District One
09.2025 - Current
Associate Pastor of Students
Kinetic Church
07.2020 - Current
No Degree - Pastoral Ministry
Ozark Christian College
High School Diploma -
Airport High School