Jonna McCann
Angier,NC
Summary
Compassionate Special Education Teacher with proven background in enhancing learning experiences for children with diverse needs. Skilled in creating adaptive teaching methods tailored to individual student requirements, fostering an inclusive classroom environment. Strengths include effective communication, behavioral management techniques, and developing interactive educational materials. Improved academic performance and social integration for students through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts with parents and professionals.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Behavioral/Autism Teacher
Wake County Public Schools
Fuquay-Varina, NC
08.2020 - Current
- Helped students learn to persevere with challenging tasks and build resilience for later educational efforts.
- Communicated regularly with families regarding their child's progress and discussed any concerns they may have had.
- Worked collaboratively with physical therapists and occupational therapists to ensure successful integration of therapy into classroom activities.
- Cultivated classroom environment focused on inclusion and growth, fostering both social and academic development.
- Solved student behavioral issues according to building expectations and codes of conduct.
- Assisted in creating lesson plans that incorporated sensory integration activities into everyday curriculum.
- Developed interesting and interactive learning methods tailored to help students with individual needs.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance including daily notes on attendance, behavior, assignments completed.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Tracked student data related to goals and objectives outlined within IEPs.
- Maintained student records in accordance with district standards.
- Attended professional development sessions related to Autism Spectrum Disorder best practices.
- Provided direct instruction to students with autism spectrum disorder in areas of communication, social skills, behavior management, and academic skills.
- Enhanced lessons using Smart Board technology and computers.
- Developed and maintained individualized skill-appropriate lesson plans to promote and build student confidence.
- Formed deep relationships with parents and students by engaging groups through conferences, emails, texts and phone calls.
- Provided crisis intervention when needed and worked closely with school counselors and psychologists.
- Assisted with classroom observations to identify developmental delays and behavioral issues.
- Created and implemented compliant IEPs, progress reports and state-specific special education documentation.
- Collaborated with other teachers and therapists to ensure that educational objectives were met.
- Facilitated IEP meetings in collaboration with school personnel, parents and guardians, outside agencies and other professionals involved in the development of IEPs.
- Developed individual educational plans designed to promote educational, physical and social development.
- Encouraged parent involvement by providing support services such as workshops on parenting children with autism spectrum disorder or hosting meetings between parents and staff members.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
- Established and maintained dynamic working relationships with students and parents to support classroom objectives.
- Created a positive learning environment by using strategies such as reinforcement, natural consequences, redirection, and modeling appropriate behaviors.
- Instructed students in standardized subjects as well as general learning strategies and skills for social development and character.
- Defined and communicated rules and enforced through approved disciplinary methods.
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with autism spectrum disorder.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
- Evaluated student needs to provide helpful resources and support.
- Built relationships with students and guardians through active communication and positive feedback.
- Offered counseling to students and parents to increase personal growth, self-understanding and behavioral management.
- Demonstrated appropriate behaviors using behavior modeling and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Encouraged student empathy of others to build confidence and improve self-image.
Instructional Assistant
Wake County Public Schools
Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina
12.2014 - 08.2020
- Prepared lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, and demonstrations to assist teachers in classroom preparation.
- Provided individual and small group instruction to students with disabilities in the areas of reading, math, and writing.
- Cleaned and organized classrooms, materials, and supplies.
- Encouraged collaboration among peers within the classroom setting.
- Graded exams, assignments and essays and recorded grades.
- Developed positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues, administrators, and community partners.
- Delivered instruction individually or in small groups with support from instructor.
- Proctored examinations and monitored for cheating.
- Monitored students in class, hallways, and cafeteria to enforce school rules.
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay current with educational trends and methodologies.
- Maintained records of student performance according to school policies and procedures.
- Implemented behavior management strategies designed by the teacher or behavioral specialist.
- Distributed classroom materials, pencils, paper and art materials.
- Assisted teachers in providing accommodations for students who need additional support.
- Organized instructional materials and activities for special education classrooms.
- Complied with instructor-developed IEPs and made informed recommendations for adjustments.
- Attended training sessions on best practices for working with students with special needs.
- Collaborated with other staff members to ensure that all students had access to a quality educational program.
- Evaluated individual student needs and assessed academic and social situations to address challenges and goals.
- Utilized a variety of teaching methods such as cooperative learning or differentiated instruction.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to teachers.
- Worked one-on-one with special needs students to help navigate through school challenges.
- Conducted assessments of student skills to identify needs and develop instructional plans.
- Administered standardized tests under the supervision of certified personnel.
- Provided classroom support throughout planned instruction and individual lessons.
- Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
Education
Teaching Licensure in Special Education - Special Education
Campbell University
Buies Creek, NC12-2023
Bachelor of Science - Rehabilitation Counseling
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA08-1997
Skills
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Visual supports
- Social skills development
- Positive reinforcement
- Autism spectrum
- Inclusive education
- Collaborative teamwork
- Sensory integration strategies
- Picture exchange communication system
- Applied behavior analysis
- Nonverbal communication
- Data collection
- Emotional regulation support
- Transition planning
Affiliations
- Former middle school cheerleading coach
Certification
- Non-crisis Intervention (CPI Restraint) Training
- Teaching License in Special Education
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Behavioral/Autism Teacher
Wake County Public Schools
08.2020 - Current
Instructional Assistant
Wake County Public Schools
12.2014 - 08.2020
Teaching Licensure in Special Education - Special Education
Campbell University
Bachelor of Science - Rehabilitation Counseling
Indiana University of Pennsylvania