Joy Coon
San Antonio,Texas
Summary
Experienced Early Childhood and Special Education Educator with over 30 years in pre-k and special education. Skilled in developing and delivering standards-aligned instruction that meets diverse learning needs. Specializes in IEP development and differentiated instruction, creating inclusive environments that support student strengths. Focused on collaboration with families and colleagues to drive student growth and academic success.
Overview
1
1
Certification
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Inclusion Special Education Teacher
San Antonio Independent School District
San Antonio, TX
08.2025 - Current
- Adapted and modified general education curriculum, lessons, and materials to align with individual student needs (IEPs) in inclusion setting, enhancing accessibility to learning.
- Work closely with general education teachers to co-teach or support students, ensuring access to the core curriculum.
- Develop, monitor, and update Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and maintain required documentation.
- Implemented behavioral interventions, including behavior management plans (BIPs) and crisis intervention according to IEPs.
- Conduct ongoing formal and informal assessments of student progress.
- Maintained open communication with parents, staff, and administrators to inform and engage them in student progress, fostering collaborative support.
Early Childhood Special Education Service Teacher
Port Arthur Independent School District
Port Arthur, TX
08.2020 - 07.2025
- Developed and implemented individualized lesson plans and activities for early childhood students with disabilities, enhancing engagement through both in-person and virtual learning formats.
- Design and deliver instruction that accommodates diverse learning styles and individual student needs, aligned with Texas Education Agency standards.
- Collaborated with special education and regular education staff to modify curricula and implement IEP accommodations, ensuring compliance and support for diverse student needs.
- Lead and participate in IEP development and ARD Committee meetings; supervise teacher aides and volunteers.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of student learning styles and use data to plan targeted instructional activities and interventions.
- Integrated technology tools to enhance teaching and learning outcomes, improving accessibility and student interaction.
Contract PPCD Teacher
Maxim Healthcare Services
Harker Heights, TX
08.2019 - 03.2020
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team (parents, special education staff, service providers) to develop and implement individualized education plans, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Designed and delivered instructional, therapeutic, and skill development programs tailored to student needs and IEP goals.
- Implemented evidence-based instructional strategies and utilized varied media to meet individual student capabilities.
- Modified curriculum and provided in-class support, facilitating integration and success of special education students in regular education settings.
- Participated in ARD meetings and monitored student progress toward IEP objectives, ensuring timely adjustments to support student needs.
Pre-K Teacher
Bogalusa City School District
Bogalusa, LA
08.2017 - 07.2019
- Developed and implemented developmentally appropriate preschool curriculum addressing physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs of young learners.
- Planned and facilitated diverse learning experiences including songs, games, storytelling, and hands-on activities that introduced foundational math and literacy concepts.
- Developed weekly and monthly lesson plans with clear learning objectives, effectively communicating goals to students and families.
- Established positive classroom routines and provided constructive guidance to foster a safe, nurturing learning environment.
- Observed and documented child progress, integrating students with special needs to promote an inclusive classroom atmosphere.
Special Inclusion Teacher
Tangipahoa Parish School Board
Independence, LA
01.2015 - 05.2017
- Collaborated with general education teachers to plan, design, and implement inclusive lessons modified to meet IEP requirements for special needs students.
- Adapted lessons to align with diverse learning needs and IEP requirements. and assessments to meet IEP specifications.
- Accommodated individual student needs by providing flexible assignment deadlines, alternative testing environments, and personalized support strategies.
- Analyzed student performance data (state assessments, semester exams, portfolios) to identify strengths and gaps; developed targeted intervention strategies.
- Coordinated with special education supervisor and school administration to secure resources and materials that facilitated successful inclusion.
- Maintained open communication with families about student progress and gathered feedback to enhance team collaboration.
Special Education Para Educator
Tangipahoa Parish School Board
Hammond, LA
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Assisted special education teacher in delivering differentiated instruction to 7th and 8th grade students, enhancing individualized learning experiences in resource classroom.
- Monitored and supported students with Emotional Impairments (EI), Cognitive Impairments (CI), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Supported students' behavioral and emotional needs, fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment.
- Facilitated integration of students into mainstream settings, providing targeted support and promoting social interaction in special education classrooms.
- Assisted with lesson modifications, accommodations, and individualized drill-and-practice activities for students with varying exceptionalities.
Student Teaching
Hammond Junior High Magnet School
Hammond, LA
03.2013 - 05.2013
- Planned and conducted instructional programs that integrated demonstration, guided practice, and independent work to enhance student engagement.
- Taught personal development skills such as goal-setting and self-advocacy to foster student independence and confidence.
- Delivered instruction in core subjects (English, mathematics, social studies) through interactive lectures and discussions to promote critical thinking.
Pre-K Lead Teacher
Primary Colors Learning Center
Mandeville, LA
01.2003 - 01.2010
- Led developmentally appropriate preschool program; read literature to whole classes and small groups.
- Evaluated children's performance, behavior, social development, and physical health; documented progress to inform individualized learning plans.
- Provided rich variety of materials and resources for exploration, manipulation, and imaginative play.
- Established clear learning objectives and communicated expectations to students and families, enhancing engagement and accountability.
- Arranged indoor and outdoor learning spaces to foster creative play and motor-skill development while ensuring safety.
Pre-K Lead Teacher
Mer Rouge Head Start
Mer Rouge, MS
01.1992 - 01.2002
- Maintained accurate student records, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and district regulations.
- Organized learning environment with labeled accessible materials following approved curricula.
- Supervised and evaluated instructional materials, displayed student work developmentally appropriately.
- Attended professional development, conferences, and workshops to maintain instructional excellence.
- Collaborated with staff to plan lessons and coordinate assignments for teacher assistants and volunteers, enhancing instructional support.
- Provided assistive devices, supportive technology, and accessibility accommodations for students with disabilities.
- Administered developmental screenings and assessments to identify student needs and inform tailored instructional strategies.
Education
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ01-2015
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ01-2011
Skills
- IEP development
- Accommodations/modifications
- Universal learning design
- Inclusion models for disabilities
- Adaptive teaching
- Co-teaching methods
- Data-driven instruction
- Student assessments
- Progress monitoring
- Functional assessments
- Early intervention strategies
- Trauma-informed practices
- Cooperative learning
- IEP meeting coordination
- Educational technology use
- Team collaboration
Certification
- Texas Special Education K-12 Certification, 12/31/32
- California Education Specialist Instruction Credential, 12/31/24
- Mississippi Special Education K-8 Mild/Moderate, 12/31/24
- Louisiana Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate, 12/31/20
- CDA Child Development Associate Credential, 12/31/20
- CPR and First Aid Certification, 12/31/19
- Handle with Care Certificate, 12/31/15
Additional Information - Continuous Learning
Regularly attend workshops and professional development in special education, early childhood best practices, and inclusive instruction.
Timeline
Inclusion Special Education Teacher
San Antonio Independent School District
08.2025 - Current
Early Childhood Special Education Service Teacher
Port Arthur Independent School District
08.2020 - 07.2025
Contract PPCD Teacher
Maxim Healthcare Services
08.2019 - 03.2020
Pre-K Teacher
Bogalusa City School District
08.2017 - 07.2019
Special Inclusion Teacher
Tangipahoa Parish School Board
01.2015 - 05.2017
Student Teaching
Hammond Junior High Magnet School
03.2013 - 05.2013
Special Education Para Educator
Tangipahoa Parish School Board
01.2011 - 01.2015
Pre-K Lead Teacher
Primary Colors Learning Center
01.2003 - 01.2010
Pre-K Lead Teacher
Mer Rouge Head Start
01.1992 - 01.2002
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of Phoenix