Jessica Ricordi
Jacksonville,FL
Summary
Versatile Special Education Teacher with focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
North Florida School of Special Education
08.2019 - Current
- Developed thorough IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Maintained and fostered strong relationships with multidisciplinary teams, students, and guardians, to provide comprehensive support and ensure optimal progress.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various informal and formal assessment methods.
- Organized field trips and community-based instruction experiences.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
Disability Support Worker
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Identified areas of strength/development and create individualized action plans
- Provide embedded instruction leading to proven positive outcomes.
Research Assistant
Project TETAC (Teacher Education, Teaching, Arts and Community)
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Collaborated with group of scholars and practitioners who research and organize community events related to autism, social justice, and self-advocacy
- Member of an exhibition team for annual art show, 3 Artists that featured work of 3 professional and emerging autistic artists.
Assistant Teacher
The WonderLab
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Provided 1:1 support to students with challenging behaviors
- Created and implemented positive behavior support system successfully
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to create and implement group instruction
- Nurtured a supportive learning environment.
Group Leader
Out of School Time Program, MetroWest YMCA
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Oversaw instruction and support of 30 students, aged 5-12, who were program participants
- Provided 1:1 support for individual with autism to fully participate in inclusive program.
Education
Master of Education - Special Education
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA01.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Communications/Media Arts
Westfield State University
Westfield, MA01.2009
Skills
- Curriculum Adjustments
- Differentiated Instruction
- Behavior Intervention Plans
- Classroom Management
- Parent Communications
- IEP Implementation
- Instructional Adaptation
- Autism Spectrum Knowledge
- Learning Disabilities Expertise
- Transition Planning
- Mathematics Intervention
- Data Collection
- Functional Behavior Assessment
- Student Records Management
- Lesson Planning
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Small Group Instruction
- Co-teaching Experience
- Curriculum Development
- IEP Development
Certification
State of Florida, Educator Certificate #1433303
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
North Florida School of Special Education
08.2019 - Current
Research Assistant
Project TETAC (Teacher Education, Teaching, Arts and Community)
01.2016 - 01.2018
Assistant Teacher
The WonderLab
01.2016 - 01.2017
Disability Support Worker
01.2015 - 01.2019
Group Leader
Out of School Time Program, MetroWest YMCA
01.2007 - 01.2010
Master of Education - Special Education
Lesley University
Bachelor of Arts - Communications/Media Arts
Westfield State University
State of Florida, Educator Certificate #1433303
Similar Profiles
Brooke FryBrooke Fry
Barkin Biscuits Program Assistant at North Florida School Of Special EducationBarkin Biscuits Program Assistant at North Florida School Of Special Education
Traci LaGankeTraci LaGanke
Special Education Teacher at North Florida School Of Special EducationSpecial Education Teacher at North Florida School Of Special Education
TYRA GLOVERTYRA GLOVER
Special Education Teacher at Gonzales Primary School Special EducationSpecial Education Teacher at Gonzales Primary School Special Education