KADIJAH T. HESTER
Newark,NJ
Summary
Special education professional with proven track record of fostering inclusive learning environments and implementing effective instructional strategies. Strong emphasis on team collaboration and achieving positive educational outcomes, adaptable to changing classroom dynamics. Skilled in behavior management, curriculum development, and student advocacy, bringing reliability and flexibility to role.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Autism Special Education Teacher
Paterson Public Schools
11.2020 - Current
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
(Part- time) Special Educator
Therapy Associates Early Intervention Services
03.2011 - Current
- Provide developmental Intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities.
- Implement IFSP goals and outcomes.
- Participate in IFSP 6 months and annual meetings.
- Administration and scoring of ELAP developmental assessment tools.
- Accurately maintain paperwork documentation.
- Collaborate with OT, PT, SLP and Parents to ensure IFSP goals and outcomes are implemented.
Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction
Mount Carmel Guild Academy
07.2018 - 11.2020
- Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Assisted in the implementation of state mandated DLM and NJSLA testings.
- Supervised and Participated in students' IEP/Annual Review meetings.
- Ensure IEP Present Level of Performance, Goals and Objective is accurate and reviewed annually.
- Order and align curriculum materials with NJSLA Common Core Standards.
- Conducted Staff Evaluation and walk through assessments.
Infant & Toddler Head Teacher/Early Childhood Supervisor
Newark Public Schools
03.2011 - 06.2018
- Delivered Infant & Toddler Curriculum Training.
- Recruited and Register new teen parents in the program.
- Designed and maintained a learning environment that supports routines, developmentally appropriate practices and encourages children’s independence.
- Implemented the Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale as a guide for quality assessment.
- Conducted Parent Meetings & Trainings.
- Supervised & evaluated staff member’s performance.
Kindergarten Teacher / Principal Internship
The Burch Charter School of Excellence
08.2008 - 02.2011
- Coordinate field trips and School fundraiser events.
- Conduct Grade level Meetings.
- Mentor new teachers.
- Coordinate Terra Nova Testing Schedule.
- Assist with grant writing projects.
- Implement a school-wide discipline plan.
- Design lesson plan instruction for a classroom size of 18 students.
- Observe and Instruct student’s performance, behaviors, social development and physical health.
- Instruct students individually and in small or large groups.
- Modify lesson plan instruction to enhance students with learning disabilities needs
Kindergarten Teacher & Site Director
South Mountain YMCA
01.1998 - 08.2008
- Supervised the overall facility’s daily operation.
- Evaluated staff mid –year and annual work performance.
- Oversaw the Child’s Care facility budget.
- Ordered Program Supplies, Curriculum and Furniture.
- Supervised a Creative Dramatics Camp.
- Maintained effective communication rapport with parents through conferences, emails, weekly newsletters and monthly focus group meetings.
- Conducted Professional Staff development Trainings.
- Created an effective learning environment in which children were able to learn various skills.
- Adapt teaching methods to meet varying students’ needs and interests.
Education
Master’s of Arts - Educational Leadership
Caldwell University
Caldwell, NJ01.2014
Master’s of Arts - Curriculum and Instruction
Caldwell University
Caldwell, NJ01.2007
Bachelors of Arts - Sociology
Bloomfield College
Bloomfield, NJ01.2001
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans IEP
- Small group instruction
- Teacher Supervision
- Data management
- Behavior intervention plans
Certification
- Elementary Standard Teacher Certification
- Special Education Certification
- Supervisor and Principal Certification
- Proficient in Microsoft Windows XP, Excel and PowerPoint
Timeline
Autism Special Education Teacher
Paterson Public Schools
11.2020 - Current
Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction
Mount Carmel Guild Academy
07.2018 - 11.2020
(Part- time) Special Educator
Therapy Associates Early Intervention Services
03.2011 - Current
Infant & Toddler Head Teacher/Early Childhood Supervisor
Newark Public Schools
03.2011 - 06.2018
Kindergarten Teacher / Principal Internship
The Burch Charter School of Excellence
08.2008 - 02.2011
Kindergarten Teacher & Site Director
South Mountain YMCA
01.1998 - 08.2008
Master’s of Arts - Curriculum and Instruction
Caldwell University
Bachelors of Arts - Sociology
Bloomfield College
Master’s of Arts - Educational Leadership
Caldwell University
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