Katherine R. Smith
Tifton,GA
Summary
Dedicated Special Education Teacher with expertise in IEP development, behavior modification, and inclusive strategies. Drives positive learning outcomes for students with diverse needs through effective communication and tailored support. Committed to fostering an inclusive environment that enhances student engagement and achievement.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Middle School Special Education Teacher
Worth County Board of Education
Sylvester, Georgia
01.2026 - Current
- Developed and implemented IEP goals and accommodations in alignment with Georgia standards
- Modified and differentiated grade-level curriculum to address diverse learning needs, ensuring academic rigor and accessibility for all students
- Implemented collaborative teaching models to co-teach 6th grade math, science, and ELA in an inclusive classroom.
- Provided small-group and targeted intervention support within the general education setting
- Collaborated daily with general education teachers to plan lessons, assessments, and instructional strategies
- Monitored student progress through ongoing data collection, adjusting instruction to enhance individual learning outcomes
- Implemented behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and positive behavior supports, fostering an environment conducive to student success
- Ensured compliance with IDEA, IEP documentation, and progress reporting requirements
After-School Tutor
Self
TIFTON, Georgia
08.2025 - Current
- Delivered tailored one-on-one tutoring sessions across subjects, fostering deeper student understanding and engagement.
- Tracked student progress and delivered targeted feedback, guiding academic growth and addressing individual challenges.
- Created and curated educational resources and materials aligned with lesson objectives, enhancing learning experiences.
- Communicated regularly with parents about student achievements and challenges faced.
Summer School High School Teacher
Tift County Board Of Education
TIFTON, GA
06.2022 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student learning experiences.
- fostered positive classroom environment through effective behavior management, promoting student engagement and participation.
- provided targeted remediation for students 9-12 in mathematics and science, improving understanding and performance.
Summer School Elementary Substitute Teacher
Worth County Board of Education
Sylvester, Georgia
06.2021 - Current
- Remediated K-5 students, enhancing mathematics, literacy, and writing skills through targeted interventions.
- Collaborated with teachers to implement lesson plans and educational activities.
- Managed classroom behavior to create a positive and safe learning environment.
K-2 Adapted Special Education Teacher
Worth County Board of Education
Sylvester, Georgia
07.2025 - 12.2025
- Delivered direct instruction in foundational literacy, early numeracy, communication, and functional skills
- Provided individualized, standards-based instruction aligned to Georgia Alternate Assessment (GAA) for students with significant cognitive disabilities
- Developed and monitored IEP goals focused on foundational academics, behavior, and social-emotional development
- Implemented positive behavior supports and individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs)
- Enhanced communication and engagement through assistive technology, AAC devices, and multi-sensory strategies
- Implemented visual schedules, task analysis, and structured routines to support student independence
- Supported whole-child development by collaborating with speech, occupational, and physical therapists
- Tracked student progress and informed instructional adjustments through consistent data collection
- Fostered strong parent communication through regular updates, conferences, and goal review meetings
Elementary Adapted Special Education
Worth County Board of Education
Sylvester, Georgia
10.2024 - 06.2025
- Designed and implemented data-driven IEP goals aligned to state alternate standards
- Delivered differentiated instruction in functional academics, reading comprehension, math application, and life skills to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes
- Provided small group and individualized instruction to support academic and adaptive skill development
- Incorporated real-life application activities to foster independence and readiness for transition to post-school environments
- Implemented structured behavior supports and reinforced self-regulation strategies
- Facilitated inclusive opportunities that enhanced peer interaction and promoted development of social skills among students
- Collaborated with general education teachers to modify curriculum and ensure access to grade-level content
- Prepared students for Georgia Alternate Assessment through targeted skill instruction and portfolio documentation
- Maintained compliance with IDEA guidelines and district documentation requirements
Special Education Teacher
Tift County High School
Tifton, USA
07.2018 - 03.2024
- Managed caseload of 15+ students, coordinating special education meetings to ensure compliance and collaboration.
- Modified lessons to accommodate students with disabilities.
- Developed individualized lesson plans that facilitate students' individual academic and behavior goals.
- Monitored and evaluated student progress toward meeting their annual goals in order to provide feedback to parents and administrators.
- Utilized assistive technology tailored to the needs of the special education student.
- Created and maintained positive relationships with students and their families.
Summer School Teacher
Tift County Board Of Education
Tifton, Georgia
06.2010 - 07.2023
- Developed engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse student groups, promoting inclusivity.
- Collaborated with staff to enhance curriculum effectiveness, improving student engagement.
- Tutored 2nd grade students to boost literacy skills, fostering a love for reading.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Eighth Street Middle School
07.2017 - 05.2018
- Collaborative work with the classroom teacher to develop and implement lesson plans for a class of sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students with autism, speech impairments, specific learning disabilities, mild intellectual disabilities, and emotional behavior disabilities.
- Differentiated instruction and activities to tailor learning experiences for individual students
- Facilitated student progress by focusing on personal learning objectives.
- Provided individual and group instruction
- Assisted the teacher in creating assessments and lessons to meet the needs of the diverse learners.
- Set up lesson materials, bulletin board displays and demonstrations for daily lessons
- Participated in parent meetings, conferences, IEP meetings and math team meetings
- Assisted the teacher with completing all necessary paperwork for student records
Mathematics Teacher
Northeast Campus, Tift County High School
Tifton, USA
01.2016 - 05.2017
- Developed and implemented lesson plans and assessments that aligned with the GSE Algebra I curriculum
- Taught three mathematics sections (Algebra I and Foundations of Mathematics)
- Differentiated instruction to meet the needs of the diverse learners
- Planned and executed differentiated math instruction to address diverse learning needs
- Coordinated with other mathematics teachers to develop and implement cohesive assessments
- Incorporated action-based lessons that engaged learners and stimulated interest
- Lessons included the integration of cooperative groups, technology, the writing process and interdisciplinary teaching
- Routinely collaborated with the special education co-teacher to plan instruction
- Implemented a discipline plan that fostered student responsibility, problem-solving skills, and accountability
- Offered before and after school tutoring opportunities for struggling students to improve their academic performance
- Conducted and participated in parent meetings, conferences, IEP meetings and math team meetings
Mathematics Teacher
Valdosta Middle School
Valdosta, USA
08.2015 - 12.2015
- Planned and delivered differentiated math instruction to meet diverse student needs
- Planned mathematics instruction for 5 blocks of math classes
- Developed instructional plans for students and classes at a variety of instructional levels
- Integrated cooperative groups, technology, writing process, and interdisciplinary teaching into lessons to enhance student engagement
- Maintained excellent classroom management
- Implemented discipline plan fostering student responsibility and problem-solving skills in classroom
- Communicated with parents to acknowledge superior work and areas of concern
Education
Bachelor of Science - Middle Grades Education, Math and Science
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GA12.2015
High School -
Tift County High School
Tifton, GA05.2008
Skills
- Special education laws
- Georgia assessment familiarity
- Familiar with GO-IEP
- Differentiation techniques
- Progress tracking
- Parent-teacher communication
- Collaborative teamwork
- Proficient in technology
- Organizational skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Communication skills
- Innovative creativity
- De-escalation techniques
- Dedicated
- Punctual
- Rapid learner
Certification
- GACE in Middle Grades Mathematics, 10/24/15, Professional
- GACE in Middle Grades Science, 11/15/15, Professional
- GACE in Special Education General Curriculum, 04/27/18, Professional
School And Community Involvement
- Association for Middle Level Education, 01/12, Present
- Professional Association of Georgia Educators, 09/12, Present
- Georgia Reading Association, 01/12, Present
- Project Learning Tree, 10/14, Present
- Phi Mu, Kappa Beta Sorority, 08/08, 05/12
- Phi Mu Alumna, 05/12, Present
- Assistant Varsity Swim Coach, 10/16, 02/17
Related Experience
- Summer School Teacher, 06/10, Tutored 2nd grade students in order to improve literacy skills.
- Summer School Elementary Substitute Teacher, 06/21, Remediated students grades K-5 to improve mathematics, literacy and writing skills.
- Summer School High School Teacher, 06/22, Remediated students 9-12 in mathematics classes and science classes of all areas.
- Google Educator Level 1 Certification, 06/22
- Google Educator Level 2 Certification, 06/22
- Mindset Training Certified, 11/23
References
● Hope Sledge
Teacher – Tift County School System
hope.sledge@tiftschools.com
229-392-3999
● Sarah Walters
Inclusion Co-teacher–Worth County School System
swalters@worthschools.net
229-402-5363
● Hope Vance
Teacher – Tift County School System
hvance@tiftschools.com
229-392-3148
Timeline
Middle School Special Education Teacher
Worth County Board of Education
01.2026 - Current
After-School Tutor
Self
08.2025 - Current
K-2 Adapted Special Education Teacher
Worth County Board of Education
07.2025 - 12.2025
Elementary Adapted Special Education
Worth County Board of Education
10.2024 - 06.2025
Summer School High School Teacher
Tift County Board Of Education
06.2022 - Current
Summer School Elementary Substitute Teacher
Worth County Board of Education
06.2021 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Tift County High School
07.2018 - 03.2024
Special Education Paraprofessional
Eighth Street Middle School
07.2017 - 05.2018
Mathematics Teacher
Northeast Campus, Tift County High School
01.2016 - 05.2017
Mathematics Teacher
Valdosta Middle School
08.2015 - 12.2015
Summer School Teacher
Tift County Board Of Education
06.2010 - 07.2023
Bachelor of Science - Middle Grades Education, Math and Science
Valdosta State University
High School -
Tift County High School