Kathryn Tracy Smallwood
Cumming,GA
Summary
Middle Grades Math and Special Education Teacher with 30 years experience delivering standards-aligned, data-informed instruction in inclusive, co-taught, and small-group settings. Recognized for calm, consistent classroom management; engaging, differentiated pedagogy; and effective collaboration across Math, ELA, and Social Studies. Expert in IEP development and compliance, progress monitoring, and family partnership; led the 7th-grade Math SPED team and helped drive PLC cycles to improve student outcomes. Create a safe, structured classroom that maximizes time on task; design rigorous math lessons with differentiation, scaffolds, and ongoing assessment; use formative data to plan, reteach, and personalize interventions and extensions. Communicate clearly and empathetically with students, families, and colleagues. Collaborative, adaptable problem-solver and student-centered advocate.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Interrelated Special Education Teacher
Otwell Middle School
08.2004 - Current
- Co-teach 7th grade Math
- Teach 7th grade Small Group Math
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Instructed students with various cognitive disabilities.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Partnered with general education teachers from across academic departments.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
Special Education Teacher
Richmond County Board of Education: Sand Hills Psychoeducational Center
01.1997 - 05.2004
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support via point system.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Instructed students with emotional and cognitive disabilities.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
Education
Master of Education - Special Education: Behavior Disorders
Augusta University
Augusta, GAEducation Specialist - Teaching And Learning
Piedmont University
Demorest, GABachelor of Arts - Psychology
Augusta University
Augusta, GASkills
- Strong Classroom Management
- Expert in Teaching and Planning for Math Lessons
- Engagement Based Teaching
- Effectively Communicates with Teachers, Students, and Parents
- Problem Solver
- Adapt Well to Change
- Leader of the Math Special Ed Teachers of 7th grade
- Positive Role Model for Students
- Team Player
Timeline
Interrelated Special Education Teacher
Otwell Middle School
08.2004 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Richmond County Board of Education: Sand Hills Psychoeducational Center
01.1997 - 05.2004
Master of Education - Special Education: Behavior Disorders
Augusta University
Education Specialist - Teaching And Learning
Piedmont University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Augusta University