Kelly Davis
Poway,CA
Summary
Passionate Early Childhood Special Education Teacher with vast experience in designing and implementing diverse curriculum to address individual needs of children. Strong skills in developing individualized education programs (IEPs), behavior management, creating engaging lesson plans, and fostering an inclusive learning environment. Demonstrates impact through improved educational outcomes for students with special needs and successful collaboration with families and interdisciplinary teams. Excels in communication, empathy, and patience, ensuring positive outcomes for students with diverse needs.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mentor Teacher
San Diego State University Research
San Diego
08.2024 - Current
- Coached teachers in effective instructional techniques, including scaffolding activities to promote student engagement.
- Developed a comprehensive mentoring plan that included individualized coaching sessions with each teacher assigned to me.
- Attended conferences, workshops and seminars to increase job-related knowledge.
- Provided positive feedback with emphasis on learning from mistakes to establish solid foundation for progress.
- Provided resources such as books, articles, and websites that could be used by mentors and mentees during coaching sessions.
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Poway Unified School District
San Diego, USA
09.2020 - Current
- Developed and maintained individualized skill-appropriate lesson plans to promote and build student confidence.
- Provided direct instruction in the areas of academics, communication, behavior management, and social and emotional development.
- Collaborated with parents and other professionals to ensure that each student's needs were met.
- Assisted with classroom observations to identify developmental delays and behavioral issues.
- Developed individual educational plans designed to promote educational, physical and social development.
- Conducted assessments to identify areas of need for each student.
- Utilized positive reinforcement strategies to encourage appropriate behaviors from students.
- Integrated evidence-based practices into lesson plans and classroom instruction.
- Worked closely with therapists such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists.
- Developed and implemented strategies to accommodate specific disabilities and neurodivergent needs.
- Participated in IEP meetings to discuss goals, accommodations, modifications.
- Established and maintained dynamic working relationships with students and parents to support classroom objectives.
- Implemented behavior intervention strategies designed by behavior specialists.
Behavior Intervention Instructional Aide, Special Education
Park Village Elementary School
San Diego, USA
08.2008 - 08.2020
- Provide intensive behavioral intervention, instruction, and guidance to students with autism.
- Behavioral support in critical life skills, play skills, pre-academic learning, physical development, social communication, and personal hygiene.
- Implement projects, practices, and strategies to attain Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals, taking and graphing data.
- Employ strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory, perceptual-motor skills, and language.
- Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing behavior modification and positive reinforcement.
Education
Master of Arts - Education with concentration in Special Education
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA05-2023
Credential - Early Childhood Special Education
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA05-2021
Bachelor of Arts - Education with a major in Visual Arts
California State University, San Marcos
San Marcos, CA05-2008
Skills
- Individualized education programs
- Behavior management
- Assessment strategies
- Lesson planning
- Collaboration with parents
- Evidence-based practices
- Team collaboration
- Data tracking
- Positive reinforcement
- Creativity and innovation
- Excellent communication
- Teamwork
Accomplishments
- Teacher of the Year Award 2024-2025 School Year at Pomerado Elementary School
- Recurring guest lecturer at San Diego State University
Certification
Pro-ACT Certified January 2025
Trainings and Seminars
- ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), Prompt Fading, Sensory Strategies, Prompting Levels, DTT (Discrete Trial Training), Incidental Teaching, TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication-related Handicapped Children), Behavior Strategies, Pivotal Response Training, Just Right Road, Fine Motor/OT, Speech/Articulation, First Aid/CPR.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Mentor Teacher
San Diego State University Research
08.2024 - Current
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Poway Unified School District
09.2020 - Current
Behavior Intervention Instructional Aide, Special Education
Park Village Elementary School
08.2008 - 08.2020
Master of Arts - Education with concentration in Special Education
San Diego State University
Credential - Early Childhood Special Education
San Diego State University
Bachelor of Arts - Education with a major in Visual Arts
California State University, San Marcos
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