Kelsey Morales
Gales Ferry,CT
Summary
Motivated recent graduate eager to enter the workforce and gain practical experience. Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Known for reliability and a strong willingness to learn and contribute to the success of your company. Skilled professional experienced in creating and delivering engaging, interactive, and impactful lessons for students of diverse ages. Passionate about cultivating a positive learning environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Proven track record of assessing and adapting to individual student needs, tailoring lesson plans accordingly. Proficient in leveraging technology to enhance learning and create an immersive classroom experience. Seeking an opportunity to utilize exceptional communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills to successfully complete tasks. Known for reliability, strong work ethic, and the ability to quickly adapt to new tasks and environments.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Paraprofessional
Ledyard Board Of Education
Ledyard Center, CT
08.2023 - Current
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- Assisted in the implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in a more focused and positive classroom environment.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education instruction and support services.
- Supported students with various disabilities through one-on-one tutoring sessions, improving their understanding of course materials and concepts.
- Oversaw class of students in absence of instructor.
- Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Enhanced students'' learning experiences by implementing individualized educational plans and adapting teaching methods for special needs students.
- Partnered with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other related service providers to ensure comprehensive support for each individual student''s growth and progress.
- Responded proactively to emerging challenges by adapting instructional strategies as needed, ensuring continuous progress toward established goals for each student''s academic success and personal growth.
- Set up visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive support strategies for each student, contributing to improved academic performance.
- Facilitated social skills development through targeted group activities, promoting positive peer relationships and increased self-confidence among special education students.
- Encouraged students to participate in school activities and programs to promote well-roundedness and increase confidence.
- Implemented evidence-based instructional strategies tailored to each student''s unique learning style, promoting greater comprehension across subject areas.
- Established professional relationships with parents and other teachers to increase rapport and support.
- Provided necessary accommodations for testing situations, ensuring fair opportunities for all students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
- Alerted instructor to student behavior or issues requiring intervention.
- Served as a liaison between general education teachers and special education professionals, fostering collaborative relationships that benefitted all students involved.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, enabling timely communication with parents and other stakeholders regarding individual achievements and areas needing improvement.
- Utilized assistive technology tools strategically in order to facilitate increased independence among students with diverse learning needs.
- Promoted a culture of inclusion within the school community by modeling respectful interactions and encouraging open communication among all stakeholders involved in the education of special needs students.
- Coordinated with teachers to create inclusive lesson plans that addressed the diverse needs of all learners within the classroom setting.
- Assisted in the organization of field trips and extracurricular events that offered valuable real-world experiences for special education students, fostering skill-building opportunities outside the classroom setting.
- Developed tailor-fit lesson plans to cater to individual needs of each student.
- Contributed to successful transitions between grade levels by collaborating closely with incoming teachers about each student''s specific strengths, challenges, and support requirements.
- Created positive and inclusive classroom environment by helping students develop social skills and relationships.
- Observed students' performance and recorded relevant data to assess progress.
- Understood and acclimated to teacher's routine to provide classroom coverage.
- Communicated with teachers and other district personnel to assist in evaluating progress and implementing IEP objectives.
- Instructed student activities to implement goals for remediation of deficiencies and drive student success.
- Assisted with communication methods to keep parents informed about child's development and behavioral issues.
- Adapted equipment and technology, boosting student engagement and motivation.
- Kept open and frequent communication with families to provide regular updates on child's academic progress and individualized needs.
- Observed individuals or groups of students in variety of settings to maintain safe and positive learning environment.
Recreational Assistant
MWR
Groton, CT
06.2019 - Current
- Provided guidance to youth on how to properly use recreation equipment and facilities
- Adhered to established guidelines when facilitating team-building exercises or activities
- Collaborated with other staff members to coordinate special events or programs for guests or visitors
- Responded promptly to emergency situations according to protocols set forth by the organization
- Facilitated group discussions related to various topics such as health awareness or sportsmanship
- Maintained the safety of all participants by enforcing rules and regulations in accordance with facility policies
- Ensured that all areas were kept clean and organized at all times through regular maintenance checks
- Utilized effective communication skills to provide clear instructions for recreational activities
- Performed administrative duties such as collecting fees, issuing receipts, and scheduling appointments
- Demonstrated excellent customer service abilities by providing courteous assistance to patrons in a timely manner
- Developed strong organizational skills by creating and maintaining detailed records of participants, activities, and equipment
- Established and maintained rapport with other departments to perform daily activities without interruption
- Attended staff meetings to identify and correct problem areas and improve services
Community Service Coordinator
Curry College
Milton, MA
08.2020 - 05.2023
- Improved community outreach with the implementation of informative workshops and presentations.
- Managed budgets and resources, ensuring successful completion of community events within financial constraints.
- Streamlined communication channels between team members, improving overall efficiency in project execution.
- Secured grant funding to support the expansion of vital community services.
- Promoted a positive work environment by facilitating open communication among team members and stakeholders.
- Conducted ongoing evaluations of existing programs to ensure alignment with changing community needs and priorities.
- Established partnerships with local organizations, fostering collaboration for future projects.
- Enhanced community engagement by organizing and executing various service initiatives.
- Increased volunteer participation by developing targeted recruitment strategies.
- Organized large-scale events that brought together diverse groups for collective problem-solving activities.
- Coordinated team efforts, leading to increased productivity in addressing community needs.
- Empowered communities to take action on local issues through comprehensive educational campaigns.
Assistant Preschool Teacher
Learning Circle Preschool
Canton, MA
02.2023 - 05.2023
- Established positive relationships with parents, staff members, and students through effective communication
- Performed daily tasks such as cleaning up after meals and snacks, and setting up classrooms for activities
- Implemented behavior management strategies to ensure a positive learning environment for all students
- Assisted in developing age-appropriate activities to stimulate physical, emotional and intellectual growth in preschoolers
- Intervened in conflicts between students diplomatically while modeling appropriate behaviors for children
- Collaborated with other teachers on planning activities that promote early childhood education goals
- Utilized various teaching methods such as storytelling, arts and crafts, music and games to engage children in the learning process
- Encouraged socialization skills among peers through group activities and outdoor playtime
- Supervised indoor and outdoor play areas while ensuring safety at all times
- Assisted in creating a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning and exploration
- Observed student behavior closely to assess development levels and identify any potential issues or concerns
- Maintained records of student progress including attendance, assessments
Teen Employee
SUBASE Youth Center
Groton, CT
05.2017 - 04.2018
- Developed creative strategies to engage reluctant participants in group activities
- Worked collaboratively with colleagues to create fun-filled experiences for children
- Leadership qualities exhibited during team building exercises and outdoor adventures
- Provided first aid and CPR when needed in an emergency situation
- Demonstrated excellent communication skills to effectively interact with parents, staff, and children
- Consistently encouraged creativity among campers during arts and crafts projects
- Assisted in the development of weekly schedules and daily lesson plans
- Implemented appropriate disciplinary measures when necessary in a respectful manner
- Organized and facilitated recreational activities for children of various ages
- Displayed enthusiasm for teaching new concepts which motivated others to learn more
- Established positive relationships with children by providing support and encouragement
- Encouraged independence among children through self-directed activities
- Taught essential life skills such as problem solving, teamwork, conflict resolution
- Demonstrated patience while dealing with challenging behaviors from children
- Provided guidance and instruction to ensure safety of all participants
Education
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -
LEDYARD HIGH SCHOOL
Ledyard, CT06.2019
BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.) - EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE (AECE)
CURRY COLLEGE
Milton, MA05.2019
Skills
- Clear Public Speaking Skills
- Parent and Student Communication
- SMART Board Aptitude
- Family Involvement
- Creative Lesson Plan Development
- Positive Learning Environment
- Conflict Resolution Techniques
- Positive Reinforcement Methods
- Clear and Direct Communication
- Motivating and Inspiring Students
- Teacher Assistance
- Learning Disabilities Support
- Classroom Organization
- Collaboration with teachers
- Parental interaction
Certification
- First Aid and CPR Certification
- Biological and Developmental Impact of Polyvictimization Certification
- Utilizing Trauma Screening and Assessments in Court Decisions Certification
- Child Abuse and Neglect Certification
- Transporting Children Certification
Ethnicity
Hispanic
Personal Information
Date of Birth: 03/16/01
Coursework
Star Preschool Program
Awards
Connecticut Military Youth of the Year 2019
Deans List 2019-2023
Cum Laude
Kathryn M. Sardella Community Service Award recipient
Volunteer Experience
- Military Youth of the Year, Boys and Girls Club of America, Groton, CT, 05/01/19, 07/01/19
- Alternative Spring Break, Habitat for Humanity, Monroe, North Carolina, 03/01/19, 03/01/19
Extracurricular Activities
National Art Honor Society (NAHS)
Timeline
Special Education Paraprofessional
Ledyard Board Of Education
08.2023 - Current
Assistant Preschool Teacher
Learning Circle Preschool
02.2023 - 05.2023
Community Service Coordinator
Curry College
08.2020 - 05.2023
Recreational Assistant
MWR
06.2019 - Current
Teen Employee
SUBASE Youth Center
05.2017 - 04.2018
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -
LEDYARD HIGH SCHOOL
BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.) - EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE (AECE)
CURRY COLLEGE