Kimberly Garcia
Elgin,IL
Summary
Dedicated paraeducator with a proven track record at School District U-46, excelling in small group instruction and classroom management. Skilled in providing emotional support and visual aids to enhance learning for students with special needs. Committed to fostering a safe, inclusive environment while mentoring peers in effective teaching strategies. A dependable employee who is always on time and does not miss work.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Paraeducator
School District U-46
08.2021 - Current
- Collaborate with the teacher, prepare and maintain materials.
- Supported classroom instruction by assisting teachers with lesson plans and student engagement.
- Supervised students during activities, ensuring a safe and productive learning environment.
- Familiarize self with goals and objectives for individual students in the classroom.
- Mentored new paraeducators on effective classroom management techniques and best practices.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Assisted teachers in managing classrooms effectively by maintaining clear expectations, enforcing rules consistently, and reinforcing positive behavior choices.
- Maintained a safe and inclusive learning environment by addressing behavioral issues promptly and following established protocols.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of special education.
- Prepared instruction materials, constructed bulletin boards, and set up work areas.
- Assisted classroom teacher in supervising snack time and indoor and outdoor play.
- Assisted teachers and worked individually with students with special needs, helping each navigate education system.
- Help in loading and unloading student buses and cars during assigned work hours.
- Help in other classrooms when needed.
- Familiarize self with IEP goals/objectives for students in the classroom.
Program Assistant
Boys & Girls Club Of Elgin
08.2020 - 08.2021
- Responsible for signing members in upon arrival and out when leaving.
- Responsible for supervising a group of members during organized program times and during unstructured play.
- Help members get logged into their virtual learning platforms.
- Help members with virtual learning while they are in class.
- Provide positive feedback, encouragement, and recognition to members.
- Communicate clear and simple instructions to members to ensure they understand rules and expectations.
Noon Hour Supervisor
School District U-46
10.2015 - 08.2021
- Supervised student activities during lunch periods, ensuring safety and compliance with school policies.
- Facilitated conflict resolution among students, promoting a positive and inclusive environment.
- Monitored cafeteria operations, ensuring efficient service delivery and cleanliness standards.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to enhance student engagement and reduce disruptions.
- Actively engaged with diverse groups of students, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment in the cafeteria.
- Continuously sought professional development opportunities to stay updated on best practices for noon-hour supervision and school safety.
Seasonal Home-Based Customer Care Agent
Higher One, Inc
08.2014 - 10.2014
- Responsible for answering incoming calls from students who need assistance with their balance, checking on their refund status, closing their account, and assisting them with any other questions they would have regarding their account.
Teller Supervisor
BMO Harris Bank
06.1993 - 09.2012
- Supervised daily operations and ensured compliance with banking regulations.
- Trained and mentored staff to enhance customer service skills and operational efficiency.
- Managed cash handling procedures, reducing discrepancies through meticulous oversight.
- Oversaw staff training initiatives, ensuring all tellers were knowledgeable about products, services, and operational procedures.
- Managed teller schedules, ensuring adequate staffing levels during peak business hours.
- Counted cash drawers and made bank deposits.
- Provided exceptional customer service during high-volume periods, demonstrating professionalism under pressure.
- Promoted bank's products and services by consistently cross-selling to customers.
- Conducted weekly staff meetings.
- Attended monthly regional service manager meetings.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Illinois State University
Normal, Illinois, IL12-2025
Associate of Applied Science - Education-Early Childhood
Elgin Community College
Elgin, IL12-2023
Skills
- Small group instruction
- Classroom management
- Collaborative teamwork
- Emotional support
- Teacher assistance
- Visual supports
- Helping students with special needs
Timeline
Paraeducator
School District U-46
08.2021 - Current
Program Assistant
Boys & Girls Club Of Elgin
08.2020 - 08.2021
Noon Hour Supervisor
School District U-46
10.2015 - 08.2021
Seasonal Home-Based Customer Care Agent
Higher One, Inc
08.2014 - 10.2014
Teller Supervisor
BMO Harris Bank
06.1993 - 09.2012
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Illinois State University
Associate of Applied Science - Education-Early Childhood
Elgin Community College