Kristina Cortez
Moxee City
Summary
Dedicated Special Education Paraprofessional with a proven track record at East Valley School District, skilled in IEP compliance and behavioral plan management. Successfully enhanced student learning through tailored support and effective collaboration with teachers, fostering a positive classroom environment. Committed to empowering students with learning disabilities to achieve their academic and personal goals.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Paraprofessional
East Valley School District
Moxee City, WA
11.2014 - 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Set up visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
- Facilitated social skills development through targeted group activities, promoting positive peer relationships and increased self-confidence among special education students.
- 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.
Program Assistant
JA Biztown
Yakima, WA
08.2012 - 09.2013
- Assisted with planning and coordinating day-to-day and special program activities.
- Established rapport with clients through exceptional customer service practices, fostering ongoing relationships built on trust and respect.
- Provided administrative support to department leadership, streamlining daily operations through efficient task prioritization and delegation skills.
- Strengthened relationships with stakeholders through regular, effective communication and timely updates on program progress.
- As a program assistant I made sure all computers were running properly. All store fronts were organized and prepared for upcoming school.
- Answered any question from staff or volunteers.
- I would assist in making phones calls and emails to recruit volunteers for future schools.
Job Coach
Provident Horizon Group
Yakima, WA
01.2008 - 06.2008
- Monitored client progress and adjusted job coaching strategies to meet needs and navigate challenges.
- Cultivated strong relationships with community organizations and resources to provide additional support services for clients when needed.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community resources to support job coaching.
- Monitored and tracked client progress through consistent follow-up sessions, adjusting strategies as needed to ensure continued success in achieving employment goals.
- Offered ongoing support to clients throughout their job search process, leading to increased levels of motivation and self-confidence.
- I would manage a case load of different clients with developmental disabilities.
- As a job coach, I would take clients on errands, appointments, or to their jobs sites.
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Studies ( Special Education)
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT05-2024
Bachelor of Arts - Children Studies
Heritage University
Toppenish, WA06-2019
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Special Education
Yakima Valley College
Yakima, WA06-2012
High School Diploma -
Stanton Academy
Yakima, WA06-2006
Skills
- IEP compliance
- Teacher assistance
- Learning disabilities support
- Classroom organization
- Collaboration with teachers
- Progress monitoring
- Verbal and written communication
- Teaching and instruction
- Instructional support
- Nonverbal communication
- Behavioral plan management
- Autism and spectrum disorders
Certification
- Special Needs Assistant Certificate (Yakima Valley College).
- Infant/Toddler Classroom Certificate which meets the qualifications to teach in a infant/toddler classroom (Yakima Valley College).
- Preschool Certificate that meet the qualifying to teach in a preschool classroom (Yakima Valley College).
Timeline
Special Education Paraprofessional
East Valley School District
11.2014 - Current
Program Assistant
JA Biztown
08.2012 - 09.2013
Job Coach
Provident Horizon Group
01.2008 - 06.2008
Master of Arts - Educational Studies ( Special Education)
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Arts - Children Studies
Heritage University
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Special Education
Yakima Valley College
High School Diploma -
Stanton Academy