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
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
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
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
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