Laura Dixon
Florence,SC
Summary
Skilled educator with strong expertise in special education. Adept at developing lesson plans, providing individualized instruction, employing effective instructional strategies, and fostering a positive classroom environment. Known for collaboration, adaptability, and delivering measurable results. Proficient in behavior management, student assessments and writing IEPs.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher, West Florence High School
Florence One Schools
Florence, SC
08.2015 - Current
- Implements individualized teaching strategies for high school students with special needs within a self-contained setting.
- Guides students in strategizing and executing plans for postsecondary transition goals.
- Delivers engaging employability and social studies classes to enhance student skills and knowledge using a modified curriculum.
- Develops and implements school-based enterprise programs by overseeing cold brew coffee delivery service and coordinating pop-up shops featuring student-produced items.
- Plans and facilitates educational field trips to enhance student learning experiences.
School Educator II, J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center
North Carolina Division of Health and Human Services
Morganton, NC
08.2014 - 08.2015
- Facilitated person-centered planning initiatives for adults with severe disabilities.
- Documented and analyzed data for resident programs.
- Designed and implemented work and money management programs for residents.
Special Education Teacher, Walter Johnson Middle School
Burke County Public Schools
Morganton, NC
08.2013 - 06.2014
- Delivered tailored instruction to 6th-grade students in inclusive and resource settings.
- Coordinated efforts to enhance student support teams and expand after-school learning opportunities.
- Participated in nonviolent crisis intervention training.
Special Education Teacher, West Lenoir Elementary
Caldwell County Schools
Lenoir, NC
08.2012 - 06.2013
- Implemented best practices to instruct K-5 students in a resource setting.
- Led initiatives as co-chair of student support team, fostering collaboration and engagement.
- Integrated technology into lesson plans to enhance individualized learning experiences.
Preschool Teacher, Long Creek/Sterling Elementary
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Charlotte, NC
08.2011 - 06.2012
- Provided developmentally appropriate instruction for students with special needs
- Utilized augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to support student learning
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, Valdese Elementary
Burke County Public Schools
Morganton, NC
08.2005 - 06.2011
- Instructed pre-kindergarten students, fostering inclusive learning environments for children with and without disabilities.
- Contributed to school leadership and student support teams, fostering collaborative decision-making.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
Appalachian State University
Bachelor of Social Work -
Appalachian State University
Skills
- Special Education Instruction (Pre K–12)
- IEP Development
- Transition Planning
- Data Collection & Progress Monitoring
- Differentiated Instruction
- Behavior & Classroom Management
- Family & Team Collaboration
- Assistive Technology
Certification
- South Carolina Special Education Teacher License
- New Mexico Pre K-12 Special Education Teacher License Level Three-A (Effective 7/1/26)
Timeline
Special Education Teacher, West Florence High School
Florence One Schools
08.2015 - Current
School Educator II, J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center
North Carolina Division of Health and Human Services
08.2014 - 08.2015
Special Education Teacher, Walter Johnson Middle School
Burke County Public Schools
08.2013 - 06.2014
Special Education Teacher, West Lenoir Elementary
Caldwell County Schools
08.2012 - 06.2013
Preschool Teacher, Long Creek/Sterling Elementary
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
08.2011 - 06.2012
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, Valdese Elementary
Burke County Public Schools
08.2005 - 06.2011
Master of Arts - Special Education
Appalachian State University
Bachelor of Social Work -
Appalachian State University