LAVINIA NECHESA KHAMALA
Martinsburg,WV
Summary
Resourceful Special Education Teacher of Mathematics and Biology with 8 years of practical experience and a strong background in planning and delivering lessons tailored to individual student understanding. Passionate about fostering academic growth, building student confidence, and enhancing social skills through creative and inclusive lesson planning.
Empathetic and encouraging educator committed to supporting learners with diverse needs, particularly in special education settings. Skilled at managing classroom behavior through a balanced approach of appropriate discipline and positive reinforcement, creating a safe and structured environment conducive to learning.
Enthusiastic professional with a proven ability to build meaningful rapport with students, inspiring memorable learning experiences and improved outcomes. Experienced in preparing large cohorts for examinations and supporting them in meeting or exceeding target grades. I am self-motivated, with dedicated work ethic aimed at achieving first-class results in alignment with rigorous academic standards.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Berkley County Schools
09.2024 - Current
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Streamlined classroom processes by integrating technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and assistive devices designed for students with disabilities.
- Created culturally responsive classroom environment, acknowledging and celebrating diversity among students.
- Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.
- Collaborated with parents and other educators to develop comprehensive support plans, promoting student success.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
Teacher
Nyabangi Secondary School
01.2021 - 07.2024
- Designed and implemented diverse teaching materials including workbooks, presentations, interactive group discussions, and educational games.
- Developed and delivered engaging, differentiated lessons to meet individual learning needs, keeping students on track to meet or exceed academic targets.
- Enhanced student interest and achievement in Mathematics by integrating fun, hands-on activities and real-life applications into lessons.
- Assessed and tracked student progress through regular classwork, homework, and coursework evaluations.
- Taught a broad range of mathematical concepts, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, statistics, and probability.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to adapt and modify curriculum for students with special education needs.
- Created a positive and inclusive classroom environment that supported learning and personal growth for students with diverse needs.
- Served as Patron for the Kenya Science and Engineering Fair (KSEF), mentoring students in scientific inquiry and project development.
- Coached the school’s volleyball team, promoting teamwork, discipline, and extracurricular engagement.
Teacher
Sigoti Complex Girls Secondary School
01.2019 - 12.2020
- Planned and delivered innovative lessons aligned with curriculum standards to support students in meeting or exceeding academic targets.
- Conducted ongoing assessments to identify student strengths and areas for improvement, using data to guide instruction and intervention.
- Created engaging and educational quizzes to reinforce learning and assess comprehension in Mathematics and Biology.
- Built strong, supportive relationships with students by offering continuous academic and emotional support.
- Served as Assistant Scouts Patron, fostering leadership and personal development outside the classroom.
- Held the role of Class Teacher (Form 3 Red) and Dormitory Mistress (St. Patricia), providing holistic support to students both academically and in residential life.
- Maintained a structured and respectful learning environment by managing classroom behavior in accordance with school policies.
- Communicated regularly with parents and guardians to ensure consistent support and student progress.
- Coached the school’s badminton team, encouraging student participation and promoting physical well-being.
Teacher
St Elizabeth Bumia Girls High School
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Taught classes of up to 35 students aged 12 to 17, delivering lessons tailored to diverse learning needs.
- Monitored and documented student academic and behavioral progress using the Zeraki system for accurate reporting to parents and school leadership.
- Collaborated with department heads to design and implement engaging, inclusive, and enriching curriculum content.
- Served as Assistant Dean of Studies, supporting academic planning, student performance monitoring, and school-wide instructional initiatives.
- Provided pastoral care and supervision as Assistant Boarding Mistress, ensuring student well-being and discipline in the boarding environment.
- Coached the school’s badminton team, fostering teamwork, discipline, and student engagement in extracurricular activities.
Teacher Trainee
Rang'ala Boys High School
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Student teacher of Mathematics and Biology.
- Closely monitored student behavior for safety and well-being while reporting changes or concerns to appropriate school personnel.
Special Education Teacher
Equator Special School
05.2016 - 12.2016
- Provided individualized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to students with special educational needs.
- Maintained detailed records of behavioral incidents and interventions to support data-driven decision-making and progress tracking.
- Developed and adapted curriculum to support the developmental milestones of learners with intellectual disabilities.
- Participated in Perceptual Training programs to enhance instructional strategies for students with intellectual disabilities.
- Conducted regular assessments to identify learning needs and formulate tailored education plans, updating them as student needs evolved.
- Monitored and reported on student academic and social-emotional development to refine instructional and support strategies.
Education
Bachelor of Education - B.Ed Special Needs Education
Maseno University
Kisumu-Kenya12-2017
Skills
- Class management
- Problem-solving & Team work
- Presentation planning
- Paper marking
- Classroom management
- Quiz planning
- Student-centered approach
- Extracurricular activity planning
- Planning and Organizing Assessments
- Good communication skills
- Time Management
- Behavior management
Accomplishments
- Recognized by school management for coaching Kenya Science and Engineering Fair students on a Solar Drip Irrigation project in April 2024 delivering outstanding performance at the National Competitions.
- Coached Two Scout patrols for the Inter-county competitions.
Certification
- Teaching License- Teachers Service Commission, Kenya.
- Volleyball refereeing License.
- Level 1 Volleyball refereeing Course by the Kenya Volleyball Federation.
- Kenya Science and Engineering Fair Patron.
- Dean of Studies certified Workshop.
- Mathematics workshop by Longhorn publishers and KICD.
- Biology workshop by KICD
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Berkley County Schools
09.2024 - Current
Teacher
Nyabangi Secondary School
01.2021 - 07.2024
Teacher
Sigoti Complex Girls Secondary School
01.2019 - 12.2020
Teacher
St Elizabeth Bumia Girls High School
01.2018 - 12.2018
Teacher Trainee
Rang'ala Boys High School
05.2017 - 08.2017
Special Education Teacher
Equator Special School
05.2016 - 12.2016
Bachelor of Education - B.Ed Special Needs Education
Maseno University
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