LaWanda Swan
Middletown,Delaware
Summary
Dynamic education professional with a proven track record at The Christian Academy, enhancing student retention through innovative support programs. Skilled in collaborative problem-solving and student advocacy, I led initiatives that improved academic success and emotional well-being, while fostering strong relationships among students, faculty, and parents. Committed to empowering diverse student populations.
Results-focused student services professional with robust background in student affairs and academic support. Demonstrated ability to foster team collaboration and drive student success through effective communication, strategic planning, and program development. Adaptable and reliable, skilled in conflict resolution, student counseling, and program implementation. Strong advocate for student well-being and development, ensuring supportive and inclusive educational environment.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Student Services/School Counselor
The Christian Academy
07.2021 - Current
- Assisted in developing student support programs to enhance academic success and retention.
- Coordinated events and workshops to promote student engagement and community involvement.
- Supported the implementation of student services initiatives to streamline processes and improve accessibility.
- Collaborated with faculty and staff to address student concerns and provide tailored solutions.
- Coordinated campus-wide events and activities designed to promote student engagement and wellbeing.
- Led a team of professionals in providing exceptional support for diverse student populations.
- Developed comprehensive academic support programs, contributing to improved student retention rates.
- Oversaw the development and implementation of innovative career readiness initiatives, preparing students for post-graduation success.
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
- Provided guidance to students on academic and personal development needs.
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to address student concerns.
- Facilitated group counseling sessions to promote peer support.
- Developed resources for students regarding college and career planning.
- Enhanced student emotional well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of all students.
- Provided crisis intervention in response to emergencies, employing existing trust, and rapport to deescalate situations.
- Maintained positive relationships with students, faculty, alumni, and administration.
- Facilitated parent engagement through regular communication, informational sessions, and collaborative meetings to address student concerns.
- Advocated for student needs, resulting in adaptation of school policies to better support student well-being.
- Improved student attendance rates by identifying and addressing underlying issues through targeted counseling interventions.
Paraprofessional
Appoquinimink School District
08.2017 - 08.2021
- Assisted teachers in classroom management and instructional activities to enhance student engagement.
- Supported individualized education plans (IEPs) by providing targeted assistance to students with diverse learning needs.
- Facilitated communication between students, teachers, and parents to promote a collaborative learning environment.
- Implemented behavioral interventions and strategies to improve student focus and participation during lessons.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop tailored support strategies for at-risk students.
- Supervised students during non-instructional periods such as lunch, recess, or field trips, ensuring safety at all times.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing strong rapport with students, parents, and faculty members.
- Enhanced student support by delivering one-on-one and small group assistance in various subjects.
- Supported special education teachers in implementing accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs.
- Implemented behavior management techniques effectively to maintain a structured learning environment conducive to student success.
- Assisted in the collection and analysis of data on student performance, contributing to ongoing progress monitoring efforts.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop and implement individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Utilized technology in classroom to enhance learning experiences.
Substitute Teacher, K-Eighth Grade
Appoquinimink School District
09.2009 - 06.2017
- Adapted lesson plans to meet diverse learning needs of students across grades K-Eighth.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with teaching staff to support curriculum delivery and student engagement.
- Facilitated small group instruction, promoting individualized attention for struggling students.
- Adapted quickly to various classroom settings and grade levels by demonstrating flexibility, adaptability, and a strong understanding of diverse curricula.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by implementing consistent classroom management techniques and clear expectations for behavior.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, performance, and progress to inform instructional decisions and report to permanent teachers.
- Tailored instructional methods to accommodate various learning styles, optimizing academic success for all students.
- Cultivated a culture of respect within the classroom by modeling appropriate behavior and addressing issues promptly when they arose.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
Education
Bachelor Of Arts - Psychology
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJMasters Of Education - School Counseling
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE05.2017
Skills
- Collaborative Problem-solving
- Student advocacy
- Writing and editing
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Responsible and dependable
- Staff leadership
- Student assessment
Affiliations
American School Counselor Association
Certification
School Counseling K-12 Dual-Certification
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
On-SiteHybridImportant To Me
Paid sick leavePaid time offHealthcare benefitsTimeline
Director of Student Services/School Counselor
The Christian Academy
07.2021 - Current
Paraprofessional
Appoquinimink School District
08.2017 - 08.2021
Substitute Teacher, K-Eighth Grade
Appoquinimink School District
09.2009 - 06.2017
Bachelor Of Arts - Psychology
Rutgers University
Masters Of Education - School Counseling
Wilmington University
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