Lela Davis
Farmington Hills,MI
Summary
Talented Special Education Teacher focused on meeting student academic and emotional needs. Compassionate and caring in delivery of personalized, hands-on support and lessons targeted to specific learning needs and strengths. Leverages strong communication skills and patient nature to provide positive reinforcement in team-based, structured environments. Experienced with assisting individuals with special needs in retail environments. Utilizes effective communication and empathy to address unique customer requirements. Knowledge of creating inclusive and supportive shopping experiences.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher, Severe Needs
Birmingham Public Schools
09.2022 - Current
- Aided special needs students by implementing customized learning plans tailored to their unique requirements.
- Provided individualized support for students with special needs, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members to ensure comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Provided one-on-one support to students with special needs, fostering supportive learning environment.
- Enhanced learning experiences for special needs students by developing and implementing tailored lesson plans.
- Developed strong relationships with families, addressing concerns or special needs to ensure seamless program delivery.
- Increased accessibility by creating inclusive learning environments for students with special needs, incorporating assistive technologies.
- Managed challenging behaviors or special needs effectively using patience, understanding, and behavioral interventions when necessary.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team to develop comprehensive support strategies for students with special needs.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Supervised students and instructed them during life skills lessons during hands on activities in the community and in the classroom.
- Collaborated with Paraprofessionals to support the needs of the students.
- Collected data and modified goals and objectives based on learning outcomes and opportunities.
Special Education Teacher
Southfield Public Schools
01.2013 - 07.2022
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Developed interesting and interactive learning methods tailored to help students with individual needs.
- Encouraged student empathy of others to build confidence and improve self-image.
- Incorporated interactive visual aids into student lesson plans to support learning objectives.
- Solved student behavioral issues according to building expectations and codes of conduct.
- Collaborated with outside agencies providing services for students and families to deliver cohesive support.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
- Maintained consistent and timely contact with parents about student behavior and upcoming events.
- Developed IEP to leverage developmental practices and educational theories to achieve educational objectives.
Lead Teacher
Detroit Public Schools
09.2012 - 10.2013
- Provided support and assisted staff with IEP training and development.
- Promoted Teacher/Para-Educator relations and led related workshops.
- Provided support to new staff.
- Interacted in lessons with my students using Smart Board technology and computers.
- Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.
Special Education Teacher
Detroit Public Schools
09.2010 - 09.2012
- Developed IEP to leverage developmental practices and educational theories to achieve educational objectives.
- Established and maintained dynamic working relationships with students and parents to support classroom objectives.
- Exposed students to Vocational, Personal Care, Life Skills, and Career Exploration through field trip experiences and use of technology and other educational programs.
- Worked closely with agencies and other parent support entities.
- Provided support to SXI students ages 14-20 with Cognitive Impairments in all subject areas.
- Implemented modified lessons and teaching techniques to accommodate student academic needs and diverse learning styles.
- Maintained a positive and successful learning environment with the implementation of behavioral supports and strategies.
- Generated quarterly and annual reports evaluating students' progress to support recommendations for further student development.
- Executed the use of technology and assistive learning devices with students in the classroom.
- Provided positive parent teacher relationships which included an open door policy for relationship building with parents.
- Was an active member of the School Improvement Team.
- Trained staff to utilize Math kits that were created by the district for our student population.
- Provided students with ongoing community exploration and life skills opportunities.
PreK POHI Teacher
Detroit Public Schools
09.2003 - 06.2010
- Implemented lesson plans and instruction based on the Head Start Curriculum and IEP goals and objectives.
- Instructed students ages 3-6 with cognitive and physical impairments.
- Maintained a positive and structured learning environment.
- Monitored medical needs and assisted with nursing, feeding, and toileting.
- Worked closely with parents to monitor student needs.
- Exposed students to inclusive preschool settings and programs which involved the sharing of lessons/interactions with my general education grade level team.
- Involved my students in field trips with their general education peers in the building.
- Provided behavioral supports and strategies.
- I was Student Council Liaison, Mentoring Program Coordinator, and Girl Scout Assistant for students in our building.
MOCI Teacher
Cleveland Public Schools
01.1996 - 06.2003
- I taught students ages 10-15 with moderate cognitive impairments in a middle school setting.
- Implemented lesson plans and instructed students based on state standards and IEP goals and objectives.
- Engaged students with a variety of whole school activities and programs for the modeling of appropriate social skills.
- Provided behavioral supports and techniques for classroom structure and a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with the special education team to provide supports and strategies for effective teaching and programs.
- Held the position of Special Education Coach and ensured participation in a yearly trip to the Cleveland Browns Special Olympics Christmas Party.
Substitute Teacher
Detroit Public Schools
09.1988 - 06.1995
- Followed lesson plans and routines in the absence of the assigned teacher in a general education setting.
- Taught grades Pre-Kindergarten through 6th grade covering a variety of grade level curriculum and subjects.
- Chaired the Adopt a School Program with the Optimist Club of Second Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan.
- Carried out tasks that were implemented by administration to meet the daily needs of the program.
Education
Master of Arts - Education/Curriculum And Instruction
Cleveland State University
Frankfort, KY08.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Merchandising, Textiles, And Clothing
Kentucky State University
Frankfort, KY12.1988
Skills
- Lead Teacher/Professional Development Presenter
- SA Endorsement grades K-12 in the area of Cognitive Impairments
- National Board of Professional Teaching Standards Certification/Exceptional Needs Specialist-Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
- Council For Exceptional Children
- Delegate for CEC Grand Rapids and National San Antonio Conferences
- Represented Detroit Public Schools in the Dynamic Learning Maps Study
- Represented Detroit Public Schools as a representative for the Wayne RESA Mathematics Common Core Assessment Team
- PTA Liaison for Southfield Public Schools
- Special needs support
- Special needs advocacy
- Special needs travel
Accomplishments
Nominated for Teacher of the Year for Oakland County Schools, and represented Southfield Public Schools as "Teacher of the Year". (2019)
Recipient of The 2024 Special Service Spotlight based on a parent nomination from Birmingham Public School District.
Was Awarded the ISSN Making a Difference Award for Southfield Public Schools 2021
Timeline
Special Education Teacher, Severe Needs
Birmingham Public Schools
09.2022 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Southfield Public Schools
01.2013 - 07.2022
Lead Teacher
Detroit Public Schools
09.2012 - 10.2013
Special Education Teacher
Detroit Public Schools
09.2010 - 09.2012
PreK POHI Teacher
Detroit Public Schools
09.2003 - 06.2010
MOCI Teacher
Cleveland Public Schools
01.1996 - 06.2003
Substitute Teacher
Detroit Public Schools
09.1988 - 06.1995
Bachelor of Arts - Merchandising, Textiles, And Clothing
Kentucky State University
Master of Arts - Education/Curriculum And Instruction
Cleveland State University
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