Linda Wood
Toano,Virginia
Summary
Special Education Teacher equipped with positive attitude and patience vital to teaching children with special needs. Extensive experience creating innovative lesson plans and comfortable learning environments.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
York County Public Schools
08.2018 - Current
- Cultivate connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Enhancing learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
- Support students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Collaborate with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Modify general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Teaching students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Lead activities that develop students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Administer, interpret and report student evaluations to parents and guardians.
- Develop and teach engaging and developmentally appropriate lesson plans to differentiate needs for learners.
- Implement positive discipline strategies to manage student behavior and build relationships.
- Increase parent involvement in the learning process by maintaining open communication and providing regular updates on student progress.
- Redirect poor behavior using positive reinforcement method, resulting in decrease in tantrums in classroom.
- Assesse student progress regularly through formative and summative assessments, adapting instruction accordingly to meet individual needs.
- Create and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Establish a safe play environment for students.
- Coordinate with related service providers to ensure seamless delivery of supports for students requiring additional interventions or therapies.
- Develop and maintain courteous and effective working relationships.
- Learn and adapt quickly to new technology and software applications.
Preschool Assistant Teacher
WJCC Public Schools
08.2008 - 06.2017
- Established strong relationships with families by actively participating in school events such as open houses and parent-teacher conferences.
- Engaged and entertained children through recreational and educational activities.
- Supported children''s social and emotional growth by implementing creative play opportunities and group activities.
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay informed on best practices in early childhood education.
- Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
- Prepared for lessons by gathering educational materials and setting up equipment.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
- Interacted with children one-on-one and in small groups to enhance and support learning activities.
- Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
- Encouraged children to interact with each other and participate in group activities.
- Supervised children during in-classroom activities and on playground.
- Established positive relationships with students and families.
- Maintained classrooms by disinfecting and sterilizing surfaces and toys.
- Assisted with planning field trips, organizing transportation logistics, and supervising children during outings.
- Assisted teacher by developing lesson plans to meet educational goals for each child.
- Assisted lead teacher in developing age-appropriate curriculum to support child development milestones.
- Contributed ideas for classroom decorations that fostered creativity and imagination among young learners.
- Promoted language development in students by engaging them in conversations, reading stories, and teaching songs related to various themes.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Education
Endorsement - ECSE Special Education Birth - 5
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA12.2022
Master of Arts - Teaching Special Education
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA05.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Teaching Special Education
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA12.2016
Skills
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Play-Based Learning
- Special Education
- Sensory integration techniques
- Child Development
- Material Selection
- Positive Role Model
- Differentiated Instruction
- Visual Supports Implementation
- Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
- Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
Timeline
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
York County Public Schools
08.2018 - Current
Preschool Assistant Teacher
WJCC Public Schools
08.2008 - 06.2017
Endorsement - ECSE Special Education Birth - 5
Virginia Commonwealth University
Master of Arts - Teaching Special Education
Liberty University
Bachelor of Arts - Teaching Special Education
Liberty University
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