Lisa Stafford
'Ewa Beach,HI
Summary
Dedicated educational professional skilled in special needs support, classroom management, and effective communication. Committed to fostering a positive learning environment and facilitating student growth through tailored instructional strategies.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Educational Assistant
Honowai Elementary School
Waipahu, Hawaii
01.2026 - Current
- Supported students with special needs in daily academic tasks and social interactions.
- Assisted students with special needs in completing tasks and understanding material.
- Planned and led activities to develop students' social skills and teamwork abilities.
- Helped students master learning concepts through one-on-one and small group tutoring.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Organized student performance and enrichment activities to facilitate learning.
- Facilitated communication between teachers, parents, and students regarding progress.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to teachers and parents.
- Provided supervision during lunch, recess, and field trips for student safety.
- Supervised recess periods to ensure safety of all students on the playground.
- Monitored student behavior in the classroom, playground, cafeteria, and other school areas.
- Assisted teachers with preparing classroom materials and activities.
- Prepared classroom materials and educational resources for daily lessons.
- Organized classroom resources and maintained a conducive learning environment.
- Utilized technology tools such as computers or interactive whiteboards for teaching purposes.
- Distributed textbooks, workbooks, papers, and pencils to students.
- Cleaned and organized classrooms to maintain a tidy learning environment.
- Participated in professional development workshops to improve educational practices.
- Attended faculty meetings and parent conferences as needed.
- Assisted in creating a safe environment for all students by enforcing school policies.
- Provided assistance during field trips by monitoring student behavior and helping them stay focused on the activity at hand.
Paraeducator, Special Education
Honowai Elementary School
Waipahu, Hawaii
02.2022 - 12.2025
- Supported students with personalized accommodations, extra assistance, and educational assessments.
- Motivated students using feedback and encouragement to enhance learning experiences.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Collaborated with teacher to develop personalized and successful learning strategies.
- Supported students with special needs in daily academic tasks and social interactions.
- Assisted teachers in implementing individualized education plans and classroom activities.
- Maintained a safe and inclusive environment for all students during lessons.
- Organized classroom resources and materials to facilitate smooth learning experiences.
- Organized classroom materials and resources to facilitate an effective learning environment.
- Supervised field trips for special education classes ensuring safety at all times while providing educational opportunities outside the regular classroom setting.
- Provided additional support during state testing periods including administering tests, monitoring time limits and assisting with accommodations when necessary.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to create differentiated assignments that addressed the varied abilities of all learners.
- Developed instructional materials that met the unique needs of each student's learning style.
- Provided one-on-one instruction to students with disabilities, helping them learn basic literacy and numeracy skills.
- Collaborated with other professionals such as occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists and social workers to provide comprehensive support services to special needs students.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, grades, behavior reports.
- Supported classroom teachers in creating a positive learning environment for all students.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, grades, assessments and other relevant information according to district requirements.
- Managed class of special education students in absence of lead teacher.
- Advised instructor on student behavior or issues requiring immediate attention.
- Provided supplemental supervision in classrooms, schoolyards, and cafeterias.
- Motivated students using feedback and encouragement.
- Helped students learn to persevere with challenging tasks and build resilience for later educational efforts.
Teacher's Assistant
Waianae Intermediate School
Waianae, Hawaii
11.2016 - 07.2017
- Supervised children and participated with children in activities.
- Helped students master learning concepts through one-on-one and small group tutoring.
- Provided individualized and small group support to reinforce classroom topics and promote student learning.
- Supervised children during playtime and ensured safety protocols were followed.
- Organized classroom supplies and maintained a clean, welcoming environment.
- Worked one-on-one with special needs students to help navigate through school challenges.
- Handled clerical duties, managed classrooms, and coordinated documents for teachers.
- Graded assignments and tests and documented results into filing systems.
- Laminated teaching materials to increase durability under repeated use.
- Provided clerical support to teachers, including photocopying, filing, and organizing instructional resources.
- Supported classroom teacher in managing a diverse classroom of students.
Teacher's Assistant
Waianae Elementary School
Waianae, Hawaii
08.2015 - 07.2017
- Assisted teachers in preparing lesson materials and classroom activities.
- Helped students master learning concepts through one-on-one and small group tutoring.
- Supervised children and participated with children in activities.
- Provided individualized and small group support to reinforce classroom topics and promote student learning.
- Handled clerical duties, managed classrooms, and coordinated documents for teachers.
- Laminated teaching materials to increase durability under repeated use.
- Supervised children during playtime and ensured safety protocols were followed.
- Organized classroom supplies and maintained a clean, welcoming environment.
- Trained new staff on classroom procedures and child interaction techniques.
- Worked one-on-one with special needs students to help navigate through school challenges.
- Distributed and collected tests and homework to prepare for grading by head teacher.
- Graded assignments and tests and documented results into filing systems.
- Assessed student learning styles and understanding of material to redirect and optimize teaching strategies.
Teacher's Assistant
blessings of heaven preschool
'Ewa Beach, Hawaii
07.2011 - 08.2011
- Supervised children during playtime and ensured safety protocols were followed.
- Organized classroom supplies and maintained a clean, welcoming environment.
- Helped implement daily schedules and routines for preschool activities.
- Engaged children in educational games to promote social skills and teamwork.
- Supervised children and participated with children in activities.
- Helped students master learning concepts through one-on-one and small group tutoring.
- Provided clerical support to teachers, including photocopying, filing, and organizing instructional resources.
- Supported classroom teacher in managing a diverse classroom of students.
Education
High School Diploma -
Waipahu Community School
Waipahu, HI12-2012
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education & Special Education
Grand Cannon University
Phoenix, AZSome College (No Degree) - ECED 105 & 110 Early Childhood Education
Honoluly Community College
Honolulu, HISkills
- Special needs support
- Student behavior monitoring
- Classroom management
- Lesson planning
- Professional development
- Problem solving
- Motivation techniques
- Special education
- Early childhood education
- Elementary education
- Teaching strategies
- Autism spectrum support
- Teacher support
- Computer skills
- Small group instruction
- Preparing instructional materials
- Team building
- Effective communication
- Collaborative teaching
Timeline
Educational Assistant
Honowai Elementary School
01.2026 - Current
Paraeducator, Special Education
Honowai Elementary School
02.2022 - 12.2025
Teacher's Assistant
Waianae Intermediate School
11.2016 - 07.2017
Teacher's Assistant
Waianae Elementary School
08.2015 - 07.2017
Teacher's Assistant
blessings of heaven preschool
07.2011 - 08.2011
High School Diploma -
Waipahu Community School
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education & Special Education
Grand Cannon University
Some College (No Degree) - ECED 105 & 110 Early Childhood Education
Honoluly Community College