LISA WILSON
Sopchoppy
Summary
Special education professional with strong track record in creating inclusive and effective learning environments. Skilled in developing individualized education plans, adapting curricula to meet diverse needs, and employing evidence-based teaching strategies. Strong emphasis on team collaboration and achieving measurable student outcomes. Reliable, flexible, and adept at fostering positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher, 2nd Grade
Liberty County Schools - Hosford Elementary School
08.2023 - Current
- Developed positive relationships with parents, communicating regularly about student progress and classroom happenings.
- Enhanced students'' mathematical abilities through hands-on activities and real-world examples.
- Provided individualized support for struggling learners, fostering a growth mindset and boosting confidence in their abilities.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational best practices and improve teaching effectiveness.
- Incorporated project-based learning methods, enhancing critical thinking skills and promoting collaboration among classmates.
- Designed differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles and ensure all students were engaged.
- Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Designed and presented lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using variety of teaching techniques to appeal to various learning styles within assigned grade level.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
- Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
- Prepared and administered grade-specific tests and examinations regulated by school district to monitor students' growth and to report progress to parents.
- Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
- Maintained student portfolios to monitor learning progress and completion of work required for promotion to next grade level.
- Pursued professional development during summer months to maintain certification and extend skills.
- Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
- Provided regular feedback to students on progress and assigned grades based on performance.
- Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Retained student interest and maximized receptive learning.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
Teacher, 2nd and 3rd Grade
Wakulla County Schools-Riversink Elementary
08.2018 - 06.2023
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators and parents to help students reach learning objectives
- Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom
- Graded and evaluated student assignments, papers and course work
- Encouraged creative thinking and motivated students by addressing individual strengths and weaknesses based on standardized testing results
- Incorporated exciting and engaging activities to achieve student participation and hands-on learning
- Supervised learning groups of students in classroom stations
- Held conferences with parents to address questions, discuss academic progress and encourage learning goals
- Reviewed curriculum and devised alternate approaches to presenting lessons to increase student understanding
- Supported student teachers by mentoring on classroom management, lesson planning and activity organization
- Fostered team collaboration between students through group projects
- Instructed students in core educational principles, concepts and in-depth subject matter
- Enhanced student knowledge of technology by integrating various web-based applications for research and assignments
- Developed and implemented lesson plans that addressed general students as well as those with individualized 504 plans as part of integrated classroom
- Attended and facilitated IEP meetings for students and families
- Collaborated with faculty to develop after-school tutoring program for struggling students
- Devised and implemented strategies to create and maintain cohesive school community within virtual classroom setting
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
- Fostered positive learning environment that encouraged student curiosity and critical thinking.
- Enhanced literacy skills with targeted reading programs.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to tailor lessons for improved academic performance.
- Promoted digital literacy by integrating technology into curriculum.
- Led professional development workshops for peers on effective classroom management techniques.
- Improved student engagement by incorporating interactive learning technologies into lesson plans.
- Collaborated with colleagues to integrate cross-disciplinary lessons, enriching students' educational experience.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs.
Stay-at-Home Mom
Self-Employed
06.2021 - 12.2022
- Career Break -went back to school (Radiological Technology Program) and took a few courses.
- Stayed home to care for and raise my own child and manage my household
- Volunteered at local church and participated in community events
Teacher, Pre-Kindergarten ESE
Wakulla County Schools-Wakulla Education Center
09.2016 - 05.2018
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education instruction.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations and district policies regarding curriculum standards, assessment reporting, and special education services.
- Worked cooperatively with special education teachers and staff to modify curricula for special education students.
- Monitored IEP goals for special education students within an inclusive classroom setting.
- Adapted teaching materials for special education students, meeting diverse learning needs.
- Advocated for the needs of ESE students within the broader school community, raising awareness about inclusive practices and accommodations.
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators and parents to help students reach learning objectives
- Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom
- Promoted physical, mental and social development using classroom games and activities
- Incorporated exciting and engaging activities to achieve student participation and hands-on learning
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning
- Supervised learning groups of students in classroom stations
- Held conferences with parents to address questions, discuss academic progress and encourage learning goals
- Implemented creative ways to foster curiosity for complex principles through hands-on learning and planned activities
- Designed creative lesson plans that incorporated hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences to foster curiosity and engagement in young learners.
- Established positive communication with parents in daily conversation and formal conferences.
- Ensured a safe and nurturing environment for all students, adhering to health and safety guidelines in the classroom.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Boosted children''s social development by promoting positive interactions among peers through group activities and collaborative projects.
- Strengthened communication skills among preschoolers through daily dialogue practice during circle time sessions.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Maintained accurate records of each child''s progress throughout the year using various documentation methods such as portfolios or tracking sheets.
- Assisted in the assessment of each student''s abilities, tailoring instruction to meet individual needs and learning styles.
- Improved student behavior by implementing effective classroom management strategies and establishing clear expectations for conduct.
- Increased parent involvement by effectively communicating with families about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and student progress reports.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning needs within the classroom setting without sacrificing overall quality of education provided to all students.
- Organized special events like field trips, holiday celebrations, or guest speakers to enhance the educational experience for students while building a sense of community within the classroom.
- Contributed to the successful implementation of school-wide initiatives by collaborating with colleagues on curriculum development, professional development, and other projects.
- Conducted early literacy and math activities, laying foundation for future academic success.
- Improved learning with well-structured lesson plans that made complex concepts easier for preschoolers to understand.
- Fostered independence in students by encouraging self-help skills and personal responsibility.
- Mentored new special education teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance on navigating complex regulatory requirements.
- Established a positive classroom environment that fostered mutual respect, trust, and open communication among students.
- Implemented research-based interventions to address skill deficits in reading, math, and other academic subjects.
- Served as a mentor and role model for fellow teachers seeking guidance in working with ESE students.
- Coordinated transition planning for ESE students moving to different educational settings or preparing for postsecondary opportunities.
- Collaborated with other ESE teachers to develop and implement best practices for special education instruction.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making processes to inform instructional planning and monitor student progress toward IEP goals.
- Conducted ongoing communication with support staff, including paraprofessionals and therapists, to ensure a cohesive approach to meeting each student''s needs.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
Paraprofessional Educator, Pre-Kindergarten
Wakulla County Schools-Wakulla Education Center
08.2008 - 06.2016
- Provided support to help students with special needs learn and grow
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment
- Provided support during classes, group lessons and classroom activities
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes
- Documented student behaviors, interventions and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues
- Set up visual aids, equipment and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules and support lead teacher
- Delivered curriculum in both one-on-one lessons and group learning environments
- Assessed student social, emotional and academic needs to plan goals appropriately
- Kept classrooms clean, neat and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency
- Prepared instructional materials for group and one-on-one use to comply with established curriculum
- Used behavior modeling and specialized teaching techniques to share and reinforce social skills
- Created lesson materials, visuals and digital presentations to supplement lesson plans
- Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based strategies to foster independence and social academic engagement
- Provided support during classes, group lessons, and classroom activities.
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Facilitated seamless transitions between learning activities by efficiently organizing supplies and preparing spaces for optimal productivity.
- Aided teachers in coordinating extracurricular events and field trips, providing enriching experiences beyond the traditional classroom setting.
- Boosted classroom engagement by incorporating interactive, hands-on activities into daily lesson plans.
- Contributed to a positive classroom culture by establishing strong relationships with students and maintaining open communication with families.
- Supported special needs students through one-on-one assistance, enabling them to reach their full potential in an inclusive environment.
- Prepared instructional materials for classroom use, ensuring timely delivery of relevant resources for each lesson.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Enriched the learning experience by integrating real-world examples into lessons, stimulating critical thinking and deeper understanding of subject matter.
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance.
- Collaborated with fellow educators to develop interdisciplinary units, enriching students'' understanding of various subjects.
- Provided ongoing feedback to teachers regarding student progress, facilitating necessary adjustments to better support individual growth.
- Enhanced student comprehension by implementing differentiated instruction techniques tailored to individual learning needs.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Delivered curriculum in both one-on-one lessons and group learning environments.
- Advanced student proficiency in math by leading small-group tutoring sessions focused on reinforcing foundational concepts and problem-solving strategies.
- Prepared instructional materials for group and one-on-one use to comply with established curriculum.
- Improved student reading skills by conducting small group literacy sessions focused on phonics and comprehension strategies.
- Promoted social-emotional development through the implementation of character education lessons and conflict resolution strategies.
- Addressed diverse learning styles through the adaptation of instructional materials and tasks for different ability levels within the classroom setting.
- Assisted teachers in managing classroom behavior by enforcing rules and implementing positive reinforcement strategies.
- Prepared instruction materials, constructed bulletin boards, and set up work areas.
- Helped teachers manage bus loading and unloading.
- Served as school clinic aide and office staff
- Receptionist and clerical duties for office
Home Childcare Provider
Self-employed
11.2006 - 04.2008
- Planned and guided age-appropriate tasks like reading, crafts and hands-on outdoor learning
- Maintained effective schedule balance between rest periods, active play and instruction
- Met with parents about daily activities, positive developments and issues
- Applied positive behavior management techniques to enhance social interactions and emotional development
- Sanitized dishes, tabletops, toys and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading of germs
- Enforced rules and managed behavior through developmentally appropriate discipline
- Taught children to organize toys, wash hands and share by leading by example
- Helped children develop motor skills in preparation for preschool and kindergarten
- Facilitated intellectual growth through age-appropriate educational activities, including reading, writing, and arts and crafts.
- Developed strong relationships with parents to establish trust, open communication lines, and support their parenting goals.
- Promoted healthy eating habits by preparing nutritious meals and snacks for children in accordance with dietary guidelines.
- Transported children to and from educational and religiousactivities safely.
- Played engaging, age-appropriate games to entertain and educate children.
- Supported young children through development of life skills such as taking turns, resolving conflict, and expressing emotions appropriately.
- Played interactive games with toddlers and provided age-appropriate entertainment for older children.
- Administered first aid in emergency situations, promptly notifying parents of any incidents while maintaining calmness under pressure.
- Organized field trips and outings to expose children to new experiences while promoting social interaction with peers.
- Maintained a safe and nurturing environment, ensuring proper supervision of children at all times.
- Enhanced children''s social skills by implementing interactive group activities and play sessions.
Stay-at-home Mom
Self-employed
03.2004 - 11.2006
- Career Break to care for and raise my second child and manage my household
- Volunteered at oldest son's school
- Volunteered at 3 local churches
- Cared for other children as needed
- Participated in community events
Senior Clerk
Department Of Corrections Probation Parole
07.2003 - 03.2004
- Placed supply orders and restocked office items
- Set up meetings and organized supporting materials
- Provided quality clerical support through data entry, document management, email correspondence and overseeing operation of office equipment
- Produced high-quality documents, spreadsheets and presentations for internal and client-facing needs
- Received and routed business correspondence to correct departments and staff members
- Kept office supplies well organized and sufficiently stocked, placing orders promptly to replenish materials before depleted
- Promptly received and forwarded incoming communications, such as phone calls, emails and letters, to appropriate staff
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously using organizational and analytical skills
- Responded to inquiries from callers seeking information
- Receipted restitution payments through COPS accounting
- Data entry and creating of VOP's and court orders for probation officers and judges within the circuit courts
- Prioritized workload effectively managing multiple tasks at once maintaining focus under pressure while meeting deadlines consistently.
- Managed incoming correspondence, ensuring proper distribution and timely response from appropriate personnel.
- Reduced errors in document handling by implementing a thorough review process before submission or distribution.
- Placed supply orders and restocked office items.
- Supported departmental goals by conducting research, gathering data, and preparing comprehensive reports.
- Streamlined reporting processes within the department leading to more efficient use of time and resources.
- Provided quality clerical support through data entry, document management, email correspondence, and overseeing operation of office equipment.
- Input data into spreadsheets and databases.
- Promptly received and forwarded incoming communications, such as phone calls, emails, and letters, to appropriate staff.
Word Processing Operator
Department Of Corrections Probation Parole
12.2002 - 07.2003
- Typed official correspondence and reports from handwritten notes and other information sources
- Accurately typed 65 words per minute with no errors
- Prepared data by compiling and sorting information
- Verified data entered into database by reviewing, correcting and deleting data
- Organized and maintained precise confidential personnel files
- Organized and prioritized proofreading, spell checking, document filing and data entry
- Answered multi-line phone system to respond to inquiries and transfer calls to correct departments and personnel
- Resolved customer issues quickly and notified supervisor immediately when problems escalated
- Maintained files and records by implementing effective filing systems that boosted efficiency and organization
- Transcribed phone messages and relayed to appropriate personnel
- Monitored office supplies by checking inventory and placing orders
Clerk Specialist (OPS)
Department Of Agriculture And Consumer Services
03.2001 - 06.2001
- Examined, categorized and sorted incoming documents
- Tracked incoming and outgoing files and materials and maintained accurate records for potential discrepancies
- Maintained physical and computer-based filing systems
- Implemented improvements to file systems and procedures
- Adhered to company policies and government regulations regarding data oversight and confidentiality to promote overall information security
- Responded to internal and external requests for information
- Cleaned up files regularly by removing outdated information for archival or disposal
- Followed up with staff and customers by phone and email regarding missing or needed information and compiled retrieved information into files
- Inputted data such as file numbers, new or updated information or document information codes into computer systems to support document and information retrieval
Field Service Merchandiser
Chase Levy Company
04.2000 - 04.2001
- Placed orders for merchandise consistent with quality, quantity and other specification requirements
- Interacted with vendors, store managers and other stakeholders to maintain on-time deliveries
- Worked flexible hours; night, weekend, and holiday shifts
- Stocked, ordered and maintained books in Target, Best Buy, and Toys R Us stores
- Assembled and disassembled store grids for according to planogram
- Successfully met or exceeded quarterly performance goals through diligent work ethic and attention to detail.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors to secure favorable pricing and timely deliveries of merchandise orders.
- Assisted in the onboarding of new team members, ensuring smooth transitions and effective training.
- Collaborated with store managers to optimize merchandise layouts, resulting in improved shopper experiences.
- Maintained clean and organized store environments, creating welcoming spaces for shoppers.
- Enhanced product visibility through strategic placement and attractive displays, boosting sales.
- Conducted regular inventory audits for accurate stock management and efficient replenishment.
- Regularly updated planograms to keep product displays fresh, appealing, and in line with seasonal trends.
- Removed damaged, out-of-code, not-in-set and discontinued items from displays.
- Monitored inventory levels and kept adequate stock in product displays on sales floor.
- Inspected merchandise for quality and arranged proper display location on floor.
- Placed orders for merchandise consistent with quality, quantity and other specification requirements.
- Interacted with vendors, store managers and other stakeholders to maintain on-time deliveries.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Vanguard University
Costa Mesa, CA12-2015
Associate of Arts - Education
Tallahassee Community College
Tallahassee, FL12-2011
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Curriculum development
- Individualized education plans
- Special Education laws and policy
- Data-driven instruction
- Collaborative teaching
- Technology integration
- Conflict resolution
- Special needs support including assistive technology
- Peer mentoring and leadership
- Literacy development
- Student engagement
- Team collaboration
- Proficient in Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint
- Team teaching
- Leadership development
- Inclusion strategies
- Student advocacy
- Parent Empowerment
Accomplishments
- Designed and conducted a well-received professional development workshop for collaboration and student engagement K-2.
- Curriculum Design - Designed, developed and implemented third grade ELA and social studies lessons aligned to Florida B.E.S.T. standards, NGSS, and state laws and policies.
- Curriculum Design - Designed and implemented second grade writing assessments for the district including rubrics aligned to Florida B.E.S.T. standards
- Won “Teacher of the Month” award at Riversink Elementary in April 2021.
Certification
- PreKindergarten/Primary Education Ages 3 through Grade 3
- Exceptional Student Education Grades K-12
- Reading Endorsement
- English for Speakers of Other Languages Endorsement
- Literacy Coach Endorsement (pending to complete in May 2025)
Supplemental Positions
Peer Teacher to an underperforming elementary school in my district to help facilitate best practices and boost student outcomes (2022-2023)
Mentor Teacher to first-year teachers and new to the grade level teachers (2019-2023)
Mentor Teacher to student teachers (2019-2021)
Hosford Leadership Team - meet with other leadership to plan and create school goals, initiatives, and other housecleaning tasks (2024-2025)
Hosford School Literacy Team - meet, plan, and implement literacy goals, initiatives, and activities (2023-2025)
Textbook Review Committee for ELA (2022)
Volunteer Coordinator (2013-2016)
Yearbook Coordinator (2013-2016)
School Mentor through the state's initiative for state employees (2003)
Training
Developing Standard-Based IEP's (2017)
Quality IEP writing (2017)
Gray Book Training-ESE (2016)
Kagan Cooperative Learning (2017)
Standards Approach to Learning (2018)
Kagan Stretch and Review (2020)
Kagan Summer Academy (2022)
Reading Endorsement Competency 1 (2019)
UFLI Foundations (2024)
Just Read FL Tier 1 Scaffolding and Differentiation (2024)
Mentor Teacher (2022)
Youth Mental Health Recertification (2022)
Clinical Educator Training (2018)
and many more
Timeline
Teacher, 2nd Grade
Liberty County Schools - Hosford Elementary School
08.2023 - Current
Stay-at-Home Mom
Self-Employed
06.2021 - 12.2022
Teacher, 2nd and 3rd Grade
Wakulla County Schools-Riversink Elementary
08.2018 - 06.2023
Teacher, Pre-Kindergarten ESE
Wakulla County Schools-Wakulla Education Center
09.2016 - 05.2018
Paraprofessional Educator, Pre-Kindergarten
Wakulla County Schools-Wakulla Education Center
08.2008 - 06.2016
Home Childcare Provider
Self-employed
11.2006 - 04.2008
Stay-at-home Mom
Self-employed
03.2004 - 11.2006
Senior Clerk
Department Of Corrections Probation Parole
07.2003 - 03.2004
Word Processing Operator
Department Of Corrections Probation Parole
12.2002 - 07.2003
Clerk Specialist (OPS)
Department Of Agriculture And Consumer Services
03.2001 - 06.2001
Field Service Merchandiser
Chase Levy Company
04.2000 - 04.2001
- PreKindergarten/Primary Education Ages 3 through Grade 3
- Exceptional Student Education Grades K-12
- Reading Endorsement
- English for Speakers of Other Languages Endorsement
- Literacy Coach Endorsement (pending to complete in May 2025)
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Vanguard University
Associate of Arts - Education
Tallahassee Community College
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