Lossie Whitaker-Thornton
Newark,New Jersey
Summary
To obtain a position in education where I can utilize my skills and expertise to effectively educate students. Well-rounded and compassionate Special Education Teacher skilled at addressing each student's unique needs and creating effective lesson plans to accommodate special circumstances. Provides appropriate and individualized instruction to build foundations for lifelong learning. Develops, implements and acts as teacher of record of Individualized Education Plans for students with disabilities.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant
Orange Public School
09.2015 - 09.2015
- Provided instruction in academic areas such as reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.
- Developed behavioral management plans for students with challenging behaviors.
- Consulted regularly with teachers and administrators on instructional strategies designed to improve achievement of students with special needs.
- Collaborated closely with school psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, counselors, administrators and other educators to facilitate optimal outcomes for students.
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with learning disabilities.
- Collaborated with parents to provide support services and resources to meet the educational needs of their children.
- Maintained records of student progress by collecting data through observations and assessments.
Reader/Scorer
Educational Testing Services
09.2001 - 09.2015
- Provided feedback to students regarding their score reports and answered questions about assessment content areas.
Director of Student Services
Paulo Friere Charter School
08.2012 - 06.2015
- Managed budgets allocated for student services programs.
- Coordinated meetings between faculty, staff, parents and administrators to ensure efficient communication.
- Organized parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress.
- Assisted in recruiting qualified personnel for positions within the Student Services department.
- Monitored student academic progress and provided support when needed.
- Collaborated with other departments to implement collaborative initiatives across campus communities.
- Established partnerships with outside organizations to provide resources for students.
- Ensured compliance with federal regulations such as Title IX and FERPA.
- Guided instruction by mentoring teachers to improve leadership and teaching effectiveness.
- Monitored and evaluated performance of school employees.
- Determined allocations of funds for classroom supplies and materials, authorizing purchases.
- Cultivated positive relationships with parents and staff to facilitate school operations and student success.
- Planned and led professional development activities for teachers, administrators and support staff.
- Prepared drafts of course schedules and descriptions to estimate staffing and facility requirements.
- Recruited, hired and trained primary and supplemental teaching staff.
- Enforced school rules for attendance, discipline and honesty.
- Observed teachers under classroom conditions to track professional abilities and identify areas in need of improvement.
- Visited classrooms to evaluate teacher instructional techniques as part of annual evaluation cycle.
Supervisor of Special Services 9-12
Westfield Public Schools
09.2008 - 06.2009
- Evaluated employee performance through periodic reviews and documented results accordingly.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback and setting individual goals.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
Assistant Director of Special Education
Mount Olive Township Board of Education
09.2002 - 09.2008
- Provided instruction in academic areas such as reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.
- Developed behavioral management plans for students with challenging behaviors.
- Consulted regularly with teachers and administrators on instructional strategies designed to improve achievement of students with special needs.
- Utilized technology-based methods to promote student learning in a variety of subject areas.
- Participated in professional development activities related to best practices in teaching students with learning disabilities.
- Facilitated meetings between school personnel, parents and guardians, and other professionals regarding student progress.
- Advised teachers on curriculum modifications and accommodations needed for students with special needs.
- Monitored classroom instruction to ensure that it is appropriate for all learners including those with special needs.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
- Formed deep relationships with parents and students by engaging groups through conferences, emails, texts and phone calls.
Vice-Principal
Catholic Community Services
09.2001 - 09.2002
- Consulted regularly with teachers and administrators on instructional strategies designed to improve achievement of students with special needs.
- Maintained records of student progress by collecting data through observations and assessments.
- Advised teachers on curriculum modifications and accommodations needed for students with special needs.
- Assisted staff members in developing effective interventions tailored to each student's individual strengths and weaknesses.
Teacher
East Orange School District
09.1996 - 06.2001
- Provided instruction in academic areas such as reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.
- Collaborated closely with school psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, counselors, administrators and other educators to facilitate optimal outcomes for students.
- Utilized technology-based methods to promote student learning in a variety of subject areas.
- Participated in professional development activities related to best practices in teaching students with learning disabilities.
- Maintained records of student progress by collecting data through observations and assessments.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Encouraged student empathy of others to build confidence and improve self-image.
- Facilitated student operation of augmented communication devices.
- Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
Education
Masters of Theology - Theology
Eastern Bible Institute
Irvington, NJ06-2024
Bachelors of Theology - Theology
Eastern Bible Institute
Irvington06-2023
Doctoral Program Educational Leadership K-12 -
Saint Elizabeth College
05.2020
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant Certification Endorsement Program -
William Paterson University
05.2012
New Jersey City University
05.2000
Masters Program (Special Education) -
Jersey City State College
05.1994
Bachelors (English) -
Seton Hall University
05.1992
Skills
- Transition planning
- Special education expertise
- Progress Monitoring
- Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
- Behavior Modifications
- Differentiated Instruction
- Parent Communication
- Instructional Strategies
- Excellent classroom management
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Basic clerical knowledge
- Relationship Building
- National Education Association
- Special Education
- MS Office proficient
Affiliations
- New Jersey Coalition of Educational Leaders (NJCEL)
- New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA)
- Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
- National Staff Development Council
- Pesce Family Mentoring Institute
Certification
- 04/96, Teacher of the Handicapped
- 12/02, Principal/Supervisor
- 12/02, Chief School Administrator Certificate of Eligibility
References
- Karen Deas, 2 Crystal Lane, Paterson, NJ, 07501, (973) 979-4394
- Dr. Gloria Kieley, Director of Fine Arts, Mount Olive Township, (973) 927-1246
Timeline
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant
Orange Public School
09.2015 - 09.2015
Director of Student Services
Paulo Friere Charter School
08.2012 - 06.2015
Supervisor of Special Services 9-12
Westfield Public Schools
09.2008 - 06.2009
Assistant Director of Special Education
Mount Olive Township Board of Education
09.2002 - 09.2008
Reader/Scorer
Educational Testing Services
09.2001 - 09.2015
Vice-Principal
Catholic Community Services
09.2001 - 09.2002
Teacher
East Orange School District
09.1996 - 06.2001
Masters of Theology - Theology
Eastern Bible Institute
Bachelors of Theology - Theology
Eastern Bible Institute
Doctoral Program Educational Leadership K-12 -
Saint Elizabeth College
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant Certification Endorsement Program -
William Paterson University
New Jersey City University
Masters Program (Special Education) -
Jersey City State College
Bachelors (English) -
Seton Hall University
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