Mandi McDonald
Vidor,TX
Summary
To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Have a passion for Special Education students, parents, and their teachers. Hardworking and dependable. Willing to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
3rd Grade ELAR Teacher
Vidor Independent School District
08.2022 - Current
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Maintained an orderly and disciplined classroom environment conducive to optimal learning by establishing clear expectations and enforcing consistent consequences for misbehavior.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies that catered to students'' varying abilities, ensuring each learner''s success.
- Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication on their child''s progress, fostering a supportive educational environment at home.
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
- Administered assessments and standardized tests to evaluate student progress.
- Promoted effective verbal and written communication through listening, speaking, reading, and writing practice.
- Helped students develop academic, social and emotional skills for long-term success.
- Kept classroom organized, clean and safe for students and visitors.
- Worked with administrators on behavioral issues to support needs of students.
Co-Teacher ELAR 6th Grade
Vidor Independent School District
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Fostered critical thinking skills in students through problem-solving activities and real-world applications of concepts taught in class.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making processes to inform instructional strategies and improve overall student achievement levels in the classroom.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities within the classroom.
Life Skills Teacher
Vidor Independent School District
01.2016 - 05.2021
- Supported people with developmental disabilities and autism in building multi-faceted skillset to promote independence and self-confidence.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Taught individuals with learning or physical difficulties to use technology such as computers, tablets and mobile phones.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Intervened in crisis situations to provide counseling and support.
- Customized strategies based on individuals' goals and strengths and offered each positive reinforcement to continue progress against goals.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Empowered students to take ownership of their learning by setting attainable goals and tracking progress throughout the year.
- Developed individualized education plans for students with special needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of improvement and adjust lessons accordingly for optimal student outcomes.
Paraprofessional
Vidor Independent School District
08.2015 - 12.2015
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- Assisted in the implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in a more focused and positive classroom environment.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
Education
Masters in Special Education - Special Education With Diagnostician Certification
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX05.2023
Bachelors of General Studies - Education
Lamar University
Beaumont, Tx05.2015
Skills
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Collaborative learning
- Instructional Strategies
- Literary Analysis
- Special Needs Support
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing instruction
- Problem-solving skills
- Team Collaboration
- Classroom Management
- Verbal and written communication
- Organizational ability
- Response-to-intervention understanding
- Lesson Plan Implementation
- IEP familiarity
- Teaching strategies
- Grading proficiency
- Smartboard operation
- Curriculum Implementation
- Student assessments
- Literacy skills
- Field Trips
- Multitasking and Organization
- Safe, Positive Learning Environment
- Decision-Making
- Relationship Building
- Student Engagement
- Enforcing Rules and Expectations
- Differentiated Instruction
- Tutoring
- Staff Development
Timeline
3rd Grade ELAR Teacher
Vidor Independent School District
08.2022 - Current
Co-Teacher ELAR 6th Grade
Vidor Independent School District
08.2021 - 05.2022
Life Skills Teacher
Vidor Independent School District
01.2016 - 05.2021
Paraprofessional
Vidor Independent School District
08.2015 - 12.2015
Masters in Special Education - Special Education With Diagnostician Certification
Lamar University
Bachelors of General Studies - Education
Lamar University
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