MARIA CHAVEZ
West Chester
Summary
In search of a dynamic new role that will allow me to put my years of experience to good use. Strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as an organized nature and a proactive approach to problem-solving and conflict resolution. Successful in consulting with managers and relating to people from all walks of life.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Development Specialist
Chester County Intermediate Unit
01.2016 - 03.2024
- Created level-appropriate lessons and activities to support skill-building needs
- Gave families access to community resources and education in order to improve their knowledge and advocacy skills
- Maintained a commitment to educational excellence while cultivating a climate of mutual respect and trust.
Behavioral Specialist Consultant
Devereux Community Services
06.2012 - 12.2015
- Devised treatment strategies for children diagnosed with behavioral or emotional disorders
- Collect data, and monitor and manage children at home, school or in the community.
Special Education Teacher
Baltimore City Public Schools Professional Development Center
08.2007 - 06.2011
- Taught a diverse group of developmentally challenged students using effective and differentiated classroom instruction
- Gave one-on-one attention to students, while maintaining overall focus on entire group
- Worked with students with a variety of special needs and classifications
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals
- Had the opportunity to teach students in a variety of settings, including self-contained and home environment.
Behavior Specialist
Baltimore County Public Schools
08.2006 - 06.2007
- Positive Behavior Support (PBS) was used to redirect students
- Collect and record data for school wide system
- Provide educational and behavioral strategies to students, staff and parents
- Assist with deescalating students in crisis.
Special Education Teacher
Baltimore County Public Schools
08.2003 - 06.2006
- Interacted with students both physically and verbally throughout the day
- Taught a diverse group of developmentally challenged students using effective and differentiated classroom instruction
- Provided life skills programming for students with moderate to severe autism
- Used nonverbal communication to provide comfort, encouragement, and positive reinforcement to children
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
Paraeducator
Baltimore County Public Schools
10.2001 - 06.2003
- Transitioned students with behavioral and emotional disorders to the least restrictive environment
- Worked with individual students to provide personalized educational, behavioral and emotional support
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain a positive learning environment
- Ensured the safety of students both inside and outside the classroom
- Track data for informal assessments.
Transition Coordinator
Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development
09.1998 - 06.2000
- Worked with at risk high school students for the Maryland's Tomorrow Program
- Counsel students with career and academic plans in collaboration with the high school guidance counselor
- Monitor student's attendance and grades
- Coordinate college tours and job shadowing opportunities.
ESL Teacher
AEON
11.1996 - 05.1998
- Provided one-on-one instruction for non-English speaking students in classroom settings
- Taught English language skills to students from high school to adulthood
- Devised and delivered innovative lesson plans to a wide range of students.
Youth Coordinator
Mayor's Office of Employment and Development
03.1993 - 08.1996
- Prepared high school students for employment or college endeavors
- Met with various companies to provide employment opportunities and training for students
- Monitored students at work sites
- Mediate conflicts between employers, students and teachers
- Recruit students for summer employment.
Investigator/EEOC
Human Relations Commission
07.1985 - 02.1993
- Looked into alleged discriminatory practices in employment, housing and public accommodations
- Conducted unbiased investigations into employee complaints
- Gathered documentary evidence to back up my findings and claims
- Interviewed employers, lawyers and co-workers regarding complaint
- Conducted and mediated fact finding conferences
- Put together case reports based on evidence.
Education
Certification in Special Education - Special Education
Notre Dame of Maryland University
Baltimore, MD01.2005
Master of Arts - Management
Notre Dame of Maryland University
Baltimore, MD01.1995
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
Towson University
Towson, MD01.1985
Skills
- Managing classroom for diverse populations
- Documentation and reporting
- Behavior control
- Classroom management
- Teaching/tutoring
- Tailoring curriculum plans
- Special education
- Early childhood education
- Conflict resolution
- Positive reinforcement
- Student progress reporting
- Active listening
- Personable and outgoing
Timeline
Child Development Specialist
Chester County Intermediate Unit
01.2016 - 03.2024
Behavioral Specialist Consultant
Devereux Community Services
06.2012 - 12.2015
Special Education Teacher
Baltimore City Public Schools Professional Development Center
08.2007 - 06.2011
Behavior Specialist
Baltimore County Public Schools
08.2006 - 06.2007
Special Education Teacher
Baltimore County Public Schools
08.2003 - 06.2006
Paraeducator
Baltimore County Public Schools
10.2001 - 06.2003
Transition Coordinator
Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development
09.1998 - 06.2000
ESL Teacher
AEON
11.1996 - 05.1998
Youth Coordinator
Mayor's Office of Employment and Development
03.1993 - 08.1996
Investigator/EEOC
Human Relations Commission
07.1985 - 02.1993
Certification in Special Education - Special Education
Notre Dame of Maryland University
Master of Arts - Management
Notre Dame of Maryland University
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
Towson University
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