My decades of experience in education has been devoted to preschool age students as both a teacher and an educational support professional. My passion is be part of a team that encourages the Whole Child in a creative learning environment that promotes positive relationships.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Start Assistant Teacher
Tacoma Public School District
08.2023 - 06.2024
Supported students physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
Supervised recess, lunch and daily student intake and dismissal.
Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
Ensured a safe and supportive learning environment by enforcing classroom rules and addressing behavioral issues promptly.
Completed daily reports, meal count sheets, and attendance logs.
Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
Checking in with individual students on their feelings and how to work through them.
Documenting daily activities.
Donated blankets and clothing to class.
Certified in First Aid/CPR, Right Response, and Food Handler's Permit.
Head Start Assistant Teacher
Tacoma Public School District
08.2022 - 06.2023
Supported the teacher in implementing Creative Curriculum.
Encouraged individual students.
Modeled positive behavior intervention and sensory strategies with Conscious Discipline Curriculum. Supported consistent rules and instructions.
Took initiative to create art projects for the students.
Supervised group activities, lunch time, recess, toileting.
Donated blankets and clothing.
One on One for Student With Behavior Challenges
Tacoma Public School District
01.2021 - 06.2022
Used sign language and visual supports to promote receptive and expressive communication.
Collaborated with teacher to modify lessons using individual interests and sensory strategies.
Modeled and monitored behavior to de-escalate.
Documenting and debriefing on daily activities with the teacher.
One on One in Peer Inclusion PreK/Kindergarten
Tacoma Public School District
12.2019 - 12.2021
-Adapted instructional materials to meet the diverse learning styles of the student for Creative Curriculum Studies, Conscious Discipline, and Zoophonics.
Assisted in the development of social skills through small group activities and one-on-one coaching.
Supported students' emotional well-being by providing a safe and nurturing environment.
Monitored and documented for Teaching Strategies Gold Assessments and IEP Progress Reports.
Provided input on IEPs and sensory strategies.
Special Education Teacher for Life Skills
Port Townsend School District
09.2015 - 06.2018
Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
Case manager for IEPs, FBAs, with a multi-disciplinary team.
Taught life skills to high school students.
Made presentations to the city council about the school program.
Assisted student in creating a formal art gallery for her senior year project.
Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
Collaborated with student's family to organize a horse back riding camp for students with special needs.
Special Education Teacher for Preschool
Port Townsend School District
09.2004 - 06.2015
Developed IEPs tailored to individual preschool student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
Collaborated with Head Start in activities.
Summer school instructor for younger students.
Oncology and ICU Nurse
St. Joseph's Hospital
01.1984 - 09.2004
Managed critical care patients as a RN.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for optimal patient recovery.
Developed and implemented patient care plans based on physicians' instructions and generally accepted nursing practices.
Lead nurse for first stem cell transplant.
Education
RN - Nursing
Yakima Community College/CWU
Yakima, WA
06.1979
Bachelor's in Education - Education
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA
06.1978
Skills
My experience as a special education teacher and educational support professional has centered on supporting each child's strengths and needs
Utilized Spanish and sign language in building communication and social skills
Focused on child's health and mental well-being as a former nurse in Oncology and ICU,
Supported and implemented Creative Curriculum, assessing with Teaching Strategies GOLD, Zoo-Phonics, and Conscious Discipline
Current certifications in Right Response, First Aid/CPR, and Food Handler's Permitas a Head Start Assistant
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Head Start Assistant Teacher
Tacoma Public School District
08.2023 - 06.2024
Head Start Assistant Teacher
Tacoma Public School District
08.2022 - 06.2023
One on One for Student With Behavior Challenges
Tacoma Public School District
01.2021 - 06.2022
One on One in Peer Inclusion PreK/Kindergarten
Tacoma Public School District
12.2019 - 12.2021
Special Education Teacher for Life Skills
Port Townsend School District
09.2015 - 06.2018
Special Education Teacher for Preschool
Port Townsend School District
09.2004 - 06.2015
Oncology and ICU Nurse
St. Joseph's Hospital
01.1984 - 09.2004
RN - Nursing
Yakima Community College/CWU
Bachelor's in Education - Education
Central Washington University
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