Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

McKenzie Sipp

Utica,NY

Summary

Resourceful Special Education Paraprofessional with eight years of experience assisting classroom teachers and promoting individualized learning techniques. Holds a master's degree in social work. Certified in hands-on CPR and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI). Dedicated to encouraging and motivating students. Offering advanced qualifications combined with an understanding of autism spectrum disorder and learning disabilities, I have been able to work with all ages within a school setting. Within my previous internship at Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES, I am in helping others develop emotional, social and life skills, along with having a background in crisis intervention and student support. Strengths include communication, empathy, and problem solving.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Special Education Teacher Assistant

Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES
New Hartford, NY
09.2016 - Current
  • Worked one-on-one with students who required additional assistance in understanding material or completing assignments.
  • Facilitated communication between parents, teachers, administrators, and other school personnel regarding student progress and behavior issues.
  • Managed a class of special education students in the absence of the lead teacher.
  • Worked with both groups and individuals to provide instruction in mathematics, reading, science, and history.
  • Monitored students in class, hallways, and the cafeteria to enforce school rules.
  • Worked in tandem with the teacher to develop a customized classroom environment conducive to students' needs.
  • Supported students with personalized accommodations, extra assistance, and educational assessments.
  • Helped students develop good behavioral habits through positive reinforcement, encouragement in studies, as well as discipline, and careful use of physical intervention when required.
  • Incorporated technology into daily lessons when appropriate.
  • Administered tests and collected data on student performance.
  • Improved behavior with modification and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Assisted with the management of student behaviors in the classroom setting, using de-escalation strategies.
  • Provided continuous support by accompanying students to classes and in-school activities.
  • Communicated affirmatively, and promoted positive attitudes with every student.
  • Notified instructors of errors or problems with assignments.
  • I spoke with the parents to discuss student progress and coordinate meetings.

School Social Work Intern

Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES
New Hartford , NY
02.2023 - 11.2024
  • Assessed and evaluated students' social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
  • Facilitated small group counseling sessions focused on topics such as anger management, peer relationships, and self-esteem building.
  • Monitored and reviewed treatment outcomes and goal achievement.
  • Maintained confidentiality through stringent handling of charts and data.
  • Monitored the progress of students receiving services, and modified plans as needed.
  • Interviewed clients individually and in groups to assess situations, capabilities, and problems.
  • Promoted a safe learning environment by responding proactively to bullying incidents, or other disruptive behaviors.
  • Documented client social history, treatment, and related information.
  • Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings related to IEPs, or other special education services.
  • Joined IEP meetings to observe plan development and goal establishment.
  • Used job-related software to compose or prepare correspondence, case notes and technical reports
  • Prepared and presented case studies to peers and supervisors for review and feedback.

Mentor

Ican
Utica, NY
10.2020 - 02.2021
  • Counseled individuals to help overcome personal, social or behavioral problems affecting educational or vocational situations.
  • Provided resources related to mental health awareness including stress management strategies.
  • Identified cases of abuse, encouraging students or parents to seek assistance from mental health professionals.
  • Met with assigned students individually or in small groups to provide intentional, structured organizational support and mentorship.
  • Talked with individuals, sharing positive life experiences to encourage improved self-esteem and boost socialization.
  • Mentored individuals on professional development topics such as communication skills, problem-solving and goal setting.

Education

Master of Social Work - Social Work

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
02-2025

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Utica, NY
05.2020

Associate of Arts - Psychology

Mohawk Valley Community College
Utica, NY
05.2017

High School Diploma -

Thomas R Proctor High School
Utica, NY
06.2015

Skills

  • Autism Familiarity
  • Teacher Assistance
  • IEP Goals
  • Classwork Oversight
  • Progress Monitoring
  • IEP Compliance
  • Verbal and Written Communication
  • Classroom Organization
  • Special Needs
  • IEP Writing Knowledge
  • Crisis Response
  • Role Modeling

Certification

  • Certified in hands-on CPR
  • Certified in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention
  • Certified in DASA
  • Level III Teaching Assistant Certification

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

School Social Work Intern

Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES
02.2023 - 11.2024

Mentor

Ican
10.2020 - 02.2021

Special Education Teacher Assistant

Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES
09.2016 - Current

Master of Social Work - Social Work

Grand Canyon University

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Associate of Arts - Psychology

Mohawk Valley Community College

High School Diploma -

Thomas R Proctor High School

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
McKenzie Sipp