- Avid Reader
- Cooking
- Outdoor Recreation
- Learning new cooking techniques and expanding my culinary skills
- Reading
- Animal Care
- Exploring famous landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions in a new destination
- Participating in cultural exchange programs and homestays
- Hosting foreign exchange students
Melinda Whitlock
Temple,TX
Summary
Adept at differentiated instruction and fostering collaborative teamwork, I leveraged these skills at Temple ISD to enhance the academic and personal growth of students with special needs. My strategies resulted in significant improvements in student engagement and learning outcomes, underscoring my commitment to inclusive education and effective parent-teacher collaboration.
Experienced with developing and implementing individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs. Utilizes effective behavior management techniques to create positive and inclusive classroom environment. Track record of collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support student success and development.
Organized Functional Academics/Special Education Teacher successful at providing classroom and emotional structure for special needs children required to flourish in academic setting. Certified and licensed in Texas and recognized as highly qualified educator. Coordinates well with classroom teachers with supportive strategies for behavior management and lesson accommodations for students.
Special Education Teacher equipped with positive attitude and patience vital to teaching children with special needs. Extensive experience creating innovative lesson plans and comfortable learning environments.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher-Functional Academics
Temple ISD, Raye Allen Elementary
08.2024 - Current
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual 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.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Implemented individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs, ensuring personalized support.
- Collaborated with parents and other educators to develop comprehensive support plans, promoting student success.
- Utilized data from student assessments to tailor instruction, resulting in more effective learning outcomes.
Special Education Teacher-Functional Academics
Temple ISD, Cater Elementary
01.2019 - 05.2024
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual 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.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students'' understanding of real-world applications for their skills.
- Integrated social skills training into curriculum, facilitating improved peer interactions and social integration.
- Conducted assessments to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement, informing instructional strategies.
- Developed and executed behavioral intervention plans, leading to decrease in disruptive behaviors and increase in classroom participation.
- Utilized data from student assessments to tailor instruction, resulting in more effective learning outcomes.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Temple ISD, Jefferson Elementary
08.2017 - 05.2019
- 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.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education instruction and support services.
- Oversaw class of students in absence of instructor.
- Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
- Enhanced students'' learning experiences by implementing individualized educational plans and adapting teaching methods for special needs students.
- Set up visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
- Created positive and inclusive classroom environment by helping students develop social skills and relationships.
- Understood and acclimated to teacher's routine to provide classroom coverage.
- Helped feeding and daily living skills to support physical and emotional well-being.
Pre-school Teacher
Bluebonnet School of Cedar Park
01.2013 - 06.2017
- Developed strong relationships with parents and caregivers, providing regular updates on their child''s progress and addressing any concerns proactively.
- Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.
- Maintained organized, fun and interactive classroom to help children feel safe.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Designed creative lesson plans that incorporated hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences to foster curiosity and engagement in young learners.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Boosted children''s social development by promoting positive interactions among peers through group activities and collaborative projects.
- Monitored students' academic, social, and emotional progress and recorded in individual files.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Initiated parent-teacher meetings to discuss children's progress, strengthening family-school connections.
- Fostered safe and inclusive classroom environment, allowing students to express themselves freely and respectfully.
- Conducted early literacy and math activities, laying foundation for future academic success.
- Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
- Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
Georgia Pre-K Teacher
KinderCare of Bell's Ferry
08.2004 - 06.2008
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Promoted social-emotional development with interactive lessons on empathy, conflict resolution, and self-regulation techniques.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional learning opportunities to remain current on best practices in early childhood education.
- Evaluated student progress through formative and summative assessments, utilizing data-driven methods to inform instructional decisions.
- Improved student literacy skills by incorporating daily read-alouds, guided reading groups, and independent reading time.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Developed and implemented behavior management systems to maintain a structured and productive learning environment.
- Enhanced classroom environment by creating visually appealing bulletin boards and displays, promoting a positive learning atmosphere.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies for diverse learners, ensuring individualized support and success for all students.
- Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.
- Maintained organized, fun and interactive classroom to help children feel safe.
- Assisted and supervised 16 children through entire school day.
- Allowed for ample outdoor discovery time in schedule each day.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
- Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
- Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
- Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
- Assessed student progress and provided feedback on educational development.
Elementary Teacher (Grades K, 1st, 2nd)
Shiloh Hills Christian School
08.1999 - 05.2004
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments, and assessments, and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
- Implemented creative classroom management techniques to maintain an orderly and focused learning environment.
- Promoted a positive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations and fostering strong communication between students, parents, and staff members.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through formative assessments, adjusting teaching strategies as needed for improved outcomes.
- Developed strong relationships with students and their families through consistent communication and involvement in school events.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular lesson plans, deepening students'' understanding of multiple subjects.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Enhanced student motivation and participation through the development of diverse, hands-on learning experiences.
- Fostered critical thinking skills in students through inquiry-based instruction methods that challenged them to analyze complex ideas.
- Maintained student portfolios to monitor learning progress and completion of work required for promotion to next grade level.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Communicated student progress, academic difficulties, or behavioral concerns to parents, guardians and administration using tact and professionalism to improve student academic performance.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
- Taught core subjects of math, science, technology, and history.
- Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
- Provided regular feedback to students on progress and assigned grades based on performance.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Mississippi College
Clinton, MS05-1990
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Individual education plans ieps
- Small group instruction
- Lesson planning
- Collaborative teamwork
- Data management
- Inclusion strategies
- Team collaboration
- Group and individual instruction
- Motivating students
- Parent communication
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Instructional strategies
- Special education
- De-escalation techniques
- Parent communications
- Behavior intervention plans
- Trained in CPI
- Social skills development
- Curriculum adjustments
- Life skills instruction
- Assessment strategies
- Assessment administration
- American sign language (currently learning)
Accomplishments
- Special Education Department chairperson for 1 years.
- Trained fellow teachers on the procedures for completing Individual Education Plans.
- Supervised team of 2 to 3 staff members.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Achieved Data Tracking through effectively helping with tracking spreadsheets.
Certification
- Texas General Education Certification ELAR Grades 4-8
- Texas Special Education Certification (EC-12)
- Texas ESL Certification
Lead Teacher for Special Education Staff for one year at Cater Elementary
I attended meetings once a month with other lead teachers to go over important issues pertaining to school procedures and updates to our school year. I kept our other special education teachers (resource, speech, dyslexia, diagnosticians, paraprofessionals) up to date on what we spoke about at those meetings.
Interests
Timeline
Special Education Teacher-Functional Academics
Temple ISD, Raye Allen Elementary
08.2024 - Current
Special Education Teacher-Functional Academics
Temple ISD, Cater Elementary
01.2019 - 05.2024
Special Education Paraprofessional
Temple ISD, Jefferson Elementary
08.2017 - 05.2019
Pre-school Teacher
Bluebonnet School of Cedar Park
01.2013 - 06.2017
Georgia Pre-K Teacher
KinderCare of Bell's Ferry
08.2004 - 06.2008
Elementary Teacher (Grades K, 1st, 2nd)
Shiloh Hills Christian School
08.1999 - 05.2004
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Mississippi College
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