Dedicated and motivated elementary/special education teacher with experience guiding students with proven teaching methods ad positive interactions. Enthusiastic about helping students understand subject materials and educating in social and general learning skills. To demonstrate kind, caring and encouraging attitude when communicating with children.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Elementary/Elementary Special Education Teacher
Pinson Elementary School
Pinson, AL
10.2023 - Current
Developed individualized education plans to address diverse learning needs.
Collaborated with general education teachers to integrate special education services effectively.
Assessed student progress through standardized testing and observational methods.
Adapted instructional materials and techniques to support varied learning styles, including centers and hands on activities when possible.
Facilitated communication between parents, teachers, and support staff for student success.
Participated in professional development workshops to refine teaching methodologies and strategies.
Attended professional development workshops to stay current on best practices in special education teaching methodologies.
Enhanced parent-teacher communication by conducting regular meetings and providing frequent progress updates.
Supported the development of social skills among students by promoting group activities and cooperative learning opportunities.
Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Enforced classroom rules to encourage positive behavior and distributed rewards for good conduct.
Assisted with lunch duties
Assisted with field trips for world learning and outdoor activities.
Volunteer Coordinator
Children's of Alabama Hospital
Birmingham, AL
11.2010 - 10.2023
Coordinated volunteer schedules to optimize staffing for patient care activities.
Developed training materials to enhance volunteer onboarding and engagement processes.
Implemented feedback systems to assess volunteer satisfaction and improve retention rates.
Facilitated workshops to educate volunteers on hospital policies and best practices.
Collaborated with department heads to identify volunteer needs and align resources effectively.
Led community outreach initiatives to recruit diverse volunteers for various programs.
Mentored new coordinators on operational strategies and effective volunteer management techniques.
Streamlined communication between volunteers and staff, enhancing team collaboration and efficiency.
Recruited and trained new volunteers on volunteer program goals and objectives.
Coordinated large-scale events involving multiple teams of volunteers, resulting in successful fundraisers and community outreach initiatives.
Provided ongoing support to volunteers throughout their tenure, addressing any concerns or issues promptly to ensure satisfaction and commitment to the organization''s goals.
Established strong relationships with local organizations, fostering collaboration and expanding volunteer opportunities.
Organized recognition events to show appreciation for volunteer contributions, boosting morale and promoting a positive organizational culture.
Maintained regular communication with volunteers through newsletters, social media updates, and personal check-ins, keeping them engaged and informed about upcoming opportunities.
Managed and tracked volunteer hours and progress to support accurate documentation.
Developed comprehensive training materials to ensure volunteers were well-prepared for their roles.
Served as a liaison between volunteers and senior leadership, ensuring open lines of communication and promoting a transparent environment where concerns could be addressed promptly.
Collaborated with other departments to maximize the impact of volunteer efforts.
Managed volunteer calendar and verified coverage of key roles during volunteer unavailability.
Worked with program teams to identify and match volunteers with appropriate activities.
Worked with leadership staff and special committees to define volunteer mission and set standards.
Collaborated with other departments to identify specific needs for volunteers, optimizing resource allocation and improving program effectiveness.
Streamlined the volunteer onboarding process for improved efficiency and increased retention rates.
Developed training materials and workshops to equip volunteers with necessary skills and knowledge.
Facilitated communication between volunteers and organizational staff, ensuring alignment with goals.
Established clear volunteer roles and responsibilities, leading to more efficient project execution.
Led volunteer appreciation events, fostering a sense of community and belonging among participants.
Designed volunteer recognition programs that acknowledged contributions and motivated continued involvement.
Organized spaces, materials and catering support for internal and client-focused meetings.
Resolved issues through active listening and open-ended questioning, escalating major problems to manager.
Dental Assistant
Dr. Neal Rhea
Hoover, AL
06.2009 - 11.2010
Assisted in patient preparation and comfort during dental procedures.
Managed appointment scheduling and maintained organized patient records.
Collaborated with the dentist to ensure efficient workflow during treatments.
Educated patients on oral hygiene practices and post-procedure care.
Maintained sterilization protocols for dental instruments and equipment.
Oversaw inventory management of dental supplies, ensuring availability for daily operations.
Cleaned and sanitized dental tools and equipment, straightened treatment rooms, and restocked supplies to prep for next patient and maintain health and safety practices.
Maintained a clean and sterile work environment to prevent cross-contamination and infection.
Sanitized trays, instruments, and surfaces for clean dental office setting and patient safety.
Provided chairside assistance during examinations, improving dentist efficiency and patient satisfaction.
Performed x-rays safely while adhering to radiation safety guidelines, ensuring high-quality diagnostic images for dentists'' evaluations.
Prepared and arranged instruments, medications, and required materials for dental procedures.
Successfully assisted dentist by performing four-handed dentistry and other chair-side duties.
Prepared instruments and equipment for use in dental procedures, ensuring their availability when needed.
Explained treatment procedures and instructed patients on home care guidelines.
Created dental impressions used for diagnostics, opposing models and study casts to make crowns, bridges, and other dental prosthetics.
Managed inventory of dental supplies, reducing waste and optimizing resource allocation.
Maintained dental supply inventory by checking stock to determine inventory levels and placing and expediting orders for supplies.
Took dental images following strict patient protection rules, applying lead aprons.
Recorded patients' health histories, documented current symptoms, and pulled up records from prior visits for dentists to view and evaluate.
Reduced appointment cancellations by implementing reminder calls and text messaging services, resulting in improved scheduling efficiency.
Conducted preliminary assessments of new patients, gathering crucial information for accurate diagnoses.
Teacher, Science/Special Education Teacher
St. Aloysius Catholic Elementary School
Bessemer, AL
08.2008 - 05.2009
Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
Facilitated a positive classroom environment fostering student participation and collaboration.
Assessed student performance through various evaluation methods to enhance learning outcomes.
Collaborated with parents and staff to address student needs and improve educational strategies.
Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child's educational journey.
Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
Enhanced students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills through project-based learning.
Fostered positive learning a positive learning environment that encouraged student curiosity and critical thinking.
Assisted with field trips to broaden students' real world understanding.
Brought in speakers to enhance subjects.
Brought in purchased and donated materials to round out supplies for classroom activities.
Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
Dental Receptionist/Assistant
Denture and Dental Services
07.2007 - 05.2008
Scheduled patient appointments and managed front desk operations efficiently.
Assisted dental team with patient intake and record management.
Implemented improved filing systems for patient records to enhance accessibility.
Trained new staff in office procedures and customer service standards.
Developed streamlined communication protocols between patients and dental professionals.
Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
Answered telephone calls to offer office information, answer questions, and direct calls to staff.
Provided excellent customer service by promptly addressing patient inquiries via phone, email, or in-person interactions.
Provided excellent customer service to create positive experiences and build patient trust.
Maintained a clean and welcoming reception area for patients, contributing to a positive dental visit experience.
Helped patients complete necessary medical forms and documentation.
Enhanced patient satisfaction by efficiently managing appointment scheduling and confirmations.
Reduced wait times by quickly greeting patients upon arrival and assisting with the check-in process.
Facilitated clear communication between dentists, dental assistants, and patients to ensure optimal care coordination.
Promoted a positive work environment by fostering strong relationships with colleagues across all roles within the practice.
Greeted visitors and patients to determine needs, check appointments, and direct accordingly.
Adhered to strict HIPAA guidelines to protect patient privacy.
Handled patient complaints quickly and professionally to restore patient confidence and prevent loss of clientele.
Collaborated with team members to maintain an organized inventory system for dental supplies and office materials.
Supported dentist in maintaining accurate documentation of treatment plans for better continuity of care between visits.
Ensured patient privacy by adhering to all HIPAA regulations during the collection, storage, and sharing of sensitive information.
Improved communication between dental staff and patients, ensuring clarity in treatment plans and procedures.
Supported dental staff during peak times by assisting with patient preparation and post-care instructions.
Maintained clean, welcoming reception area, contributing to positive first impression for visitors.
Reduced no-show rates through timely and effective appointment reminders and confirmations.
Improved patient understanding and compliance with treatment plans by explaining procedures and answering questions.
Enhanced office ambiance and patient comfort by selecting and playing calming music in waiting area.
Contributed to positive workplace environment by collaborating closely with dental professionals and office staff.
Addressed patient inquiries and concerns with empathy and professionalism, fostering trust and loyalty.
Obtained payments from patients and scanned identification and insurance cards.
Performed various administrative tasks by filing, copying and faxing documents.
Prepared and processed patient referrals and transfer requests.
Kindergarten Teacher
Van. R. Butler Elementary School
08.2005 - 05.2006
Designed and implemented engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles.
Fostered a positive classroom environment, encouraging social interaction and emotional growth.
Collaborated with parents to support children's educational and developmental needs.
Assessed student progress regularly, adapting strategies for individual learning requirements.
Developed and maintained effective classroom management techniques to enhance student behavior.
Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines.
Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of all students.
Promoted learning through play with engaging activities, games and lessons.
Promoted a positive learning environment with the use of collaborative group work and hands-on activities.
Improved student reading skills by implementing phonics-based instruction and guided reading activities.
Developed strong relationships with families to address any concerns or issues impacting student success.
Recognized children's physical, emotional and social needs for personalized support.
Played games with students to increase understanding of subjects.
Exercised good classroom management focused on positive behavior support by clearly articulating fair and consistent expectations along with appropriate natural consequences.
Collaborated with other faculty and staff to promote rigorous learning opportunities, general well-being of school and collective interest of staff and student body.
Cultivated love for reading among students by integrating interactive storytimes into daily routines.
Increased students' vocabulary and language skills with daily interactive language games.
Strengthened students' problem-solving abilities with integration of thematic units that require critical thinking.
Organized field trips to local museums and cultural sites, enhancing students' understanding of their community and wider world.
Boosted students' understanding of basic math concepts with use of hands-on learning tools and activities.
Fostered a safe and welcoming classroom atmosphere, enabling students to feel valued and heard.
Encouraged positive behaviors and growth mindset among students through use of motivational charts and awards.
Teamed with other professionals to enhance student learning experiences.
Pre-K/Early Childhood Educator
Bay Elementary School
08.2004 - 05.2005
Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with early childhood education standards.
Fostered a safe and inclusive classroom environment promoting social-emotional growth.
Implemented assessment strategies to track student progress and adapt learning activities.
Collaborated with parents and guardians to enhance student development and support needs.
Advocated for children's rights and well-being within the school community and beyond.
Supported children with special needs, creating customized learning strategies to accommodate various abilities.
Maintained and fostered positive and constructive interactions with staff, families, and children.
Boosted children''s social skills development through group projects and collaborative games.
Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
Cultivated a safe and inclusive classroom environment that fostered respect, empathy, and cultural awareness among students.
Fostered creativity in the classroom through art projects, dramatic play, storytelling exercises, and other imaginative pursuits.
Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
Established ongoing professional development goals, participating in workshops and conferences to stay current on emerging trends in early childhood education.
Enhanced student learning by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world examples in lesson plans.
Collaborated with colleagues on curriculum development, sharing best practices to improve overall instruction quality across the school.
Promoted physical health by incorporating movement breaks and outdoor play opportunities into each day''s schedule.
Improved literacy rates by implementing targeted reading interventions and guided reading sessions.
Enhanced children's emotional and social development by implementing interactive and inclusive classroom activities.
Collaborated with colleagues to share teaching strategies and resources, improving overall teaching quality.
Encouraged children's independence and self-help skills through daily routines and activities.
Organized field trips that complemented classroom learning, expanding children's real-world understanding.
Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet diverse needs of children, ensuring an inclusive learning experience.
Improved classroom behavior by establishing and consistently applying clear rules and expectations.
Assessed children's learning and development through observation and documentation, informing instructional strategies.
Integrated children with special needs into classroom, promoting empathy and understanding among peers.
Facilitated small group activities to encourage collaboration and social skills among children.
Enhanced children's understanding of cultural diversity through multicultural lessons and activities.
Implemented technology in classroom for educational purposes, enriching learning experience.
Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
Language Arts Teacher/Elementary School Teacher
Walton Middle School
08.2003 - 05.2004
Designed and implemented engaging curriculum aligned with state standards.
Fostered a positive classroom environment promoting student engagement and collaboration.
Utilized diverse instructional strategies to accommodate varied learning styles.
Assessed student progress through regular evaluations and tailored feedback.
Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary projects and initiatives.
Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units, promoting a more holistic understanding of language arts.
Promoted critical thinking skills through analytical writing assignments that encouraged students to synthesize information from multiple sources.
Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in language arts education.
Fostered a supportive learning environment that celebrated diversity and nurtured the unique talents of each individual learner.
Led parent-teacher conferences that provided constructive feedback on student progress while fostering collaboration between home and school environments.
Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth.
Promoted effective verbal and written communication through listening, speaking, reading, and writing practice.
Assessed student writing using rubrics aligned with state standards, ensuring consistent evaluation criteria across all assignments.
Evaluated academic skills of each student through verbal assessments, graded assignments, and standardized tests.
Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
Helped students develop academic, social and emotional skills for long-term success.
Kept classroom organized, clean and safe for students and visitors.
Encouraged independent thought, good judgment, and expression of original ideas.
Designed and implemented differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs and styles.
Evaluated student progress and adjusted instructional strategies accordingly, leading to improved performance for struggling learners.
Established positive relationships with students, parents, and fellow educators through open communication channels.
Encouraged students to take an active role in learning and academic success.
Produced engaging lesson plans and activities to help students master learning objectives.
Promoted a culture of inclusion, respect and collaboration in classroom.
Assessed and evaluated student performance through use of standardized testing.
Supported development of individualized education plans for students with special needs.
Led parent-teacher conferences, effectively communicating student progress and needs.
Inspired students to want to learn/read by learning who they were and their interests.
Teen Volunteer Coordinator
Children's of Alabama Hospital
06.1997 - 08.2003
*Created and implemented year round program
Provided compassionate support to children and families, fostering a positive environment during medical visits.
Collaborated with healthcare staff to ensure patient comfort and safety during programs and events.
Developed engaging educational materials for youth outreach initiatives, promoting health awareness among peers.
Mentored new volunteers, sharing best practices for effective communication with young patients and families.
Led team meetings to coordinate volunteer efforts, improving collaboration and event execution efficiency.
Implemented feedback systems from participants to enhance future program offerings based on patient needs.
Streamlined volunteer scheduling processes, increasing coverage and support during peak activity periods.
Enhanced community engagement by organizing and participating in local events.
Gained valuable experience in customer service by assisting patrons at various events and functions.
Developed strong teamwork skills through collaboration on various projects.
Promoted environmental awareness by participating in clean-up initiatives and recycling programs.
Led specific projects and tasks to ensure successful completion.
Improved communication skills by interacting with diverse groups of individuals during volunteer activities.
Nurtured personal growth through exposure to different perspectives and ideas while volunteering alongside others from diverse backgrounds.
Ensured product displays were fully stocked to attract customer attention.
Exhibited strong time management capabilities by balancing academic responsibilities with volunteer commitments successfully.
Strengthened interpersonal abilities through active listening, empathy, and understanding when working closely with others in need of assistance or guidance during difficult situations.
Bolstered organizational reputation through consistent demonstration of professionalism, reliability, and dedication throughout volunteer tenure.
Increased cultural awareness through participation in multicultural events and activities within the community.
Cultivated positive relationships with community members, fostering a sense of unity and support.
Assisted with event planning and execution for successful fundraising campaigns.
Contributed to efficient operations by maintaining organized workspaces and assisting with inventory management.
Prioritized safety measures during events, ensuring a secure environment for all participants involved.
Supported staff by completing administrative tasks such as filing, data entry, and scheduling appointments.
Expanded public speaking skills through presentations given at various meetings or gatherings related to volunteer initiatives.
Utilized problem-solving skills to address challenges that arose during volunteer assignments effectively.
Provided guidance and support to participants to promote memorable experiences.
Provided positive role modeling for youngsters through dress and personal behavior.
Monitored and observed participants and reported concerns to supervisor for immediate attention.
Coordinated activities providing safety requirements for participation.
Answered visitor questions and shared details about special programs and experiences.
Adhered to privacy policies and procedures for served populations.
Maintained confidentiality of children and medical conditions or issues.
Participated in marketing and fundraising to promote organizational awareness.
Completed logs and entered data into computer system.
Completed administrative tasks such as answering phones, filing paperwork and data entry.
Coordinated and managed volunteer activities for community service projects.
Led group discussions and activities to meet different community needs.
Helped clients navigate social services system and access needed resources.
Tracked service activities and outcomes against outlined plans and goals.
Created educational materials to convey important information to service recipients.
Took active role in patient and family planning process, detailing instructions, and responding appropriately and effectively to questions and concerns.
Kept case files updated, accurate and aligned with requirements.
Supported clients through development of new life skills, obtaining resources and transitioning back to society.
Intervened in crisis situations to obtain support for clients and reduce escalation or recurrence risks.
Maintained internal database of service workers, participants, activities and other relevant details.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to streamline patient care processes and improve service delivery.
Implemented quality control measures to maintain compliance with hospital standards and regulations.
Led initiatives to enhance communication between departments, fostering collaboration and information sharing.
Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
Gathered and organized materials to support operations.
Managed project timelines for successful completion, ensuring milestones were met and deadlines were adhered to.
Enhanced customer satisfaction by responding promptly to inquiries and addressing concerns professionally.
Collaborated with department heads to develop strategic plans aligning with overall company objectives, fostering a unified approach toward shared goals.
Assisted in recruitment efforts by coordinating interviews and managing onboarding activities for new hires.
Enhanced team communication by implementing weekly coordination meetings and detailed project update emails.
Reduced expenses for office supplies by negotiating contracts with suppliers, achieving cost savings without compromising on quality.
Spearheaded volunteer program that expanded organization's community outreach, enhancing its public image and engagement.
Improved project outcomes with meticulous attention to detail in planning phases, ensuring all requirements were met ahead of deadlines.
Boosted team morale and productivity by organizing team-building activities and maintaining open-door policy for feedback and concerns.
Provided backup to front desk to step in to assist with various tasks whenever employee was absent or at lunch.
Interceded between employees during arguments and diffused tense situations.
Organized spaces, materials and catering support for internal and client-focused meetings.
Resolved issues through active listening and open-ended questioning, escalating major problems to manager.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Collaborative, Elementary/Special Education
Birmingham-Southern College
Birmingham, AL
05.2001 -
Certified Dental Assistant - Dental Assisting
Wallace State Community College
Hanceville, AL
05.2001 -
Skills
IEP development
Literacy strategies
Visual supports
Sensory integration
Classroom organization
Progress monitoring
Group and individual instruction
Instructional strategies
Lesson planning
Collaborative teamwork
Teacher collaboration
Social-emotional learning
Parent-teacher communication
Verbal and nonverbal communication
Timeline
Elementary/Elementary Special Education Teacher
Pinson Elementary School
10.2023 - Current
Volunteer Coordinator
Children's of Alabama Hospital
11.2010 - 10.2023
Dental Assistant
Dr. Neal Rhea
06.2009 - 11.2010
Teacher, Science/Special Education Teacher
St. Aloysius Catholic Elementary School
08.2008 - 05.2009
Dental Receptionist/Assistant
Denture and Dental Services
07.2007 - 05.2008
Kindergarten Teacher
Van. R. Butler Elementary School
08.2005 - 05.2006
Pre-K/Early Childhood Educator
Bay Elementary School
08.2004 - 05.2005
Language Arts Teacher/Elementary School Teacher
Walton Middle School
08.2003 - 05.2004
Bachelor of Science - Collaborative, Elementary/Special Education
Birmingham-Southern College
05.2001 -
Certified Dental Assistant - Dental Assisting
Wallace State Community College
05.2001 -
Teen Volunteer Coordinator
Children's of Alabama Hospital
06.1997 - 08.2003
Honors & Service
*President ALSDVS 2020-2023
*VP Education ALSDVS 2018-2020
*Previous Honorary member of Homewood-Mtn. Brook Kiwanis
*President of Children's Auxiliary Board-2 yrs.
*VP of Membership Children's Auxiliary Board
*Lifetime member of Children's Auxiliary
*Nominated 2 years for Who's Who Among American Teachers
Special Education Teacher, Mild Moderate Special Education/ Early Elementary at Jane Phillips Elementary SchoolSpecial Education Teacher, Mild Moderate Special Education/ Early Elementary at Jane Phillips Elementary School
Elementary/Special Education Teacher/Autism Teacher at Carson City School DistrictElementary/Special Education Teacher/Autism Teacher at Carson City School District