Melissa Brown
Ennis,TX
Summary
Flexible and caring special education professional specializes the field. Customizes approaches based on individual needs and impairments. Focused on helping students build important skills for physical and mental issues impacting academic performance, social integration or physical capabilities. Compassionate in helping with struggles and adapting approaches.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Ennis Independent School District
Ennis, TX
07.2022 - 08.2024
- Participated in IEP meetings to discuss goals, accommodations, modifications.
- Served as an advocate for children with special needs within the school system.
- Incorporated assistive technology into instructional activities when necessary.
- Monitored student progress by collecting data on activities and assessments.
- Provided direct instruction in the areas of academics, communication, behavior management, and social and emotional development.
- Used technology tools to support learning objectives for all students.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance for reporting purposes.
- Implemented behavior intervention strategies designed by behavior specialists.
- Utilized positive reinforcement strategies to encourage appropriate behaviors from students.
Adjunct Professor
Texas A&M Commerce-Navarro Cohort
Corsicana, Texas
08.2015 - 12.2022
- Evaluated student performance using appropriate assessment techniques and provided timely feedback.
- Conducted office hours weekly to provide assistance with course material or address any questions or concerns from students.
- Collaborated with other faculty members in developing curricula for courses taught at multiple campuses.
- Monitored student progress throughout the semester utilizing attendance records, grade reports, and other data sources.
- Assessed student performance through examinations and assignments.
- Facilitated active learning through class discussions, group activities, and individual projects.
- Integrated technology into the classroom environment to enhance instruction and facilitate communication with students.
- Utilized a variety of instructional strategies to meet diverse learning needs.
- Developed and implemented course syllabi, lesson plans, and assessments.
- Advised students on academic issues such as course selection, major choice, career planning.
- Provided constructive feedback on student assignments to promote student success.
- Designed exams, lecture material and writing assignments.
- Developed and adjusted course syllabus according to curriculum and university guidelines.
- Maintained schedule of office hours to assist students and offer educational support.
- Tutored and coached students to help achieve personal and academic goals.
- Documented student assignments, attendance, and test scores in online reporting systems.
- Implemented different teaching styles to meet needs of diverse student population.
- Presented courses to undergraduate students and created lesson plans, tests and assignments to ascertain how well students retained class material.
- Delivered course lectures using modern technology to enhance student comprehension.
- Distributed and posted course syllabus and answered student questions regarding standards, material, grading, and progression at beginning of semester.
- Assisted students in achieving completion of learning objectives.
- Built strong student rapport by driving classroom and online discussions and providing academic advisement.
- Adapted instruction methods to address individual student needs.
Educational Diagnostician
Ennis Independent School District
ENNIS, TX
07.2018 - 08.2022
- Provided professional development training to teachers regarding best practices when working with special needs children.
- Counseled parents on how they can help their child achieve better academic outcomes at home.
- Collaborated with special education staff to develop Individual Education Plans.
- Utilized technology tools such as PowerSchool or Google Classroom to track student attendance and progress over time.
- Reviewed existing research literature pertaining to educational diagnosis and made suggestions for implementation within the district.
- Established positive relationships with families in order to support their child's success in school settings.
- Analyzed results of formal testing procedures used to diagnose specific learning disabilities or other conditions.
- Researched new technologies available that could be used to assist students in meeting their educational goals.
- Developed Individualized Education Programs and progress reports for students with disabilities.
- Monitored student progress on IEP goals and objectives through data collection and analysis.
- Worked closely with special education teachers and related service providers to ensure that all required services were being provided.
- Attended case conferences and team meetings as necessary to discuss a student's current status or plan for future interventions.
- Maintained records of student progress which included test scores, observations and recommendations.
- Facilitated meetings between school personnel, parents and outside agencies to ensure appropriate accommodations are provided for students with disabilities.
- Served as an advocate for students who have been identified as needing additional supports within the classroom setting.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators and parents to develop educational plans that meet the individual needs of each student.
- Conducted evaluations of student performance to determine eligibility for special education services.
- Participated in district initiatives such as Response To Intervention programs or Positive Behavior Support Systems.
- Assisted in the identification of learning disabilities by administering assessments such as IQ tests, achievement tests.
- Provided consultation to parents and teachers on learning styles and behavior modification techniques.
- Coordinated development and implementation of students Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
- Interpreted and reported on test results and discussed findings with teachers, administrators and caregivers.
- Monitored students' academic progress, mental health and sociability through ongoing individual assessments.
- Evaluated student academic, behavioral and emotional needs utilizing formal testing instruments.
- Oversaw training and development for school faculty and staff to convey program goals and intervention strategies.
- Promoted parent and teacher partnerships and communications to support students' educational goals.
- Maintained student and special educations records, confidential reports and behavioral data.
Elementary Resource and Inclusion Teacher
Ennis Independent School District
ENNIS, TX
08.2017 - 07.2018
- Employed differentiated instruction techniques based on student abilities levels when planning lessons.
- Collaborated with general education teachers, counselors, administrators and parents to develop Individual Education Plans.
- Monitored the implementation of accommodations for students with IEPs according to district guidelines.
- Actively participated in IEP meetings, providing input regarding appropriate goals and services for students with special needs.
- Created an inclusive classroom climate through proactive activities designed to promote acceptance and respect among peers.
- Advised colleagues on effective approaches for working with diverse learners in the classroom setting.
- Communicated regularly with parents about their child's academic progress, behaviors and overall well-being at school.
- Provided individualized instruction to students with disabilities in order to meet their unique needs.
- Engaged in ongoing collaboration with specialists from related disciplines such as speech and language pathologists and occupational therapists.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance, including grades, attendance, discipline reports and other data required by the school district or state regulations.
- Assessed and monitored student progress, provided feedback and adjusted instruction accordingly.
- Utilized technology-based resources to support student learning objectives.
- Developed lesson plans that included a variety of instructional strategies to engage all learners.
- Attended professional development trainings relevant to inclusion teaching methods and best practices.
- Facilitated small group sessions focused on social skills development and emotional regulation.
- Participated in collaborative problem solving initiatives designed to address issues impacting student achievement.
- Implemented behavior interventions as needed in order to maintain a safe learning environment.
- Developed and maintained individualized skill-appropriate lesson plans to promote and build student confidence.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
- Enhanced lessons using Smart Board technology and computers.
- Supported diverse student populations through equitable instructional design and programming.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Teamed with general education teachers to plan and implement curriculum, state and district-wide assessments.
Elementary Educational Diagnostician
Corsicana Independent School District
Corsicana, TX
08.2015 - 08.2017
- Maintained records of student progress which included test scores, observations and recommendations.
- Analyzed results of formal testing procedures used to diagnose specific learning disabilities or other conditions.
- Served as an advocate for students who have been identified as needing additional supports within the classroom setting.
- Monitored student progress on IEP goals and objectives through data collection and analysis.
- Developed Individualized Education Programs and progress reports for students with disabilities.
- Facilitated meetings between school personnel, parents and outside agencies to ensure appropriate accommodations are provided for students with disabilities.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators and parents to develop educational plans that meet the individual needs of each student.
- Worked closely with special education teachers and related service providers to ensure that all required services were being provided.
- Collaborated with special education staff to develop Individual Education Plans.
- Assisted in the identification of learning disabilities by administering assessments such as IQ tests, achievement tests.
- Established positive relationships with families in order to support their child's success in school settings.
- Conducted evaluations of student performance to determine eligibility for special education services.
- Maintained student and special educations records, confidential reports and behavioral data.
- Evaluated student academic, behavioral and emotional needs utilizing formal testing instruments.
- Promoted parent and teacher partnerships and communications to support students' educational goals.
- Interpreted and reported on test results and discussed findings with teachers, administrators and caregivers.
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Ennis Independent School District
ENNIS, TX
08.2001 - 08.2015
- Provided parent training sessions on topics related to early childhood special education.
- Participated in IEP meetings to discuss goals, accommodations, modifications.
- Served as an advocate for children with special needs within the school system.
- Monitored student progress by collecting data on activities and assessments.
- Provided direct instruction in the areas of academics, communication, behavior management, and social and emotional development.
- Used technology tools to support learning objectives for all students.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance for reporting purposes.
- Implemented behavior intervention strategies designed by behavior specialists.
- Utilized positive reinforcement strategies to encourage appropriate behaviors from students.
- Promoted inclusion through collaboration with general education teachers.
- Worked closely with therapists such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists.
- Coached paraprofessionals in providing effective instruction to special needs students.
- Facilitated small group instruction based on individual student needs.
- Integrated evidence-based practices into lesson plans and classroom instruction.
- Collaborated with parents and other professionals to ensure that each student's needs were met.
- Attended professional development workshops related to early childhood special education best practices.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
- Teamed with general education teachers to plan and implement curriculum, state and district-wide assessments.
- Developed individual educational plans designed to promote educational, physical and social development.
- Communicated nonverbally with children to offer safe spaces and growth for non-verbal communication styles.
Intermediate School Special Education Teacher
Duncanville Independent School District
Duncanville , TX
08.1995 - 07.2001
- Created a safe environment conducive to learning for special education students.
- Assisted in the development of IEP goals based on data analysis.
- Collaborated with other educators and professionals to design instructional plans.
- Monitored the educational progress of each student according to established timelines.
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Implemented behavior management systems that promote positive behaviors.
- Established positive relationships with students and their families.
- Facilitated small group instruction tailored for individual student needs.
- Served as an advocate for special education students within the school system.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities.
- Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child's progress.
- Provided instruction in academic, communication, and social skills to special education students.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
- Instructed special education classes using evidence-based practices.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Created and implemented compliant IEPs, progress reports and state-specific special education documentation.
- Designed and delivered personalized learning for each student and advocated for student inclusion and success in general education environments.
Self-Contained Special Education Teacher
Corsicana ISD
Corsicana, TX
12.1994 - 08.1995
- Taught social skills classes designed to promote appropriate behaviors among students with disabilities.
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Established positive relationships with students, families, and staff members.
- Developed and implemented Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities.
- Attended IEP meetings to discuss student progress towards meeting IEP goals.
- Developed lesson plans that incorporate a variety of instructional techniques tailored to meet the individual learning styles of each student.
- Participated in professional development activities related to best practices in teaching special education students.
Education
Educational Diagnostician - Cognitive And Achievement Testing
Stephen F Austin State University
Nacogdoches, TX04-2015
Masters in Education - Special Education
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX05-2013
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
University of Texas At Tyler
Tyler, TX12-1994
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Navarro College
Corsicana, TX05-1992
High School Diploma -
Corsicana High School
Corsicana, TX05-1990
Skills
- Individualized Education Plans
- Autism Assessment Team
- Play-Based Learning
- Transition planning
- Child development knowledge
- Social-emotional learning
- Teamwork and Cooperation
- Data Collection
- Social Skills Development
- Communication Strategies
- Data Management
- Cognitive and behavioral development
- Differentiated Instruction
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Behavior Modifications
- Excellent classroom management
Timeline
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Ennis Independent School District
07.2022 - 08.2024
Educational Diagnostician
Ennis Independent School District
07.2018 - 08.2022
Elementary Resource and Inclusion Teacher
Ennis Independent School District
08.2017 - 07.2018
Adjunct Professor
Texas A&M Commerce-Navarro Cohort
08.2015 - 12.2022
Elementary Educational Diagnostician
Corsicana Independent School District
08.2015 - 08.2017
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Ennis Independent School District
08.2001 - 08.2015
Intermediate School Special Education Teacher
Duncanville Independent School District
08.1995 - 07.2001
Self-Contained Special Education Teacher
Corsicana ISD
12.1994 - 08.1995
Educational Diagnostician - Cognitive And Achievement Testing
Stephen F Austin State University
Masters in Education - Special Education
Texas A&M University
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
University of Texas At Tyler
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Navarro College
High School Diploma -
Corsicana High School
Similar Profiles
Paula SplawnPaula Splawn
Eighth Grade ESL Teacher at Ennis Independent School DistrictEighth Grade ESL Teacher at Ennis Independent School District
Carla RhodesCarla Rhodes
First Grade Teacher at Ennis Independent School DistrictFirst Grade Teacher at Ennis Independent School District
Angie GuevaraAngie Guevara
Kindergarten-Second Grade Teacher at Longview Independent School DistrictKindergarten-Second Grade Teacher at Longview Independent School District