Melissa Cosey Owens
East Brewton,AL
Summary
Engaging educator with expertise in emotional intelligence and collaborative teaching. Creates positive learning environments and implements tailored instructional strategies to support diverse student needs. Skilled in lesson planning, classroom management, and fostering student engagement through differentiated approaches.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Second Grade Teacher
Pollard McCall Junior High School
Brewton, Alabama
08.2021 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning needs.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment promoting respect and collaboration.
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies to maintain student focus.
- Collaborated with parents to support student progress and address concerns.
- Facilitated hands-on activities enhancing students' critical thinking skills.
- Assessed student performance regularly to identify areas for improvement.
- Guided student projects encouraging creativity and teamwork among peers.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills through problem solving activities.
- Collaborated with other teachers and administrators to create a positive learning environment.
- Coordinated small group instruction to differentiate learning according to individual student abilities.
- Attended professional development sessions related to pedagogy and teaching strategies.
- Utilized computers, tablets, and smart boards to enhance lesson delivery.
- Provided guidance and support for students with special needs, such as IEPs or 504 plans.
- Participated in data analysis meetings with colleagues to identify areas for improvement in the school's curriculum.
- Established a safe and nurturing environment fostering trust and respect among students.
- Worked with school administrators to develop classroom management policies for grade level.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Flomaton Elementary School
Flomaton, Alabama
08.2018 - 08.2021
- Supported students with special needs in daily classroom activities.
- Assisted teachers with implementing individualized education plans.
- Facilitated communication between students and staff during lessons.
- Monitored student progress and reported observations to educators.
- Helped create a positive and inclusive learning environment.
- Provided one-on-one support to students during academic tasks.
- Provided one-on-one instruction to students who needed extra help with learning tasks.
- Implemented behavior management strategies designed by special education staff.
- Offered emotional support during times of difficulty or crisis situations involving the student.
- Encouraged independent thinking, problem solving, and self-advocacy skills among students.
- Monitored behavior of students to ensure a safe, positive learning environment.
- Assisted with transitioning from one activity to another throughout the day as needed by the student.
- Supported students with personalized accommodations, extra assistance, and educational assessments.
- Collaborated with the teacher to develop personalized and successful learning strategies.
- Supported the development of social skills through modeling appropriate behavior and interactions with peers.
- Ensured student safety during transitions to restrooms, cafeteria, playground, and field trips.
- Ensured continuity of learning for special education students during teacher absence.
- Organized instructional materials for use in the classroom setting.
- Attended professional development sessions related to working with special education populations.
- Provided feedback on how well a student is progressing towards meeting their IEP goals.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers to modify educational materials to meet the individual needs of each student.
- Participated in meetings with teachers, administrators, counselors, parents and guardians, outside agencies regarding student's progress.
- Improved behavior with modification and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Prepared handouts, study materials and other teaching aids.
College Mentor
Coastal Alabama Community College
Brewton, Alabama
08.2017 - 08.2018
- Mentored students through personal and academic challenges to enhance their overall success.
- Conducted weekly one-on-one meetings with mentees to discuss academic and personal goals.
- Guided students through academic planning and course selection processes.
- Assisted mentees in developing a plan for completing course requirements and meeting deadlines.
- Created resources to help students enhance academic performance and achieve their goals.
- Developed intervention strategies to improve student outcomes.
- Assisted students in exploring career paths aligned with their strengths and aspirations.
- Encouraged mentees to set realistic goals and develop effective strategies for achieving them.
- Supported students during transition into university life and residences with guidance and direction.
- Collaborated with a student mentoring program to devise new methods to generate interest and participation.
- Connected students with campus resources, including counseling and academic advising.
- Taught note-taking techniques and test strategies.
Education
Masters of Elementary Education - Education
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ04-2026
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies/Special Education
University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL12-2021
Associate of Science - Education
Coastal Alabama Community College
Brewton, AL05-2018
High School Diploma -
W.S Neal High School
Brewton, AL05-2013
Skills
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Individualized instruction
- Student assessment
- Student evaluation
- Formative assessments
- Differentiation techniques
- Inclusive practices
- Special education support
- Behavior management
- Positive behavior management
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Project-based learning
- Collaborative learning
- Educational technology
- Instructional technology integration
- Data decision-making
- Student testing
- Elementary education
- Parent-teacher communication
- Child safety procedures
- Teamwork
- Task prioritization
- Grading assignments
- Social-emotional learning
- Empathy skills
- Relationship building
- Child safety procedures
Timeline
Lead Second Grade Teacher
Pollard McCall Junior High School
08.2021 - Current
Special Education Paraprofessional
Flomaton Elementary School
08.2018 - 08.2021
College Mentor
Coastal Alabama Community College
08.2017 - 08.2018
Masters of Elementary Education - Education
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies/Special Education
University of West Alabama
Associate of Science - Education
Coastal Alabama Community College
High School Diploma -
W.S Neal High School