Melissa Jenkins
Columbia
Summary
I am a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience in special education, working with children of all ages, both with and without disabilities. I have a deep passion for this field, ignited by my personal experiences as a parent of a child with autism, it fosters a unique understanding of the needs of both parents and educators. My extensive training includes endorsements from Read to Succeed, completion of the LETRS reading program, and certifications in the SRA curriculum and TEACCH approach, all aimed at enhancing educational outcomes for students. I am committed to lifelong learning and collaboration, consistently striving to bridge academic gaps through innovative programs such as YEP and Polo Road Afternoon Explorers while maintaining a strong focus on improving student performance in standardized assessments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher/Tutor
Polo Road Elementary School
Columbia, SC
08.2006 - Current
I work with students with autism. I adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities. I am responsible for writing IEP and conducting these meetings, as well as parent conferences. I manage the daily operations in the special education classroom, by providing daily schedules to the teaching assistants and ensuring students are working on their IEP goals. As a tutor to 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students in the Afternoon Explorers Program at Polo Road Elementary School, I help students learn and understand new concepts and complete assignments. I prepare lessons, teach and provide additional support to students when needed.
Special Education Teacher/Preschool Autism
Richland School District Two/Windsor Elementary School
Columbia, SC
04.2021 - 05.2024
- Designed and implemented individualized education plans to address diverse learning needs.
- Designed and implemented behavior management techniques aimed at improving student participation.
- Facilitated collaboration among multidisciplinary teams to assess student progress and refine intervention strategies.
- Guided new staff through comprehensive mentorship on effective special education strategies and techniques.
Education
Master's - Special Education
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ12.2021
Skills
- Special education
- Autism Experience
- Communication skills
- Tutoring
- Behavior Management
- Teaching
- Special Needs
- Experience with Children
- Experience Working With Students
- Lesson planning
- Experience with children
- Crisis intervention
- Classroom Experience
- Behavioral Therapy
- Classroom management
- Special Education
- Developmental Disabilities Experience
- Classroom experience
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Experience working with students
- Classroom Management
Accomplishments
I was nominated for teacher of the year 2025-2026!
Certification
- Special Education Certification
- Teaching Certification
- South Carolina Board of Education July 2023 to June 2028
Timeline
Special Education Teacher/Preschool Autism
Richland School District Two/Windsor Elementary School
04.2021 - 05.2024
Special Education Teacher/Tutor
Polo Road Elementary School
08.2006 - Current
Master's - Special Education
Grand Canyon University