Melissa Maynard Kirk
Salt Lick,United States
Summary
Dedicated Special Education Teacher focused on building each student's strength and confidence, as well as giving students firm guidelines, regularity and dependability to foster their social and academic growth.
Professional in field of exceptional education with focus on fostering inclusive learning environment. Known for creating impactful lesson plans that address varied student needs and abilities. Reliable team player with commitment to achieving educational goals and adapting to changing classroom dynamics. Skilled in curriculum development and behavior management, valued for patience and empathy.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Exceptional Education Teacher
Rowan County Schools
12.2024 - Current
- Improved student behavior by implementing effective classroom management techniques and creating clear expectations for conduct.
- Boosted collaboration among students by implementing group projects and cooperative learning activities.
- Implemented creative instructional approaches such as project-based learning and hands-on activities to engage students with various learning styles.
- Increased parent involvement in student education through consistent communication and providing resources for at-home support.
MSD/FMD Teacher
Sheldon Clark High School
08.2014 - 06.2016
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
Primary Special Education Teacher Cross Categorical
Burch Pre K6
07.2012 - 05.2014
- Developed individual educational plans (IEP) designed to promote educational, physical and social development
- Established and communicated clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects to both students and parents
- Enhanced lessons using Smart Board technology and computers
- Promoted language development skills through reading and storytelling
- Encouraged students to be understanding of others
- Supervised field trips to local parks, fire stations and zoos
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs
- Attended the state autism training in Parkersburg WV
Special Education Teacher
Tug Valley High School
07.2011 - 06.2012
- Worked in collaboration with a one student who had severe autism
- Basically trying get her to comply to directions and stay on task for up 5 minutes
Special Education Teacher
Mc Brayer Elementary School
07.2005 - 06.2011
- Developed individual educational plans (IEP) designed to promote educational, physical and social development
- Established and communicated clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects to both students and parents
- Wrote and presented documents for Individual Education Plan conferences
- Led a resource class of 6-8 students
- Administered the WJ III, Brigance and Key Math, and the state standardized tests
- Led instruction resource services at the elementary level in reading, writing, and math
- Enhanced lessons using Smart Board technology and computers
- Administered minor first aid to injured students
- Promoted language development skills through reading and storytelling
- Encouraged students to be understanding of others
- Supervised field trips to local parks, fire stations and zoos
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning need
Special Education
Stamping Ground Elem/Southern Elementary
08.1996 - 06.2005
Education
Bachelor of Arts - LBD-K-12, Social Behavior Science, Child Development
Morehead State University
Morehead, KY01.1996
Master of Arts - Early Elementary Education, Early Childhood Development and Child Psychology, Special Education
Georgetown College
Georgetown, KY01.2005
Skills
- Skilled in creating individualized education plans
- Expertise in autism spectrum disorders
- Competent in Smartboard technology
- Mother of a child with special needs
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Collaborative teaching
- Learner engagement
- Progress monitoring
- Special education expertise
- Autism spectrum
- IEP implementation
- Social-emotional learning
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Classroom management
- Social skills development
Timeline
Exceptional Education Teacher
Rowan County Schools
12.2024 - Current
MSD/FMD Teacher
Sheldon Clark High School
08.2014 - 06.2016
Primary Special Education Teacher Cross Categorical
Burch Pre K6
07.2012 - 05.2014
Special Education Teacher
Tug Valley High School
07.2011 - 06.2012
Special Education Teacher
Mc Brayer Elementary School
07.2005 - 06.2011
Special Education
Stamping Ground Elem/Southern Elementary
08.1996 - 06.2005
Master of Arts - Early Elementary Education, Early Childhood Development and Child Psychology, Special Education
Georgetown College
Bachelor of Arts - LBD-K-12, Social Behavior Science, Child Development
Morehead State University
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