Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Melissa Simpson

Woodbridge,VA

Summary

Passionate Elementary Teacher for 29 years. Successfully used skills as a Special Education teacher to support students in my classroom both academically and behaviorally. Proven history of creating engaged classroom environments supporting diverse educational styles. Versatile student-oriented approach consistently supporting optimum performance and advancement. Dedicated to supporting parents and helping them become partners in their child's education. Very involved in supporting the community both through the school setting and beyond.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

First Grade Teacher

Prince William County Public Schools
08.2010 - Current
  • Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
  • Retained student interest and maximized receptive learning.
  • Improved student reading comprehension by incorporating engaging phonics activities and guided reading sessions.
  • Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
  • Taught core subjects of math, science, technology, and history.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lessons that connected subjects such as math, science, and social studies.
  • Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
  • Assessed student progress regularly using formative assessments and modified instruction accordingly for optimal growth.
  • Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
  • Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
  • Developed problem-solving and critical-thinking skills by presenting challenges to boost self-esteem and performance.
  • Organized school-wide events to promote literacy awareness and foster a love of reading among students.
  • Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
  • Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies, and discipline.
  • Developed students' critical thinking skills through inquiry-based learning activities and group projects.
  • Implemented positive behavior support strategies, promoting a respectful and inclusive classroom culture.
  • Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring all students made progress towards academic goals.
  • Fostered student curiosity and interest in learning through hands-on activities and field trips.
  • Established strong relationships with parents through effective communication about their child's academic progress and social-emotional development.
  • Served as a mentor for new teachers, offering guidance on lesson planning, instructional strategies, and classroom management techniques.
  • Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
  • Stayed abreast of changes to school and district policies as well as new trends in education by attending professional development courses and in-service trainings.
  • Contributed to the development of the school improvement plan by analyzing data trends, setting goals, and implementing targeted interventions.
  • Increased parent involvement in their child's education by conducting regular parent-teacher conferences and providing resources for at-home learning support.
  • Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
  • Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
  • Stayed abreast of new trends in education by attending professional development courses and in-service trainings.
  • Pursued professional development during summer months to maintain certification and extend skills.
  • Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
  • Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.

Special Education Teacher

Prince William County Public Schools
08.1994 - 06.2009
  • Improved student reading comprehension by incorporating engaging phonics activities and guided reading sessions.
  • Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
  • Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
  • Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies, and discipline.
  • Implemented positive behavior support strategies, promoting a respectful and inclusive classroom culture.
  • Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
  • Assessed student progress regularly using formative assessments and modified instruction accordingly for optimal growth.
  • Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
  • Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring all students made progress towards academic goals.
  • Stayed abreast of changes to school and district policies as well as new trends in education by attending professional development courses and in-service trainings.
  • Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
  • Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
  • Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
  • Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
  • Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
  • Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
  • Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
  • Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
  • Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
  • Instructed students in Orton-Gillingham based reading programs.

Education

Cognitive Disabilities, Emotional Disturbance

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
05.1994

Skills

  • Safe, Positive Learning Environment
  • Phonics Instruction
  • Math Instruction
  • Team Collaboration
  • State Standards Adherence
  • Parental Communication
  • Behavior Management
  • Collaborative Teamwork
  • Activity Development
  • Community Partnerships
  • Group and individual instruction
  • Team Teaching
  • Special Needs Support
  • Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Emotional Disturbance, Pre K-3rd Teaching Certification

Additional Information


  • PTA Teacher Representative
  • Advisory Council Teacher Representative
  • Advisory Council Parent Representative (Montclair Elementary and Hylton High School)
  • Superintendent's Advisory Council Parent Representative
  • Election Officer in Prince William County: used experience to enhance lessons on social studies
  • Girl Scout Leader: organized community service projects to include baby sitting at Rockledge and Dog Safety instruction
  • Started used book drive at our school so students could take books home before each break
  • Volunteer at Chinn Library Used Book Sale: at the end of each sale brought leftover books to school book drive
  • Served on Literacy, Math, Science, and STEAM Committees
  • Served on Teacher Leadership Committees (Quality School Committee and Continuous Improvement Plan)
  • Helped develop and lead family engagement events
  • After school tutor to support extended learning
  • Mentor
  • Lead Mentor
  • Mentor teacher for student teacher
  • Mentor teacher for Teach for Tomorrow
  • Co-chair of school Library Night
  • Provided support for PTA family nights
  • Lead parent information nights for strategies for at home support for behavior and academics

Timeline

First Grade Teacher

Prince William County Public Schools
08.2010 - Current

Special Education Teacher

Prince William County Public Schools
08.1994 - 06.2009

Cognitive Disabilities, Emotional Disturbance

Virginia Commonwealth University

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Melissa Simpson