Michelle Garza
Chicago,IL
Summary
Competent Special Education Paraprofessional offering wealth of experience in small group instruction with children of diverse ages. Passionate about education with desire to work with students across levels. Understands importance of teaching solid study habits for testing success.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Classroom Assistant
Chicago Public Schools
04.2024 - Current
- Enhanced classroom management by implementing clear expectations, consistent routines, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Assisted in the implementation of behavioral intervention plans to reduce challenging behaviors and promote self-regulation skills among students.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by promoting inclusivity and collaboration among students.
- Facilitated small group instruction targeting specific skill deficits, resulting in significant gains in targeted areas.
- Promoted a growth mindset among students by celebrating effort, persistence, and progress toward goals.
- Provided one-on-one support for students requiring additional assistance in academic or social-emotional areas.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to ensure appropriate accommodations were provided for all students during classroom activities.
- Developed strong relationships with students by demonstrating empathy, understanding, and genuine care for their wellbeing.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Oversaw class of students in absence of instructor.
- Worked with students to promote learning and pro-social development.
- Responded to emergency situations to resolve immediate safety concerns or direct appropriate personnel for resolution.
- Supported faculty in implementing behavioral intervention plans to address challenging student behaviors.
- Understood and acclimated to teacher's routine to provide classroom coverage.
- Maintained classroom equipment and work area to promote safe learning environment and meet mandated requirements.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
Custodian
Chicago Public Schools
01.2020 - 04.2024
- Emptied trash cans and recycling bins to keep building clean and free of germs.
- Maintained clean and comfortable environments in commercial buildings by vacuuming, cleaning windows, and dusting.
- Kept building spaces premises clean inside and outside.
- Maintained a well-organized supply closet for easy access to necessary tools.
- Replaced and refilled paper towel and toilet paper dispensers for users convenience.
- Moved furniture for cleaning and set up for special events.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations such as spills or leaks, minimizing damage and ensuring safety.
- Collaborated with other custodial staff to complete larger projects efficiently and effectively.
- Handled spills, accidents and other cleaning emergencies to maintain cleanliness standards throughout assigned shift.
- Followed safety protocols and safe use of protective gear to prevent injury to self and others.
- Inspected facility and grounds and picked up trash or other debris impacting appearance or movement flows between spaces.
- Enhanced cleanliness and safety by regularly sanitizing high-touch surfaces.
- Upheld high standards of cleanliness in outdoor spaces through regular trash removal, sweeping, and landscaping duties.
- Ensured a healthy learning environment with thorough daily cleaning of classrooms, restrooms, and common areas.
- Ran variety of cleaning machines such as floor machines designed to strip, wax, extract, and top scrub floors and carpets.
- Checked in and stocked inventory throughout facility.
- Deep cleaned or replaced flooring, performing stripping, sealing and finishing tasks.
- Reported damages and hazardous conditions to management for further action.
- Cleaned equipment and machinery to maintain in optimum working condition.
- Assisted in inventory management to ensure adequate supplies were always available for custodial needs.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay up-to-date on best practices in facilities maintenance.
- Maintained cleanliness in high-traffic areas, contributing to positive public image of facility.
- Contributed to reduction in complaints related to facility maintenance, regularly inspecting areas for upkeep.
- Improved operational efficiency by organizing storage areas for easy access to cleaning supplies and tools.
- Fostered safer environment by promptly addressing spillages and potential slip hazards.
- Improved facility appearance with meticulous floor waxing and carpet cleaning.
- Maintained cleanliness of restrooms by washing down and properly sanitizing walls, floors and toilets.
- Emptied waste paper and other trash from premises and moved to appropriate receptacles.
- Used vacuum and shampooers to clean carpeted areas in offices, lobbies and corridors.
- Kept public pathways clear of safety hazards and spills with regular checks and attention.
Toll Collector
Chicago Skyway
03.2018 - 09.2019
- Monitored toll lane activity and generated operational reports.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient service in toll collection and transaction processing.
- Facilitated effective communication between drivers, dispatchers, and supervisors in case of emergencies or incidents at the toll plaza.
- Contributed to revenue generation with accurate cash handling and prompt depositing of collected tolls.
- Promoted safety awareness among motorists through clear signage displays and timely updates on road conditions when necessary.
- Maintained high levels of accuracy in data entry tasks, ensuring proper documentation of vehicle types and fees collected.
Accounting Coordinator
Chicago Board Options Exchange, Cboe Global Markets
01.2001 - 02.2017
- Supported the month-end closing process, efficiently processing journal entries and posting accruals.
- Provided exceptional customer service while resolving billing disputes or payment discrepancies with clients.
- Maintained accurate documentation regarding accounts payables and accounts receivables in accordance with company policies.
- Prepared weekly cash reports consisting of all payments and disseminated information to appropriate correct management staff.
- Improved cash flow management with timely invoicing and efficient collections efforts.
- Entered journal updates to balance general ledger accounts.
- Reached out to customers to ascertain reasons for past due accounts.
- Reconciled bank statements.
- Tracked funds, prepared deposits and reconciled accounts.
- Diminished outstanding debts by analyzing accounts for issues.
Education
High School Diploma -
St Francis DeSales
Chicago,IL05.1993
Skills
- Inclusion Strategies
- Positive Reinforcement
- Emotional Support
Certification
- Licensed [Job Title] - [Timeframe]
Timeline
Special Education Classroom Assistant
Chicago Public Schools
04.2024 - Current
Custodian
Chicago Public Schools
01.2020 - 04.2024
Toll Collector
Chicago Skyway
03.2018 - 09.2019
Accounting Coordinator
Chicago Board Options Exchange, Cboe Global Markets
01.2001 - 02.2017
High School Diploma -
St Francis DeSales