MICHELLE SILVA
Waterford,CT
Summary
Experienced with providing instructional support to students with special needs. Utilizes effective communication and collaborative skills to foster supportive learning environment. Knowledge of behavior management techniques and individualized education plans.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Teacher
Carelot Children's Center
12.2021 - Current
- Developed and implemented lesson plans to promote physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of children in the Head Start program.
- Provided guidance for children in developing appropriate problem-solving skills through classroom activities.
- Created an environment conducive to learning by providing a safe, nurturing atmosphere for students.
- Promoted language development through storytelling, singing songs, and engaging conversations with students.
- Implemented behavior management strategies that encourage positive interactions between students within the classroom setting.
- Participated in professional development opportunities related to early childhood education best practices.
- Designed play-based activities that engage children's natural curiosity while fostering their creativity.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Organized extracurricular activities that complemented the curriculum while fostering teamwork and leadership skills among students.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Griswold Board of Education
01.2015 - Current
- Provided guidance to students in the classroom setting.
- Assisted teachers with planning and preparing lessons for students.
- Created and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
- Supervised small groups of students during instruction time.
- Collaborated with special education staff to develop Individualized Education Plans.
- Helped implement behavior management strategies for individual students.
- Participated in parent and teacher conferences to discuss student progress and challenges.
- Partnered with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other related service providers to ensure comprehensive support for each individual student''s growth and progress.
- Responded proactively to emerging challenges by adapting instructional strategies as needed, ensuring continuous progress toward established goals for each student''s academic success and personal growth.
- Utilized assistive technology tools strategically in order to facilitate increased independence among students with diverse learning needs.
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- Assisted in the implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in a more focused and positive classroom environment.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education instruction and support services.
- Oversaw class of students in absence of instructor.
- Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Enhanced students'' learning experiences by implementing individualized educational plans and adapting teaching methods for special needs students.
- Promoted self-advocacy skills through targeted instruction, empowering students to communicate their needs effectively.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community resources to support job coaching.
- Conducted mock interviews to help clients prepare for interviews with potential employers.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education, Mild To Moderate
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT07-2026
Associate of Science - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Three Rivers Community College
Norwich, CT05.2024
Skills
- Mandated Reporter Training
- Autism Spectrum Knowledge
- Inclusion strategies
- Career exploration
- Community resource coordination
- Positive reinforcement
- Social skills development
- Data collection
- Progress monitoring
- Life skills instruction
- Functional behavior assessment
- Peer mentoring
- Curriculum adaptation
- Disability awareness
- Self-advocacy training
- Vocational training
Timeline
Head Teacher
Carelot Children's Center
12.2021 - Current
Special Education Paraprofessional
Griswold Board of Education
01.2015 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education, Mild To Moderate
Western Governors University
Associate of Science - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Three Rivers Community College
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