Misti L. Gaffney
Mesquite,TX
Summary
Accomplished educator with 19 years of experience, specializing in individualized education plans that drive student progress and literacy growth. Proven track record of collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and families to implement effective interventions. Committed to advancing academic success and emotional well-being in diverse student populations.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Case Manager
East Grand Preparatory
Dallas , TX
07.2025 - Current
- Coordinated individualized education plans to address unique needs of diverse students.
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to enhance support for student development.
- Monitored student progress and refined interventions to ensure effective support.
- Documented case management activities in electronic record systems.
Special Education Inclusion Teacher
Forney ISD
Forney, Texas
05.2024 - 06.2025
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans addressing diverse student needs, ensuring targeted support for each learner.
- Facilitate ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) meetings, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement effective individualized education plans
- Act as Inclusion and Resource Educator, providing personalized instruction and support to ensure equitable learning opportunities
- Provided reading instruction in a classroom, promoting literacy and academic growth for students with special education needs through personalized approaches.
- Adapted instructional materials to accommodate various learning styles and abilities, enhancing accessibility and engagement.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to support student progress.
- Maintained accurate documentation of student progress and interventions.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
Special Education Teacher
Terry Middle School/Rugel Elementary
Mesquite, Texas
07.2022 - 06.2024
- Implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with diverse learning needs, enhancing academic progress and socio-emotional growth
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to strategize and execute specialized interventions, ensuring equitable access to the curriculum and achieving educational objectives
- Spearheaded Book Lovers Club, fostering passion for reading and literacy among students through engaging activities and discussions
- Participated actively in Professional Learning Communities (PLC), contributing to collaborative planning and continuous improvement initiatives within the school
4th Grade ELAR/Social Studies Educator
Life School, Oak Cliff Elementary
07.2019 - 06.2022
- Pioneered NEHS chapter, empowering students to excel academically and engage in community service through outreach projects that enhanced their leadership skills
- Established and facilitated GEM-Club for Girls, fostering leadership skills and self-esteem while promoting academic excellence among female students
- Collaborated with stakeholders on Community Committee to implement initiatives that promoted student well-being and enhanced community engagement
4th/5th Grade ELAR and Social Studies Teacher
Julius Dorsey Elementary (DISD)
07.2013 - 06.2018
- Instructed 5th grade eading, language arts, and social studies, promoting interdisciplinary learning and academic excellence
- Enhanced student comprehension by implementing diverse teaching methods and materials tailored to individual learning styles.
- Completed Reading Academy program, enhancing literacy skills for diverse student populations.
- Developed and implemented a hands-on science curriculum, fostering curiosity and critical thinking skills among students
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Administration
Lamar University
Beaumont, Texas 08-2018
Master of Arts - Higher Education And Curriculum
Texas A & M University - Commerce
Commerce, TX08-2009
Bachelor of Science - Health & Education
Texas A & M University - Commerce
Commerce, TX 05-2006
Skills
- IEP documentation
- Individualized Support
- Targeted Intervention
- Case management
- Educational assessments
- Classroom Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Student advocacy
- Instructional design
Certification
SBEC:
EC-4 Generalist
EC-12 ESL
4-8 ELAR
EC-12 Health Education
EC-12 SPED
EC-4 Generalist
EC-12 ESL
4-8 ELAR
EC-12 Health Education
EC-12 SPED
Timeline
Special Education Case Manager
East Grand Preparatory
07.2025 - Current
Special Education Inclusion Teacher
Forney ISD
05.2024 - 06.2025
Special Education Teacher
Terry Middle School/Rugel Elementary
07.2022 - 06.2024
4th Grade ELAR/Social Studies Educator
Life School, Oak Cliff Elementary
07.2019 - 06.2022
4th/5th Grade ELAR and Social Studies Teacher
Julius Dorsey Elementary (DISD)
07.2013 - 06.2018
Master of Arts - Educational Administration
Lamar University
Master of Arts - Higher Education And Curriculum
Texas A & M University - Commerce
Bachelor of Science - Health & Education
Texas A & M University - Commerce