Compassionate special education teacher with over 20 years of experience, focused on increasing student engagement and achievement. Committed to creating a welcoming classroom and building strong relationships with students, staff, and parents.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Houston Independent School District, HISD
Houston, TX
08.2024 - Current
Provided direct instruction to students with IEP's in the resource classroom. Utilizing best practices to ensure their academic progress and success.
Conducted assessments of student performance and provided feedback to parents.
Collaborated with other educators and related service providers to design instructional plans.
Developed Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities.
Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs.
English High School Resource Teacher
Fort Bend ISD
Richmond, TX
08.2023 - 06.2024
Taught Applied Reading and English to multilingual high school students with IEPs.
Assigned and graded coursework, tests, and homework.
Wrote IDEA-compliant IEPs and tracked progress through data collection.
Participated in ARD meetings and staff collaborations.
Communicated with students, parents, and administrators.
Developed TEKS-aligned lesson plans for general education access.
Delivered specialized instruction using evidence-based strategies.
Adapted curriculum with technology and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
Established and enforced classroom rules for an inclusive environment.
Implemented positive behavioral interventions and supports.
ELA Teacher
Stride K-12 Learning Solutions
03.2022 - 08.2023
Taught middle and high school ELA virtually using technology to enhance learning.
Collaborated with colleagues on lesson planning and differentiated instruction.
Used state standards and core curriculum, integrating real-life experiences for students.
EC (Exceptional Children) Teacher General Curriculum
Alamance Burlington School System
Burlington, NC
09.2020 - 01.2022
Taught 6th-8th grade students with IEPs virtually using the CANVAS LMS.
Provided feedback on student progress in virtual break-out rooms.
Used diverse teaching techniques and technology to promote active learning.
Collaborated to create IEP goals based on individual needs and academic performance.
Wrote compliant IEPs in line with IDEA and special education regulations.
EC Teacher General Curriculum
Guilford County Schools
Greensboro, NC
09.2019 - 05.2020
Taught 3rd-5th grade exceptional children in person using evidence-based strategies for students with disabilities, including SLD, OHI, ASD, ED, SL, ID, and VI.
Collaborated with general education teachers, parents, and service providers to tailor instruction to students' levels.
Wrote IEPs and monitored student progress throughout the year.
Provided Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).
Special Education Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago, IL
01.2012 - 12.2019
Delivered in-person, research-based instruction and interventions.
Supported K-8 students’ academic, social, and emotional growth in a positive environment.
Developed and implemented IDEA-compliant IEPs in both separate and general education settings.
Collaborated with parents, teachers, assistants, and service providers to support students with disabilities.
Taught Common Core subjects, including ELA, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
Used diverse teaching methods, including scaffolding, cooperative learning, universal design, and peer tutoring.
Skills
Writing IEPs and case managing
Creating adaptable lesson plans
Assessing student levels
Creating a positive classroom environment
Transition planning
Literacy intervention
Inclusion strategies
Group and individual instruction
Behavior plan creation
Clear communication and problem-solving
Strong teamwork skills
Evidence-based instruction
Technology integration
Education
Master of Education, Special Ed – Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN (2010)
Master of Education, Secondary Ed – Peabody College at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (1998)
Bachelor of Science, Speech Communication – Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN (1990)
Work Preference
Work Type
Full Time
Work Location
On-SiteRemote
Important To Me
Career advancement
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Houston Independent School District, HISD
08.2024 - Current
English High School Resource Teacher
Fort Bend ISD
08.2023 - 06.2024
ELA Teacher
Stride K-12 Learning Solutions
03.2022 - 08.2023
EC (Exceptional Children) Teacher General Curriculum
High School Biology Teacher at Houston Independent School District (HISD) - Westside High SchoolHigh School Biology Teacher at Houston Independent School District (HISD) - Westside High School
Intern, Fort Bend County Youth Employment Program at Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Judge Keisha T. SmithIntern, Fort Bend County Youth Employment Program at Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Judge Keisha T. Smith