Nicole Smith
PHILADELPHIA,Pennsylvania
Summary
Dedicated educator with a proven track record at the School District of Philadelphia, adept in IEP compliance and classroom organization. Skilled in fostering inclusive environments and supporting students with learning disabilities. Known for implementing effective behavior management strategies and building strong relationships, enhancing student engagement and success.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Paraprofessional
School District of Philadelphia
08.2019 - Current
- 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.
- Oversaw class of students in absence of instructor.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education instruction and support services.
- Supported students with various disabilities through one-on-one tutoring sessions, improving their understanding of course materials and concepts.
- Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Established professional relationships with parents and other teachers to increase rapport and support.
Behavioral Health Specialist
Community Council Health Systems
08.2014 - 08.2019
- Established trust-based relationships with students through empathetic listening and non-judgmental communication, fostering stronger therapeutic alliances.
- Implemented cognitive-behavioral techniques to address negative thought patterns and promote healthier thinking habits among students
- Used [Software] to document students information, progress notes, and treatment plans.
- Provided crisis intervention services during emergency situations, ensuring immediate support and safety for affected individuals.
- Created progress reports, assessments and charting within required timeframes.
- Assisted students in developing healthy coping mechanisms that contributed to sustained behavioral changes and improved overall wellbeing.
Teacher
School District of Philadelphia
09.1998 - 06.2013
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
- Fostered positive learning environment that encouraged student curiosity and critical thinking.
- Designed and implemented differentiated instruction strategy to meet diverse learning needs, enhancing educational outcomes.
- Organized and led educational field trips that complemented classroom learning, broadening students' real-world understanding.
- Designed curriculum materials for special education students, facilitating inclusive learning.
- Implemented classroom management plan that reduced disruptions, creating more conducive learning environment.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Met with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral and academic issues.
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
- Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
- Completed student progress reports mid-term to notify students and parents of strengths and areas of improvement.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs.
Education
No Degree - Special Education
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA08-2001
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA05-1998
Skills
- IEP compliance
- Teacher assistance
- Learning disabilities support
- Classroom organization
Timeline
Special Education Paraprofessional
School District of Philadelphia
08.2019 - Current
Behavioral Health Specialist
Community Council Health Systems
08.2014 - 08.2019
Teacher
School District of Philadelphia
09.1998 - 06.2013
No Degree - Special Education
Temple University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Norfolk State University
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