PAMELA K. NORRIS
AUSTIN
Summary
Special education professional with a strong background in managing individualized education programs and fostering inclusive learning environments. Proven ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and adapt to evolving needs. Expertise in behavioral management, curriculum development, and compliance with educational regulations. Known for reliability, focus on achieving measurable outcomes, and effective communication with students, parents, and staff.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Music Teacher/ARD Facilitator
Pflugerville Isd
Pflugerville, TX
08.2025 - Current
- Developed and implemented engaging music curriculum aligned with state standards.
- Fostered student creativity through hands-on music projects and performances.
- Assessed student progress regularly to tailor instruction for diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with faculty to integrate music education across interdisciplinary subjects.
- Organized successful concerts and recitals, showcasing students'' talents and hard work.
- Tailored instruction to meet individual student needs and cultivated inclusive learning environment.
Structured Learning Teacher
Del Valle Elementary, Del Valle ISD
Austin, Texas
07.2024 - 06.2025
- Facilitated individualized learning experiences for K-5 students with cognitive and developmental disabilities to enhance educational outcomes.
- Crafted detailed lesson plans, ensuring alignment with TEKS and district curriculum for effective teaching.
- Designed and implemented classroom management strategies and behavior intervention plans to clarify expectations and improve classroom structure.
- Prepared students for District and State assessments.
- Produced comprehensive IEPs that supported student needs. Drove successful ARD meetings that fostered collaboration among stakeholders. Streamlined documentation processes for personal care services and IEP minutes, improving overall compliance and accuracy.
- Fostered a positive learning environment to enhance student participation and collaboration.
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on best practices and classroom management techniques.
Private Music Instructor
Self-employed
Austin, TX
07.2019 - 05.2024
- Developed personalized lesson plans tailored to individual student needs.
- Provided one-on-one instruction in various musical instruments and theory.
- Facilitated regular student assessments to track progress and adjust curriculum.
- Cultivated a positive learning environment that encouraged student creativity and expression.
- Coordinated recitals and performances to showcase student achievements and build confidence.
- Established strong communication with parents regarding student progress and expectations.
Dance Teacher
KinderDance
Austin, Texas
09.2021 - 05.2023
- Facilitated dance and tumbling instruction for diverse learners, enhancing physical skills and confidence.
- Created lesson plans in line with the Kinderdance curriculum.
- Developed and executed classroom management strategies tailored for traditional learners and students with disabilities.
- Guided students in developing skills necessary for successful presentations and recitals.
- Created dynamic dance programs to enhance creativity and promote physical development among participants.
- Instructed students in various dance styles, enhancing coordination and rhythm through structured lessons.
Special Education Teacher: Team Leader
North Belt Elementary
Humble, Texas
08.2013 - 06.2018
- Designed and implemented tailored educational programs to enhance academic and social skills for elementary special education students.
- Crafted and delivered engaging lesson plans that adhered to national and state teaching standards and TEKS in a classroom environment.
- Assessed student needs and applied targeted classroom management strategies to support students with disabilities.
- Collaborated with a team of educators to enhance student learning outcomes across all content areas.
- Facilitated individualized and small group instruction for special education students to achieve IEP goals and enhance behavioral performance.
- Directed team of special education teachers in daily data collection to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Coordinated logistics and support for state testing, focusing on the needs of students with special education requirements.
- Established and led a student council to enhance student representation and engagement.
- Attended educational workshops and training programs to foster excellence in teaching standards within schools.
- Developed individualized education plans to meet diverse learning needs of students.
Elementary Music Teacher
Summerwood Elementary
Humble, Texas
08.2009 - 06.2012
- K-5th Grade Elementary Music Teacher for traditional learners and students with disabilities.
- Created lesson plans in line with the national and state teaching standards in music education and the TAKS and implemented them in a classroom setting.
- Implemented classroom management strategies for traditional learners and students with disabilities.
- Worked with a team of educators to achieve maximum student learning in all content areas and across the curriculum.
- Prepared students for presentations and performances in school and at district events and competitions.
- Created and developed a school honor chorus.
- Attended workshops and training to expand knowledge and implementation of excellent standards of teaching music in the schools.
Director of Arts Access
Imagination Stage
Bethesda, Maryland
08.2007 - 07.2009
- Development of new arts programming for children with developmental, cognitive, physical and social disabilities for children ages 1 - 21.
- Created a database for tracking student information, including but not limited to contact information, school information, medications, school IEP goals and internal notes and class conferences.
- Created a system for teacher and classroom assistant supports
- Implemented fidget boxes and other tactile tools to ensure student success in the classroom
- Created course offerings and content and assisted with planning course schedules and hiring teachers
- Worked with a team of education and artistic staff members to achieve the overall vision and mission of the company
- Served as a mentor and guided parents in course selection
- Taught classes in drama, music and dance to students ages 1 - 21
Director of Early Childhood Programs
Imagination Stage
Bethesda, Maryland
01.2000 - 2005
- Development of a new Arts Education program for children ages birth - 5 years old.
- Created a curriculum in line with national reading standards and in alignment with national standards in early childhood education.
- Created course offerings and content and planned course schedules.
- Created marketing and business plans and oversaw the implementation of marketing strategies. Including but not limited to open house workshops, story times in the community and promotional materials and events.
- Worked with a team of education and artistic staff members to achieve the overall mission and vision of the organization.
- Hiring and training of teachers.
- Ordered and maintained inventory of educational materials and supplies.
- Responsible for creating and monitoring the budget for the program.
- Served as a mentor and guided parents on course selection.
- Taught classes in drama, music and dance to students ages 1-18.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Arts Education Management
Baker College
Flint, MichiganBachelor of Music and Theatre Education - K-12 Vocal and Instrumental
Friends University
Wichita, KansasSkills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- IEP development
- Relationship building
- Data management
- Trained in CPI
- Team collaboration
- Parent communication
- Student records management
- Autism spectrum
- IEP and BIP implementation
Accomplishments
Wrote and received a $10,000 grant for a reading program designed for Special Education students. Implemented the program, resulting in 4th-grade students receiving special education services passing the state standardized test.
Timeline
Music Teacher/ARD Facilitator
Pflugerville Isd
08.2025 - Current
Structured Learning Teacher
Del Valle Elementary, Del Valle ISD
07.2024 - 06.2025
Dance Teacher
KinderDance
09.2021 - 05.2023
Private Music Instructor
Self-employed
07.2019 - 05.2024
Special Education Teacher: Team Leader
North Belt Elementary
08.2013 - 06.2018
Elementary Music Teacher
Summerwood Elementary
08.2009 - 06.2012
Director of Arts Access
Imagination Stage
08.2007 - 07.2009
Director of Early Childhood Programs
Imagination Stage
01.2000 - 2005
Master of Business Administration - Arts Education Management
Baker College
Bachelor of Music and Theatre Education - K-12 Vocal and Instrumental
Friends University