Hi, I’m
Patience Scott-Buford
Adjunct Professor/Elementary Teacher
Oak Lawn,IL
Summary
Dedicated Learning Behavior Specialist with teaching experience in the postsecondary setting. Skilled in designing courses, developing curricula, and utilizing modern technology to create engaging learning experiences for students. Knowledgeable about current practices in education and best methods for developing future educators.
Overview
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Perspectives Middle Academy
Learning Behavior Specialist and Case Manager
8 2017 - Current
Job overview
- Cultivate positive relationships with families of exceptional learners
- Discuss achievement, concerns, and needs with the families
- Engage in problem-solving through mediation and restorative communication
- Collaborate with staff and administration regarding student's progress and concerns
- Establish data collection measures for required teacher feedback
- Integrate the use of technology into the data and feedback collection process
- Aid administration and staff in understanding the IEP
- Provide professional development on strategies for supporting exceptional learners
- Present professional development on collaborative teaching
- Craft high caliber Individualized Educational Plans for caseload
- Prepare IEP report cards
- Devise and implement Behavioral Intervention Plans and Behavioral Data Collection
- Perform observations for academic and behavioral data collection purposes
- Maintain accurate information on the exceptional learner's academic progress
- Participate in MDR meetings to ensure safety for all invested parties
- Perform the RTI process for intervention and data collection
- Materialize a multi-tiered instructional format for the self-contained and co-taught environments
- Implement de-escalation and therapeutic strategies in various settings
- Assemble and analyze academic and behavioral data
- Deliver technological-based instruction for exceptional learners
- Utilize Summit Learning and Unique Learning Curriculum to teach content to students and assess students' cognitive progress.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education and behavioral interventions.
- Improved student behavior by implementing personalized interventions and positive reinforcement strategies.
CICS Washington Park
Learning Behavior Specialist
08.2016 - 06.2017
Job overview
- Prepared modifications and exemplars for self-contained classroom
- Provided instruction using the Engage NY curriculum
- Performed reading remediation using the Wilson Reading System
- Collaborated with staff and administration regarding students' progress and behavioral or academic concerns
- Implemented de-escalation and therapeutic strategies during the crisis
- Aided and performed CIT restraints when other methods of de-escalation failed
- Crafted high-caliber Individualized Education Plans for assigned caseload
- Deliver state-mandated testing and quarterly assessments
- Compiled and analyzed students' academic and behavioral data
- Constructed Behavior Intervention Plans and facilitated the implementation of the plans
- Overseen after-school programs for exceptional learners.
- Trained fellow educators on best practices in classroom management and behavior modification techniques, improving overall instructional quality.
- Promoted a culture of inclusion within the school community by advocating for diverse learning needs and celebrating unique abilities.
Learn Charter School Network
Learning Behavior Specialist
08.2014 - 06.2016
Job overview
- Performed reading remediation using the Wilson Reading System
- Collaborated with staff and administration regarding students' progress and behavioral or academic concerns
- Implemented de-escalation and therapeutic strategies during the crisis
- Aided and performed CIT restraints when other methods of de-escalation failed
- Crafted high-caliber Individualized Education Plans for assigned caseload
- Deliver state-mandated testing and quarterly assessments
- Compiled and analyzed students' academic and behavioral data
- Constructed Behavior Intervention Plans and facilitated the implementation of the plans
- Overseen after-school programs for exceptional learners.
- Trained fellow educators on best practices in classroom management and behavior modification techniques, improving overall instructional quality.
- Promoted a culture of inclusion within the school community by advocating for diverse learning needs and celebrating unique abilities.
Peoria Public Schools District 150
Elementary School Teacher
01.2014 - 05.2014
Job overview
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
- Established a positive classroom environment through effective classroom management strategies, fostering respect and cooperation among students.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Designed and presented lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using a variety of teaching techniques to appeal to various learning styles within assigned grade levels.
- Provided a warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Administered various reading tests and determined student reading levels based on assessment findings.
- Utilized data-driven instruction techniques to analyze student performance trends and adjust teaching methods accordingly for optimal results.
- Implemented engaging hands-on activities to reinforce fundamental concepts, resulting in increased student motivation and participation.
- Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards, and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
Education
Western Illinois UniversityQuad City, IL
Master's in Education [Special Education]
University Overview
- Research Project: The Impact of Algebra Tiles on Academic and Executive Functioning, This action research project assessed an intervention, using algebra tiles and checklists, with seventh-grade middle school students. Algebra tiles are square and rectangle-shaped tiles used to represent the portion of an algebraic equation. A checklist is a list of items an individual must complete. Five participants were identified as having specific learning disabilities; one also has another health impairment- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and one student has a mild intellectual disability, emotional disability, and visual impairment. All participants received services allocated through their Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) for math. Over eight weeks, data was collected and analyzed on the participants’ academic performance, executive functioning, and preferences. Participants showed a positive increase in their academic and executive functioning.
- Cum laude graduate
- 4.0 GPA
- Honoree of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society Honor Society in Education
Bradley UniversityPeoria, IL
Bachelor of Arts in LBS1 & Elementary Ed.
University Overview
- Professional Educator License
- Endorsements in English and Social Sciences
- Recipient, Dean's List [2010-2013]
- GPA: 3.2/4.0
Skills
Experience with participating in MTSS
Teacher Supporting Teacher Leader
Dynamic Learning Maps Certified
Experience with leading and delegating tasks to team
Student Engagement
Inclusion Strategies
Social Skills Training
IEP development
Functional Behavior Assessment
Collaborative Teamwork
Visual supports
Behavior Management
Behavioral analysis
Faculty Collaboration
Differentiated Instruction
Effective Communication
Team Collaboration
Organizational Skills
Psychological interventions
Attention to Detail
Strategic Planning
Analytical Thinking
Affiliations
- Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
- National Association of Special Education Teachers
Academicaffiliations
- Phi Kappa Phi National Honors Society
- Kappa Delta Pi International Honors Society
- Phi Lambda Theta International Honors Society
- Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society
- Who's Who 2006- Western Illinois University
Accomplishments
- Special Education Department chairperson for four years.
- Achieved 100% compliance by completing case management with accuracy and efficiency.
- Curriculum Design - Designed, developed, and implemented daily lessons for 15 students.
- Student Motivation - Developed materials for special education classroom.
- Curriculum Implementation - Taught reading, language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, art, and physical education to pupils utilizing a course of study adopted by the Board of Education.
- Student Progress Conferences - Conducted conferences with parents, administrators, testing specialists, and social workers to discuss educational plans designed to promote students' educational/social development.
- Received commendation from Perspectives Middle Academy principal for successfully working with students with behavior problems.
Timeline
Learning Behavior Specialist
CICS Washington Park
08.2016 - 06.2017
Learning Behavior Specialist
Learn Charter School Network
08.2014 - 06.2016
Elementary School Teacher
Peoria Public Schools District 150
01.2014 - 05.2014
Learning Behavior Specialist and Case Manager
Perspectives Middle Academy
8 2017 - Current
Western Illinois University
Master's in Education [Special Education]
05.2023
Bradley University
Bachelor of Arts in LBS1 & Elementary Ed.
05.2013