Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Work Availability
Certification
Timeline
Generic

PATRICIA M. FITZGERALD

Memphis,Tennessee

Summary

Dynamic Special Education Teacher with a proven track record at Lester Prep Middle School, adept at implementing tailored learning strategies and behavior management systems. Skilled in curriculum adaptation and data analysis, I foster inclusive environments that empower diverse learners, advocating for their needs while enhancing academic performance through innovative instructional methods. Innovative Skills Teacher known for productivity and efficiency in task completion. Possess specialized skills in curriculum design, student engagement techniques, and performance assessment. Excel in communication, adaptability, and empathy, enabling effective teaching and positive student outcomes

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Private Tutor

Brainiac Tutoring
Memphis, TN
03.2012 - 01.2014
  • Conducted individual tutoring sessions with students to help them improve their academic performance.
  • Utilized different methods such as audio and visual aids, lectures, demonstrations, or hands-on activities to enhance learning outcomes.
  • Created a positive learning environment that was conducive to student success.
  • Encouraged students to ask questions about topics they did not understand.
  • Demonstrated various teaching techniques to engage students in the learning process.
  • Helped students develop critical thinking skills by engaging them in interactive dialogue about challenging concepts.
  • Communicated regularly with parents and guardians regarding student progress.
  • Counseled struggling learners on how best to approach difficult subjects or tasks.

Special Education Teacher

Horn Lake Middle School
08.2014 - 05.2015
  • Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child's progress.
  • Provided instruction in academic, communication, and social skills to special education students.
  • Implemented behavior management systems that promote positive behaviors.
  • Participated in professional development activities related to teaching strategies for special education students.
  • Established positive relationships with students and their families.
  • Utilized technology resources such as online programs and assistive devices.
  • Facilitated small group instruction tailored for individual student needs.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
  • Instructed special education classes using evidence-based practices.
  • Served as an advocate for special education students within the school system.
  • Developed Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities.

Resource Interventionist

Millington Middle School
08.2015 - 10.2016
  • Developed positive relationships with students through individual meetings and check-ins.
  • Maintained detailed records of all intervention activities and results.
  • Encouraged self-advocacy among students by teaching them problem solving skills they can use independently.
  • Provided individual, small group, and classroom-based interventions for students with behavioral issues.
  • Analyzed data from assessments and observations in order to identify trends in student behavior over time.
  • Evaluated data related to student behavior in order to inform decisions about appropriate interventions.
  • Worked with educators to outline intervention plans, establish goals and develop progress benchmarks.
  • Advocated for clients' needs and rights within educational and community settings to promote inclusive practices.
  • Developed individualized behavior intervention plans based on comprehensive assessments of client needs.

Special Education Teacher

Millington Elementary School
10.2016 - 05.2017
  • Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child's progress.
  • Provided instruction in academic, communication, and social skills to special education students.
  • Implemented behavior management systems that promote positive behaviors.
  • Participated in professional development activities related to teaching strategies for special education students.
  • Established positive relationships with students and their families.
  • Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs.
  • Utilized technology resources such as online programs and assistive devices.
  • Instructed special education classes using evidence-based practices.
  • Developed Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities.

Special Education Teacher

Preschool
Millington , TN
01.2017 - 05.2018
  • Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child's progress.
  • Provided instruction in academic, communication, and social skills to special education students.
  • Implemented behavior management systems that promote positive behaviors.
  • Participated in professional development activities related to teaching strategies for special education students.
  • Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs.
  • Facilitated small group instruction tailored for individual student needs.
  • Created a safe environment conducive to learning for special education students.
  • Instructed special education classes using evidence-based practices.
  • Served as an advocate for special education students within the school system.
  • Developed Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities.

Special Education Teacher

Humes Middle School
Memphis, TN
07.2018 - 05.2021
  • Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
  • Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
  • Enhanced knowledge by attending training and adopting new technologies.
  • Utilized diverse approaches in teaching, technology, and behavior modification.
  • Developed interventions for students currently struggling or at risk of falling behind.
  • Completed observations of students in classroom and social situations.
  • Determined appropriate interventions and planned support milestones.
  • Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
  • Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
  • Helped students build skills to navigate typical academic and social situations.

Functional Skills Teacher

Lester Prep Middle School
Memphis, TN
07.2021 - Current
  • Adapted instructional materials for diverse learners including those with special needs.
  • Incorporated current events into lessons when appropriate in order to promote global awareness.
  • Encouraged critical thinking skills by using problem-solving activities with real world applications.
  • Communicated regularly with parents and guardians about their child's performance or any relevant concerns they may have had.
  • Attended professional development sessions related to teaching methods or curriculum changes.
  • Monitored classroom behavior while enforcing rules in a fair manner.
  • Provided academic instruction in basic skills such as reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies.
  • Counseled students regarding personal issues or educational topics such as time management or study habits.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies based on individual student needs.
  • Conducted individual assessments of students' abilities, interests, and needs.
  • Created an effective classroom environment that promotes respect for diversity and encourages active participation from all learners.
  • Assessed student progress through informal observations and formal evaluations.
  • Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
  • Developed interesting and interactive learning methods tailored to help students with individual needs.
  • Developed IEP to leverage developmental practices and educational theories to achieve educational objectives.
  • Enhanced lessons using Smart Board technology and computers.
  • Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
  • Maintained consistent and timely contact with parents about student behavior and upcoming events.
  • Supported diverse student populations through equitable instructional design and programming.

Education

Master of Arts - Special Education Learning Disabilities

University of Detroit
Detroit, MI
06.2006 - 12.2010

Bachelor of Arts - English, Sociology

University of Memphis
Memphis, IN
06.1997 - 12.2001

Skills

  • Tailored Learning Strategies
  • Curriculum adaptation
  • Behavior management systems
  • Classroom technology integration
  • Differentiated instruction
  • Data analysis

Affiliations

  • Golden Key International Honor Society

Accomplishments

  • Received 2020 Teacher of the Quarter at Humes Middle School

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Certification

Professional Teaching Certificate

  • Special education modified K-12
  • Elementary K-6

Timeline

Functional Skills Teacher

Lester Prep Middle School
07.2021 - Current

Special Education Teacher

Humes Middle School
07.2018 - 05.2021

Special Education Teacher

Preschool
01.2017 - 05.2018

Special Education Teacher

Millington Elementary School
10.2016 - 05.2017

Resource Interventionist

Millington Middle School
08.2015 - 10.2016

Special Education Teacher

Horn Lake Middle School
08.2014 - 05.2015

Private Tutor

Brainiac Tutoring
03.2012 - 01.2014

Master of Arts - Special Education Learning Disabilities

University of Detroit
06.2006 - 12.2010

Bachelor of Arts - English, Sociology

University of Memphis
06.1997 - 12.2001
PATRICIA M. FITZGERALD