Paula L. Estes
Education Director/Counselor
Saraland,AL
Summary
Innovative professional with expertise in promoting academic, career and social development programs. Possesses excellent communication, problem-solving and organizational skills. Trusted advisor goes extra mile to help individuals succeed.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
School Counselor and Education Director
James T. Strickland Youth Center
07.2018 - Current
- Developed a safe and supportive school environment by promoting positive behavior and addressing issues such as bullying and harassment.
- Regularly met with enrolled students to confirm success and identify problem areas.
- Developed and implemented individualized behavior plans to assist students with achieving academic and behavioral goals.
- Worked with individuals to help understand and overcome personal, social or behavioral problems affecting educational or vocational situations.
- Developed and implemented individualized academic plans for students.
- Advocated for students to access available resources.
- Created an inclusive learning environment by advocating for accommodations for students with special needs or disabilities.
- Enhanced faculty collaboration through regular consultation on classroom management strategies, behavioral interventions, or other support measures needed for student success.
- Assisted high school seniors complete college applications and meet requirements necessary for graduation.
- Improved graduation rates by implementing targeted interventions for at-risk students.
- Educated students on college admissions process and scholarship requirements.
- Helped students develop organizational, time management and study skills.
- Advised students on educational, career and social opportunities.
- Oversaw development and implementation of quality educational programs.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive assessment plans to track student growth, determine areas for improvement, and inform curriculum adjustments as needed.
- Developed comprehensive strategic plans focused on achieving short-and long-term goals in alignment with the school''s mission and vision.
- Planned and implemented staff development and in-service training programs to enhance knowledge and skills.
- Recruited, trained and mentored faculty and staff in best practices for instruction.
- Represented educational program at meetings and conferences to serve as subject matter liaison for array of services and activities assigned.
High School Counselor
Mobile County Public School System, Murphy High
08.1999 - 06.2017
- Recommended school-wide policy changes to better serve needs of all grade level students.
- Coordinated standardized testing efforts within the school, ensuring accurate administration while minimizing test anxiety among students.
- AP Coordinator for the School.
- Developed master schedule for 2700+ students based on student needs and course request.
- Maintained positive relationships and open communication with parents about application paperwork, testing requirements and upcoming deadlines.
- Advised students on educational, career and social opportunities.
- Worked with individuals to help understand and overcome personal, social or behavioral problems affecting educational or vocational situations.
- Analyzed student academic records to assess educational and career goals.
- Used standardized assessments to evaluate abilities, interests and characteristics of different students.
- Encouraged students to explore age-appropriate and career-related opportunities.
- Supported emotional well-being of students through individual counseling sessions addressing personal challenges and concerns.
- Developed strong rapport with parents, maintaining open lines of communication to address student needs collaboratively.
- Advocated for student needs in disciplinary matters, promoting restorative justice practices that foster accountability and personal growth.
- Cemented relationships with colleges across state, region and entire country to better serve schools' students.
- Enhanced student success by providing comprehensive guidance on academic and career goals.
- Built schedules around students' strengths and long-term goals, customizing different approaches for college preparatory and technical school pathways.
- Oversaw career and job fairs to connect students with area schools and employers.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge by attending relevant conferences, seminars, and trainings focused on best counseling practices.
- Contributed to curriculum development by providing input on courses that encourage social-emotional learning and support mental health needs.
- Assisted students in exploring and selecting career paths.
- Participated in school-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall academic performance, attendance rates, and graduation outcomes.
- Delivered high-quality services to students needing academic and emotional support.
- Educated students on college admissions process and scholarship requirements.
- Assisted with the organization of college fairs, connecting students to valuable resources for post-secondary education opportunities.
Special Education Teacher
Mobile County Public School System, Vigor High
08.1989 - 06.1999
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students'' understanding of real-world applications for their skills.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
Education
Master of Science - School Counselor
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL05.1997
Bachelor of Science - Education of Mentally And Physically Handicapped
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL05.1989
High School Diploma -
C. F. Vigor High School
Prichard, AL 05.1984
Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Course Counseling
- Administration Required Reporting
- Compassionate
- Referral Coordination
- Career guidance
- Professional referral network
- Student chaperoning
- Career advising
- Educational Problem Identification
- Individual Counseling
- INOW/STI expertise
- Student Support
- Individualized education programs
- Adolescent Counseling
- Academic advising
- Workforce Readiness
- Student Counseling
- Student Registration
- Work Experience Programs
- Counseling and therapy
- Relationship Development
- Letters of Recommendation
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Mediation and crisis intervention
- Class Schedule Preparation
- Staff Supervision
- Career Event Planning
- Computer Skills
- Supervision and leadership
Timeline
School Counselor and Education Director
James T. Strickland Youth Center
07.2018 - Current
High School Counselor
Mobile County Public School System, Murphy High
08.1999 - 06.2017
Special Education Teacher
Mobile County Public School System, Vigor High
08.1989 - 06.1999
Master of Science - School Counselor
University of South Alabama
Bachelor of Science - Education of Mentally And Physically Handicapped
University of South Alabama
High School Diploma -
C. F. Vigor High School
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