Driven Instructional Specialist offering 23 years of success in supporting teachers and students with diverse range of education needs. Offering insightful analysis of content and design to create value-added learning outcomes that are data driven and support all teachers and learners
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Instructional Specialist
Jonesboro Public Schools
07.2021 - Current
Enhanced student comprehension by designing and implementing interactive instructional materials.
Supported teachers instructional methods for increased student engagement and achievement by implementing inclusive education practices.
Developed tailored learning strategies for diverse groups of students, resulting in improved academic outcomes.
Coached teachers on effective classroom instructional strategies, fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.
Organized professional development workshops for educators, focusing on best practices in instruction and assessment.
Evaluated instructional materials for quality and relevance, recommending changes as needed to improve student achievement.
Led collaborative planning sessions with teams of teachers, promoting consistency across grade levels and subject areas.
Created resources to support differentiated instruction, enabling educators to better meet diverse learner needs.
Provided constructive feedback to teachers based on classroom observations, supporting continued professional growth.
Assisted in the analysis of school-wide assessment data, guiding instructional decisions aimed at improving performance for all learners.
Spearheaded initiatives focused on closing achievement gaps between various student populations.
Mentored new educators by providing support during the initial phases of their teaching careers, fostering a sense of collaboration and professional growth.
Special Education Director
Pocahontas School District
07.2020 - 06.2021
Increased teacher effectiveness by providing training and guidance on special education best practices and strategies.
Streamlined processes for special education services, resulting in more efficient service delivery and improved student outcomes.
Collaborated with parents, teachers, and support staff to ensure a comprehensive approach to each student''s educational experience.
Coordinated district and state monitoring to implement best practices to improve service delivery and achievements of students.
Coordinated special education services through frequent principal collaboration and consultation.
Contributed to district-level committees to support needs of students on IEPs.
Organized and allocated resources required to meet needs of students and teachers in accordance with federal and state guidelines.
Planned, administered, and controlled budgets and produced financial reports.
Checked on instructor lessons and communication in order to assess quality of education and assistance offered to students.
Conferred and resolved education-related issues and problems with students, parents and school officials.
Special Education Teacher
Jonesboro Public Schools
07.2019 - 06.2020
Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
Special Education Designee
Bryant Public Schools
07.2012 - 06.2019
Streamlined processes for special education services, resulting in more efficient service delivery and improved student outcomes.
Collaborated with parents, teachers, and support staff to ensure a comprehensive approach to each student''s educational experience.
Managed caseloads of students with disabilities, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations while maintaining quality instruction.
Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to evaluate program effectiveness and adjust strategies as needed.
Developed creative solutions to accommodate various learning styles within inclusive classrooms.
Coordinated efforts between general education teachers and specialists in order to provide seamless support for all learners.
Coordinated with outside state agencies to acquire services for special needs children.
Special Education Teacher
Bentonville Public Schools
07.2007 - 06.2012
Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
Special Education Teacher
Rogers Public Schools
07.2002 - 06.2007
Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
Special Education Teacher
Harrisburg Public Schools
07.2001 - 06.2002
Enhanced students'' communication skills by implementing group activities and collaborative projects.
Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR
08.2017
No Degree - English-as-a-Second-Language Education
John Brown University
Siloam Springs, AR
2005
Bachelor of Science - Education, Special Education
Arkansas State University
State University, AR
08.2001
Skills
Student Needs Assessment
Faculty Collaboration
Faculty Support
Staff Training
Classroom Management
Adaptive Learning
Outcome Measurement
Inclusive Teaching
Universal Design for Learning
Team Collaboration
Accomplishments
2023-2023 Universal Design for Learning Co-Hort
Arkansas Science of Reading Assessor
Bureau of Education Research Train the Trainer
Certification
[Area of expertise] License - [Timeframe]
Timeline
Special Education Instructional Specialist
Jonesboro Public Schools
07.2021 - Current
Special Education Director
Pocahontas School District
07.2020 - 06.2021
Special Education Teacher
Jonesboro Public Schools
07.2019 - 06.2020
Special Education Designee
Bryant Public Schools
07.2012 - 06.2019
Special Education Teacher
Bentonville Public Schools
07.2007 - 06.2012
Special Education Teacher
Rogers Public Schools
07.2002 - 06.2007
Special Education Teacher
Harrisburg Public Schools
07.2001 - 06.2002
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Arkansas State University
No Degree - English-as-a-Second-Language Education
John Brown University
Bachelor of Science - Education, Special Education